Royal British Legion Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 1st April 2025

(3 days ago)

Westminster Hall
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts

Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.

Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Alex Easton Portrait Alex Easton (North Down) (Ind)
- Hansard - -

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Jeremy. We gather today to recognise an organisation that exemplifies the values of service, sacrifice and solidarity—principles that are timeless yet often overlooked in our fast-paced world. The Royal British Legion stands as a testimony to those principles, and I wholeheartedly endorse its mission and work.

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women of our British armed forces, who courageously step towards danger while others step away. Providing them with essential assistance is not merely our duty: it should be our priority. The transition to civilian life poses significant challenges that affect their physical health, mental wellbeing and career prospects. The Royal British Legion offers critical support to address these challenges, honouring the dignity and respect that our British heroes rightfully deserve.

Sadly, too many families face the void left by the ultimate sacrifice, and many support loved ones dealing with lifelong physical and mental health traumas. It is our solemn duty to remember, and the Royal British Legion ensures that that duty is fulfilled. From poppy appeals to war memorials and remembrance events, it safeguards our promise that these sacrifices will not be forgotten.

Yet there is more we can do. It is imperative that we strengthen the armed forces covenant, to ensure that all devolved Governments of the United Kingdom are united in support. Public bodies must maintain comprehensive records of those who have served, and their families, to adequately address their needs. Military compensation should rightly be exempt from means-testing for welfare benefits. We need a UK-wide protocol to ensure that veterans have proper access to public services, and that their children receive appropriate special needs and disability support. Additionally, all obstacles to non-UK service personnel staying in the UK should be removed, including by waiving fees for indefinite leave to remain and minimum income requirements. These things should be entitlements, not merely goals. We stand with the Royal British Legion in striving for this.

It is with a bit of sadness that I say that the Royal British Legion hall in Bangor, which is now a city, is set to close due to financial pressures. Will the Government look into how they could help Royal British Legion halls in future?