Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the responsibilities are of the (a) Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families and (b) Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families is responsible for all policy matters relating to Ministry of Defence (MOD) civilian and service personnel including reserves, cadets, and armed forces families. This includes (but is not limited to) recruitment and retention, accommodation, remuneration, health and wellbeing, education and training, service complaints and the Service Justice System, diversity and inclusion, transition and the Armed Forces Covenant. The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families is also responsible for MOD provided veteran services including Veterans UK and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees (VAPCs), and the Veterans Welfare Service.

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs attends Cabinet and has responsibility for coordinating cross-Government support for our veterans, through the Office for Veterans' Affairs in the Cabinet Office. This includes (but is not limited to) developing and assuring delivery of the Veterans Strategy and Action plan; commissioning research and improving evidence and data on the veteran community; developing and supporting policy and delivery by other Government Departments; and communications of support for veterans and their positive contribution to society.