Oral Answers to Questions

Victoria Prentis Excerpts

Monday 25th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) (Con)]

1. What recent discussions he has had with military charities on improving support for veterans throughout the UK.

[Victoria Prentis (Banbury) (Con)]

13. What recent discussions he has had with military charities on improving support for veterans throughout the UK.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)]

Last year we published the first UK-wide veterans strategy, which looks at what more we can do to support veterans. We engaged with service charities for ideas on how we can enhance support for our veterans.

[Gavin Williamson]

I join my hon. Friend in expressing thanks for what they do, and I encourage volunteers across the country to do likewise through such a great initiative. We are always grateful for the many thousands of volunteers who contribute so much to supporting our veterans community, as I know he does.

[Victoria Prentis]

I am sure the Secretary of State is aware of the Royal British Legion’s excellent campaign to “Stop the Service Charge”. Can he update us on what the Government are doing on the possible removal of visa charges for Commonwealth UK armed forces personnel and their families?

[Gavin Williamson]

I was delighted to visit the Heyford and Bicester veterans group with my hon. Friend just a few weeks ago and see the amazing work that it is doing to support so many of our veterans. The issue she highlights is vital. The Ministry of Defence continues to work with service personnel and their families to support them, and we are in discussions and working closely with our Home Office colleagues on that important issue.