Oral Answers to Questions

Simon Jupp Excerpts

Monday 21st September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to provide an effective welfare service for veterans.

[Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to provide an effective welfare service for veterans.

[Alan Mak (Havant) (Con)]

What steps his Department is taking to provide an effective welfare service for veterans.

--- Later in debate ---

[Johnny Mercer]

When LIBOR funding came to an end two years ago, it was replaced by something called the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. It is administered in a professional way, and all charities and such grassroots organisations can now bid into it for grants. I am happy to write to my hon. Friend with details of how we can pass that on to support the great work that those in Crawley do at their breakfast clubs.

[Simon Jupp]

I would like to thank the Minister for his response. I am sure he will join me in welcoming the Royal Marines family centre at Lympstone, due to open in October, which will support serving Royal Marines, veterans and their families. The Commando Training Centre is a source of enormous pride for East Devon and the many former Marines who live nearby. Could the Minister outline what further support the Government have provided during the pandemic, particularly for those experiencing exacerbated challenges due to lockdown measures, such as mental ill health and alcohol addiction?