Oral Answers to Questions

Jodie Gosling Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

We have recently launched Project Shackleton, which is looking at some of the very questions that the hon. Gentleman raises. It is a very important capability, and we will look at the options to ensure we are mitigating the risks that we know we all face.

[Jodie Gosling (Nuneaton) (Lab)]

12. What progress he has made on allocating Valour funding.

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)]

Through Valour, we are improving access to and co-ordinating essential care and support for veterans. We have the new Valour centre in Telford, and in March we announced more than £13 million of Government funding to veteran support centres. Some 21 Valour-recognised centres are open, supporting veterans across the country, including in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bids for the second round of funding are under consideration, and I will announce the successful organisations soon.

[Jodie Gosling]

I am once again championing the brilliant Valour bid from Veterans Contact Point in my constituency. We have the backing of 10 cross-party MPs in the region, which highlights the strength of feeling and our dedication to our armed forces. More than 2,500 veterans are set to benefit from locally delivered community support, and I am proud to mention that VCP is rolling out its female veterans transformation programme alongside that. Will the Minister please update us on how quickly we can start work to transform the lives of our veterans in Nuneaton and across the wider region?

[Mr Bailey]

My hon. Friend has been a great champion for veterans and is very powerful in her support of the bid in Nuneaton. Through Valour, we are improving access to and co-ordinating the essential care and support available to veterans. The new Valour centre in Telford—the hub—is a collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council and others, and this is just one example of our co-ordinated approach. Bids for the second round of funding are under consideration, and I will announce the successful organisations soon.