Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Veterans 2026-07-06

Monday 6 July 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Katie Lam raised concerns about veterans' access to mental health services and Gurkha veterans' pension issues, prompting the Secretary of State to commit to interdepartmental discussions.
  • Alex Baker inquired about the former Armed Forces Minister's criticism of Labour's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, to which the Secretary of State responded that the Government aims to introduce amendments ensuring veteran protections.
  • Mark Francois questioned the new Prime Minister's stance on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the need for its complete removal, with the Secretary of State emphasizing the Government's commitment to bringing new primary legislation that respects veterans' interests.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Katie Lam Con
NHS Veterans
Context

The MP is concerned about veterans' access to mental health services, particularly those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Question

Twiggy Roberts, a veteran himself and runs HX Motors in my constituency, trains other veterans. He says that he hears from many veterans of his generation about their frustrations trying to gain access to the mental health services they need and deserve. What conversations is the Secretary of State having with Cabinet colleagues, particularly those in the Department of Health and Social Care, to ensure veterans can get this support?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

I am grateful for raising this issue. We will have conversations with colleagues across Government to ensure that services are in place to provide support for those who need it. There is an important role for the NHS, and we work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on mental health service access and conversations with Cabinet colleagues were not provided

How: We Are Working To Ensure Services, Role For The Nhs

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Q2 Katie Lam Con
Veterans
Context

The MP met Gurkha veterans who highlighted long-standing issues such as pension problems, underscoring the urgent need for resolution.

Question

Talking to some of the Gurkha veterans at the Nepal cup event in Aldershot, I heard about their experiences and frustrations with unresolved issues like pensions. Will the Secretary of State explain how he will build on this work so that Gurkha veterans receive the support they deserve?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

I am grateful for your work to champion our Gurkhas and I hope you understand we are working through an engagement plan with stakeholders, including G10. The Minister for Veterans and People is providing assurances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on the engagement plan and specific support measures were not provided

How: Working Through Details, Providing Assurances

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Q3 Alex Baker Lab
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP welcomed the new Minister for Veterans and People, highlighting his independent mind and commitment to speaking truthfully. He then asked about the Labour Government's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Question

I welcome the incoming Minister for Veterans and People, known for independence of thought and fearlessly speaking truth to power. What does the Secretary of State think was meant by the former Armed Forces Minister describing the Labour's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill as 'unfit for purpose'?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

This Government are committed to the troubles Bill but determined to ensure that everyone involved, including families and veterans, is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. We will introduce substantial amendments for veteran protections.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific meaning behind 'unfit for purpose' was not clarified

How: Committed To The Bill, Introducing Amendments

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Q4 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP questioned the Labour Government's Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which has been criticized for its impact on veterans. He asked about the likely new Prime Minister's stance.

Question

We have waited for amendments almost as long as we've waited for the DIP. Where is Andy Burnham on this issue? Will our new Prime Minister do right by former soldiers from his region, scrap the Bill which helps Sinn Féin pursue our veterans via lawfare and get rid of it altogether?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

I genuinely want to find a way forward that attracts cross-party support but remind some Conservative Members that the previous Government's Act left veterans with no certainty and protection. This Government will bring new primary legislation legally compliant and recognising our veterans' interests.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on scrapping the Bill were not provided

How: Way Forward, Legally Compliant

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Q5 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
NHS Mental Health Veterans
Context

The MP raised concerns about mental health support for veterans, especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Question

Twiggy Roberts, a veteran running HX Motors in my constituency, says he hears a lot from his generation of veterans about their frustrations trying to access the mental health services they need. What conversations is the Secretary of State having with Cabinet colleagues to ensure these veterans receive support?

Answer from Dan Jarvis

I am grateful for this important issue. We will have conversations with colleagues across Government to ensure that services are in place to provide support. There is an important role for the NHS, which we work closely with.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on mental health access and discussions were not provided

How: Having Conversations, Role For The Nhs

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