Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Dyke Excerpts
Monday 6th January 2025

(1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Al Carns Portrait Al Carns
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As we move forward, we will be involved in the SDR and looking at supporting veterans into transition and employment in due course. A large proportion of veterans who leave services go into employment. We want to continue that and increase the percentage over time.

Sarah Dyke Portrait Sarah Dyke (Glastonbury and Somerton) (LD)
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Service Dogs UK is a charity dedicated to supporting armed forces and emergency services veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Since opening its south-west hub in Somerton in 2020, it has matched rescue dogs with veterans across Somerset and the wider south-west, giving veterans an opportunity to manage their PTSD and move on with their lives. Will the Minister join me in congratulating the charity, and will the Government support such charities to expand their crucial work?

Al Carns Portrait Al Carns
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The charity has my full congratulations on the work it is doing. Having pets such as a dog provides psychological comfort and friends, especially for people healing from some of the psychological impacts of service or indeed combat, and I fully support it. If the hon. Member would like to discuss at a later date how we could push that forward, she should please reach out to me.