Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces veterans reside in Hamilton and Clyde Valley constituency; and what support his Department provides for veterans’ mental health in Scotland.

The 2022 census reported in Hamilton and Clyde, that there were 2,551 people who had previously served in the UK armed forces. Health is devolved across the UK, and as such systems differ in the Devolved Governments, with Scotland having their own mental health support provision for veterans.

In November 2025, the Government published its 10-year Veterans Strategy, setting a new vision that recognises veterans as one of the UK's great strategic assets. Applying across the UK and spanning government, business and wider society, the strategy aims to ensure every veteran is celebrated for their service, empowered to fulfil their potential, and supported where needed, while recognising that most are better off for having served.

This Government has launched VALOUR, a new system designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK, including in Scotland, to access the care and support, including the provision of mental health support. VALOUR Recognised Centres will provide access to a range of services, while a network of Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers and local authorities to improve coordination and collaboration. A central VALOUR HQ within the MOD will use data and insight to help ensure services are responsive to veterans' needs and local priorities.