Cabinet Office

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Leo Docherty

Tuesday 19th October 2021 Ministerial Corrections

[Claire Coutinho]

Recent events in Afghanistan are yet another reminder of veterans’ dedication and sacrifice, and I think the whole House will recognise the support that they need after serving their country. Will the Minister set out the steps he is taking to help veterans, particularly those who suffer from substance and alcohol misuse?

[Leo Docherty]

I agree entirely, and we must put on record our thanks to all those involved in the two decades of operational activity in Afghanistan. I thank my hon. Friend for the support she is giving to veterans in her constituency. We are putting an additional £5 million into armed forces charities, bringing that support to more than £25 million this year, and an additional £2.7 million into Operation Courage, bringing that total support to £20 million this year.

[Official Report, 23 September 2021, Vol. 701, c. 398.]

Letter of correction from the Minister for Defence People and Veterans:

An error has been identified in my response to my hon. Friend the Member for East Surrey (Claire Coutinho).

The correct response should have been:

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Claire Coutinho and Leo Docherty

Thursday 23rd September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) (Con)]

3. What recent steps the Office for Veterans’ Affairs has taken to promote the interests of veterans.

[The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Leo Docherty)]

This Government have taken practical measures to support veterans, including veterans rail cards, guaranteed interviews in the civil service for veteran applicants and national insurance holidays for those employing veterans. This year we have put in a cash boost to the armed forces charitable sector and NHS Operation Courage, showing that we are determined that this country be the best in the world in which to be a veteran.

[Claire Coutinho]

Recent events in Afghanistan are yet another reminder of veterans’ dedication and sacrifice, and I think the whole House will recognise the support that they need after serving their country. Will the Minister set out the steps he is taking to help veterans, particularly those who suffer from substance and alcohol misuse?

[Leo Docherty]

I agree entirely, and we must put on record our thanks to all those involved in the two decades of operational activity in Afghanistan. I thank my hon. Friend for the support she is giving to veterans in her constituency. We are putting an additional £5 million into armed forces charities, bringing that support to more than £25 million this year, and an additional £2.7 million into Operation Courage, bringing that total support to £20 million this year.[Official Report, 19 October 2021, Vol. 701, c. 3MC.] But this is about more than just money; it is about ensuring that veterans themselves are at the heart of that care, and in Op Courage, as peer support workers, they certainly are.