Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to raise awareness of the HM Veterans Card to veterans living in Northern Ireland.

The new digital application and verification service for all pre-2018 service leavers went live at 00:01 on Sunday 28 January 2024. Alongside the launch, a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the HM Armed Forces Veteran recognition card's availability has been conducted covering social media, GOV.UK, Defence HQ and MOD-specific sites, Ministerial statements and the Sunday Express.

For veterans in Northern Ireland, an additional service will also soon be implemented whereby cards can be delivered to one of a number of MOD locations for those who do not wish to receive delivery at their home address. The Northern Ireland Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) continue to provide support to veterans and promote the card's delivery options via their links with local charities, support service and ex-Service organisations.