Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Howell Excerpts
Monday 20th September 2021

(2 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lee Anderson Portrait Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con)
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1. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the additional support for veterans and military charities announced on 6 September 2021.

Paul Howell Portrait Paul Howell (Sedgefield) (Con)
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4. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the additional support for veterans and military charities announced on 6 September 2021.

Gary Sambrook Portrait Gary Sambrook (Birmingham, Northfield) (Con)
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12. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the additional support for veterans and military charities announced on 6 September 2021.

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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I am pleased to confirm that, in the form of Op Courage, we have bespoke mental health provision in the NHS, now running at £20 million this year. But this is not just about money; it is about ensuring that veterans are part of that care, and as peer support workers in Op Courage, they are.

Paul Howell Portrait Paul Howell
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Will the Minister explain specifically how these announcements will help the veterans community hub recently opened in Newton Aycliffe by the lord lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, and veteran Scott Robertson? That fantastic facility provides mental health support, occupational rehabilitation and sports therapy. Will the Minister commend all those involved with the project, but specifically veterans Scott Robertson and Tommy Lowther? While I am about it, will the Minister also thank 100-year-old RAF veteran William Cooksey, who completed a 100-mile walk—10 miles for each of 10 days —to support County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, raising over £3,000? If the Minister would like to come and visit, he would be very welcome.

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I am delighted to put on the record my thanks to veterans Scott Robertson and Tommy Lowther, and to the 100-year-old RAF veteran William Cooksey. They are clearly the best of us. If the Newton Aycliffe hub needs support, it should consider applying to the armed forces covenant trust fund. Of course I would be delighted to visit.