As a veteran, and a member of the veteran community in Wrexham, I know that more can be done to help those that have served our country. I am pleased that this Government wants to make the United Kingdom the best place in the world to be a veteran and is already doing much to make improvements, such as delivering on our manifesto commitments to introduce a Veterans Railcard and to tackle vexatious claims through the Overseas Operations Bill. The Armed Forces Bill is going through the House at the moment and it goes a long way to supporting our service personnel and veterans by enshrining in law the necessity for local authorities to pay “due regard” to a Veteran and their individual needs in matters of health, housing and education. Recently, in the spring budget, the Chancellor announced a further £10 million to support veterans’ mental health. I am also pleased by the efforts to ensure Wales has its own Veterans Commissioner.
As a member of the Defence Select Committee, and the only sitting female MP with a regular military background, I am leading an inquiry into the female military and veteran experience. I have also heard first-hand from many serving females and veterans about their positive and negative experiences in the military. This inquiry has given many women a voice, and I will be continuing this process of listening to and working with affected individuals and groups to ensure the female military experience only improves further.
