Oral Answers to Questions

Leo Docherty Excerpts

Thursday 27th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Dehenna Davison (Bishop Auckland) (Con)]

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

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

The Government and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs are committed to delivering the veterans strategy. By doing so, we will establish a gold standard of care and opportunity for veterans in the UK. We will address historical issues that have negatively impacted some groups of veterans and we will ensure that all veterans are celebrated for their skills, their courage and their magnificent contribution to our national life.

[Dehenna Davison [V]]

It is a real pleasure to hear from my hon. Friend at the Dispatch Box for the first time since he took his post. Will he join me in thanking all our veterans who have committed their lives to protect and defend us, and to whom we will always owe a debt of gratitude? Will he confirm that it will be the Government’s unwavering ambition to ensure that the UK becomes the best place in the world to be a veteran, whether that veteran resides in Brighton, Buckie or indeed Bishop Auckland?

[Leo Docherty]

I can absolutely confirm that that is our ambition. I look forward to publishing the updated veterans action plan later this year. May I put on record my thanks for my hon. Friend’s magnificent work in Bishop Auckland to celebrate the important role of veterans in her community?

[Christine Jardine (Edinburgh West) (LD)]

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.