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Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner
15 October 2024
Lead MP
Robin Swann
South Antrim
UUP
Responding Minister
Fleur Anderson
Tags
NHSDefenceEmploymentNorthern Ireland
Word Count: 4113
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Robin Swann raised concerns about northern ireland veterans commissioner in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Swann recommended establishing full independence for the office from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), increasing the time allocation for the commissioner to a full-time role, reinstating the Veterans Support Office as an independent body, and improving reporting and communication with direct access to relevant Ministers and Departments.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Robin Swann expressed concern over the Northern Ireland Veterans' Commissioner's resignation, highlighting issues such as lack of operational independence, inadequate support for veterans due to a limited database and absence of door-to-door leafleting campaigns, challenges in accessing healthcare, and the closure of the Veterans Support Office. He emphasized that the commissioner faced restrictions on staffing decisions, reporting directly to NIO rather than having control over staff performance evaluations.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Alex Easton supports empowering the Veterans Commissioner to enhance their authority and effectiveness in protecting and promoting the interests of veterans.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Gavin Robinson acknowledges Danny Kinahan's work and criticizes the Northern Ireland Office for hampering the commissioner's role, underscoring the lack of resources that constrained engagement with veterans. Recognized Danny Kinahan's commitment in displaying his efforts as Northern Ireland's first Veterans' Commissioner. The MP appreciated the Minister's presence and highlighted the importance of commitments in NDNA, which were a result of work done by the Defence Select Committee and through private Members' Bills to ensure Northern Ireland veterans had a strong voice. He pointed out that recent years have been challenging for veterans due to the closure of the VSO and a sense of unequal treatment compared to their counterparts across the UK.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Gregory Campbell highlights the urgent need for a Veterans Commissioner due to recent press coverage on issues like Captain Robert Nairac, as well as ongoing problems faced by veterans.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Jim Allister argues that there is no statutory basis for the Veterans Commissioner, suggesting it is crucial to secure this provision on a statutory footing similar to other parts of the United Kingdom. Emphasized the need for the post of Veterans' Commissioner to be put into statutory basis with proper resources and structure, noting the full-time status with seven staff members for the Victims' Commissioner role compared to two part-time staff for the Veterans' Commissioner. The MP asked if the Minister would give way, seeking an opportunity for further dialogue.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commemorating Danny Kinahan, Jim Shannon emphasizes the need for a replacement commissioner who is also a veteran to understand the experiences and needs of veterans.
Government Response
Fleur Anderson
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd. This debate is extremely timely and can serve as a long job advertisement for the position of Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, which will be advertised this week. I join the Secretary of State in expressing gratitude for Danny Kinahan's dedicated work over the last four years on behalf of veterans in Northern Ireland. The commissioner's role was to act as an independent point of contact to support and enhance outcomes for veterans in Northern Ireland. Over the past four years, the commissioner has conducted direct veteran engagements and established a mental health committee involving key providers for veterans' mental health services. The Government have moved quickly to appoint a new Veterans Commissioner on merit following an open and transparent process, which includes public advertising and independent assessment. I encourage all suitably experienced individuals to apply for this important role. The Government are committed to continuing support through the Veterans Welfare Service, including initiatives such as Operation FORTITUDE for housing advice and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. In conclusion, I thank the hon. Member for securing this debate and reiterate that this Government recognise the dedicated service of all veterans and are committed to supporting the veteran community across the whole of the United Kingdom.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.