Oral Answers to Questions

Gerald Jones Excerpts

Thursday 2nd February 2023 Commons Chamber

[Alex Burghart]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, section 35 of the Scotland Act is part of our constitution. He will also know that it is now for the Scottish Government to bring forward a Bill that addresses the adverse effects set out in the statement of reasons. Once again, the nationalists do not wish to take responsibility.

[Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support veterans and their families with the cost of living crisis.

[The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs (Johnny Mercer)]

Tackling inflation is this Government’s No. 1 priority. We have a plan that will help to more than halve inflation this year and lay the foundations for long-term growth to improve living standards for everyone, including veterans.

[Gerald Jones]

Many in the armed forces community are being forced to turn to charities such as the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes for cost of living support. The Royal British Legion has awarded £1.9 million- worth of grants in the three months to January alone. Rather than leaving charities to plug the gap, will the Minister outline how he will ensure that veterans and their families right across the UK are not forced into hardship by increased living costs?

[Johnny Mercer]

There is no question of forcing people to go to charities to bail the Government out. Veterans have access to a range of support sources to help with the cost of living: the energy price guarantee, the cost of living payments, the relevant council tax rebates and veteran welfare services. I pay tribute to the RBL for all the work that it has done.