Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support veterans in (a) the UK and (b) Ashfield constituency.

This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country, no matter which community they are based in. I am working across Government and with civil society to ensure veterans, including those in Ashfield, get access to the health, housing, employment and other support they need.

In England Op RESTORE provides specialist care to veterans who have physical health problems, and Op COURAGE, a mental health specialist service helps veterans and their families. Over 1000 veterans have used Op RESTORE to date.

Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway to connect veterans with help and support. This system provides housing guidance and assistance to veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Veterans can also access a range of tailored employment support, including the Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of provision for those leaving military Service in search of new job opportunities, and via Op ASCEND, the employment pathway for veterans.