Supporting Our Armed Forces and Veterans

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.

Here in Wrexham, I have visited the Veterans’ Wing at HMP Berwyn to better understand what life is like for veterans who unfortunately fall into cycles of offending. I have been working with the Minister for Prisons and the Royal British Legion to secure additional funding for charities that support the Veterans’ Wing at HMP Berwyn, as well as veterans that have recently been released from prison.

As a member of the Defence Select Committee I am leading an inquiry into the female military and veteran experience. I’ve heard first-hand from many serving females and veterans about their positive and negative experiences in the military, giving many women a voice. Once the inquiry is over, I’ll keep working to ensure women’s experience of the military improves.

News

Defending Global Britain in a Competitive Age

On 16 March 2021, the Government published the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. In response, the Defence Select Committee have launched an inquiry that will explore the document and whether it provides a clear and strategic direct for the UK's Armed Forces.

Tributes to HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Yesterday, following the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on Friday 9th April, Members of Parliament from across the House were given the opportunity to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund

I am pleased to share an exciting opportunity for local charities or initiatives that support the Armed Forces community to secure grant funding. Charities, local authorities, armed forces units or other statutory bodies can all apply!

The Integrated Review

Today, the UK Government released its findings from the Integrated Review, the most comprehensive review of the UK’s defence, security, development, and foreign policy since the Cold War.

Defence Select Committee: Women in The Armed Forces

Today, the Defence Select Committee held the first evidence session on the Sub-Committee inquiry 'Women in the Armed Forces: From Recruitment to Civilian Life', of which I am the Chair. 

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Questions

Today, at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Questions I asked the Minister of State for North Africa and the Middle East about the recent International Criminal Court ruling on investigating alleged war crimes in Palestine.

Integrated Review Debate - My Contribution

Yesterday, I spoke in the debate on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. I was glad to be able to speak in the debate, and to raise the plethora of opportunities for defence, security and foreign policy going forward.

Armed Forces Bill - My Contribution

Yesterday, the Armed Forces Bill came before Parliament for its second reading. As a veteran and supporter of the Armed Forces, I was pleased to be able to speak in this debate in support of the Bill. 

You can read my contribution here: