Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Thursday 23rd September 2021

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I agree entirely with my hon. Friend, and I am grateful to him for the work that he has done in this area. I think the notion of self-build will appeal to a great many veterans, and I hope that we can continue to work together to ensure that this is a central part of the veteran strategy later this year.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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I think the Veterans Minister for all that he does for our veterans. It is much appreciated. What steps have been taken to ensure that mental health support is available for veterans who have been further isolated during covid-19, who have suffered in silence, and who need available intervention and not just waiting lists?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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We have tried to innovate during the covid pandemic by engaging online, but the bottom line is that, given the uptick, we are having to re-energise our engagement with veterans. That is why we are putting in this cash boost so that more people at the coalface can do this kind of supportive work.