Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Holmes Excerpts

Monday 8th January 2024 Commons Chamber

[Robin Millar (Aberconwy) (Con)]

8. What steps his Department is taking to support veterans.

[Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) (Con)]

20. What steps his Department is taking to support veterans.

[Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (Con)]

23. What steps his Department is taking to support veterans.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Murrison]

First, let me congratulate my hon. Friend on his work on the Bill, which should properly be called the Millar Bill. I recently met VAPC chairs to discuss next steps, and we will ensure that the MOD engages with representatives from VAPCs in a series of working groups to set the direction for secondary legislation that will clarify their future role.

[Paul Holmes]

Can the Minister give some more detail on how the Department intends to take forward the recommendation from the Veteran Welfare Service review, and can he outline any timescales to which he intends to work on that review?

[Dr Murrison]

Our response to the independent review of welfare services for veterans accepts the principle and intended outcome of all the recommendations, and we will shortly publish our response to the recommendations of the armed forces compensation scheme quinquennial review. The reviews will inform a programme of improvements in the way we deliver the compensation scheme and how we provide welfare support to ensure a consistently high level of service. The responses will set out our commitment and high-level plans, in particular how we will make our services less adversarial and more user-friendly.