House of Commons · Westminster Hall
06 September 2023 · 3 other contributors · 4,359 words
Opened by Esther McVey Con Tatton
Responding minister: Andrew Murrison
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Esther McVey raised concerns about veterans: handforth in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Minister is asked to provide greater structured support for veterans before discharge and issue them with a booklet containing local contacts and assistance options upon leaving the forces. Additionally, research into PTSD and traumatic brain injury treatment should be prioritised to ensure proper care and reintegration.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
My constituents feel forgotten about and that the transition from military to civilian life is abrupt and poorly supported. They experienced a lack of structured support, clear signposting, and ongoing checks after discharge. The process was more regimented when entering the armed forces than when leaving. Veterans felt abandoned and struggled with loneliness and depression due to a lack of guidance.
Raises concern about inadequate time given to move from MOD accommodation to civilian housing after service completion, suggests secure housing review as a priority under the armed forces covenant.
As a former serviceman and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on veterans, expresses empathy with veteran concerns post-service, suggesting more MOD support in form of single point of contact for those who have left forces. Urges MOD to reach out more. The Minister will recall that we met earlier this year in the all-party parliamentary group on veterans and discussed the much-needed reform of Veterans UK. He asked if an update can be provided to the House on where we are with the review of Veterans UK and any subsequent work.
Commends the debate's champion, highlights the work of veterans charities like Royal British Legion and SSAFA, raising £5,500 from a coffee morning. Emphasises that while charities help, Government responsibility towards veterans cannot be absolved.
Government Response
Andrew MurrisonI start by declaring my interest as a veteran and an active reservist. I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Esther McVey) on securing the debate and presenting it with passion for veterans' affairs. The minister highlights significant improvements in veteran provisions, including the Veterans' Gateway offering support across various areas like finances, housing, health, and mental wellbeing. However, delays in assistance to veterans remain a concern, affecting approximately 1.85 million veterans and their families. Some 450,000 veterans receive an armed forces pension, and last year the veterans' welfare service handled calls from almost 40,000 people. The minister acknowledges challenges with outdated systems at Norcross near Blackpool and supports efforts to digitally transform veterans' services by investing £40 million to phase out paper records. Regarding medical checks for traumatic brain injuries (TBI), the minister notes that moderate to severe TBI should be detected promptly, while mild TBI is not visible on routine imaging but is under review for potential biomarker detection. The Armed Forces Act 2021 introduced a statutory duty to promote better outcomes for veterans in accessing key public services like housing and healthcare. The holistic transition policy supports service leavers with tailored interventions, achieving an employment rate of 87% within six months of leaving military service. Charities play a crucial role in supporting veterans alongside state efforts. The minister mentions ongoing reviews to improve veterans' welfare services and the armed forces compensation scheme, aiming to create a better environment for veterans in the UK.