Draft Armed Forces Act 2006 (Continuation) Order 2023

Chris Stephens Excerpts

Wednesday 21st June 2023 General Committees

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

The Scottish National party also supports our armed forces and will support the draft order. I do not intend to detain the Committee for long, but I should put on record my position as patron of the Friends of Nitshill War Memorial committee. I am proud that we recognise those who have fallen and made the ultimate sacrifice. I also pay tribute to the military veteran charities in Glasgow South West—namely Glasgow’s Helping Heroes and Community Veterans Support. I am sure that the Minister will agree that such charities play a vital role in helping those who have served to come back and adjust to civilian life.

I have just two issues to raise with the Minister. First, there are the questions on pay and conditions that my Labour colleague, the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport, asked. Also, what is the Minister doing to ensure the welfare of those who are serving in our armed forces? They have experiences that those of us who have not served just cannot contemplate. Will he say a bit more about his role in ensuring the welfare of those who have served and helping them to adjust to civilian life?