Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of consulting (a) veterans (i) generally and (ii) on their lived experiences and (b) veterans’ organisations in Northern Ireland in the (A) design and (B) delivery of the VALOUR (1) policy framework and (2) programme.

The Government understands the importance of consulting widely with veterans and veteran organisations to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs and experiences are understood. Officials are working with key statutory and voluntary sector stakeholders in Northern Ireland and across the United Kingdom to develop VALOUR. We have launched a VALOUR guidance page on GOV.UK website where individuals and organisations can register for updates and veterans can sign up to take part in research and focus groups.