Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what response he has made to the recommendation in the Veterans Transition Review, published on 11 February 2014, that security-vetted armed forces champions should be appointed in Northern Ireland.

The Department welcomed Lord Ashcroft's report on the review of the Armed Forces transition process. The report made 43 distinct recommendations; many are now in place either in full or in part. In response to his specific recommendations on an Armed Forces Champion in Northern Ireland, the Northern Irish Government announced last year that from April 2015, Local Authorities will nominate both a non-elected official and a councillor to membership of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in Northern Ireland. The latter will also act as a local Veterans Champion.

In addition, the relationship between the Northern Ireland Aftercare Service and the Veterans Welfare Service has been strengthened and close working links developed with The Royal British Legion, Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, Combat Stress and key charities in Northern Ireland.