Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support veterans.

This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. I am working across Government and with civil society to ensure veterans get access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need.

Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. This system provides housing guidance and assistance to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Veterans can also access a range of tailored employment support, including the Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of provision for those leaving military Service in search of new job opportunities, and via Op ASCEND, the employment pathway for veterans.

For veterans resident in Northern Ireland, the Veterans’ Welfare Service Northern Ireland is a specialist statutory welfare service for veterans and their families. The service provides information and practical support, including physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. The service works closely with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, which is part of the Ministry of Defence and recently enhanced its presence in Northern Ireland, along with the independent Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner and the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland.