Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tobias Ellwood and Luke Graham

Monday 20th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Luke Graham (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Con)]

11. What progress the Government have made on implementing the veterans strategy.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Tobias Ellwood)]

The Government already do much to support our brave veterans and their families, but for the first time we are mapping out a 10-year strategy to give greater clarity on how we want that support to develop.

[Mr Ellwood]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He almost suggested—I am sure that he did not mean to—that the original members of the committee were still serving, but it has advanced and reformed, and I work with it very closely. It is important that when someone leaves the armed forces, they are supported by our country, which is indebted to them for their service. It is important that we use that committee and others to provide veterans with the support they expect.

[Luke Graham]

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House the level of spending on veterans in all parts of the United Kingdom?

[Mr Ellwood]

It is difficult to put an exact figure on it, but we estimate that the MOD spends around £7 billion on our veterans. It is so important that we provide that support wherever it is needed across the country, whether through pensions, mental health support or simply comradeship, to recognise their service and thank them for it.