Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to support offenders that are veterans of the armed forces (a) before and (b) after release from prison; and if he will make a statement.

HM Prison and Probation Service, or their contractors, provide a range of services to meet the needs of veterans in custody and in the community. The Military Covenant is actively supported by all organisations working within HMPPS.

All offenders newly received into custody are screened at reception, those who declare their military past can access support from military charities who deliver services in the majority of prisons and work with Community Rehabilitation Companies. Staff will also encourage offenders to declare previous military service at any point during their sentence.

Former service personnel benefit from the Veterans in Custody Scheme which aims to raise awareness of the help and support available to them and to their families whilst they serve their sentences and prepare for release.

The Ministry of Justice will continue to promote existing partnerships and look to develop new alliances with military charities and organisations who have the skills to work with former members of the Armed Forces in custody and upon release.