Remembering to support veterans’ needs - Ian Murray
Every November we remember those who have served in the Armed Forces and given their lives for our country and thank those who serve today.
Remembrance happens in so many small ways across the country, whether at church services, the laying of wreaths at memorials or the two minutes of silence in schools and workplaces. These moments give us the opportunity to reflect on the values of service and sacrifice demonstrated by those who came before us, and which continue to be demonstrated every day by those who serve today.
One of the most special aspects of being a Member of Parliament is having the opportunity to meet with many local veterans and their families. It is an enormous privilege and is never lost on me. I felt it especially when I planted a memorial tribute in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance in Parliament last week, on behalf of residents of Edinburgh South.
‘Remembering’ is a noun, an activity. It is not passive; it is an action. So, as well as reciting the familiar words every November, which, let me be clear, are important, it is also vital that we step up our support for our Armed Forces today, and for veterans and their families.
That is why this Labour government has launched VALOUR, a national programme to connect veterans to different support services in their local area. When you leave the Armed Forces, finding the right support should not feel like a battle. VALOUR allows veterans and their families to access coordinated, joined-up support in areas such as housing, employment and mental health. It aims to ensure that no veteran is left behind or forgotten when they leave active service.
We are also taking action to protect veterans’ rail discounts in law. For the first time, veterans’ rail discounts will be enshrined in legislation, giving veterans, service personnel and their families lasting reassurance that discounts will continue to be offered for generations to come.
Remembrance also means giving the Armed Forces serving today the resources and funding they need to be able to keep us safe and secure. That is even more important as the world becomes increasingly dangerous and fractious, with threats from hostile powers and non-state actors on the rise.
It is for this reason that we have provided the biggest sustained increased in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, given servicemen and women the largest pay rise in over 20 years, and brought 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, with a new £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy to upgrade military housing.
It is also important that our Armed Forces are properly equipped. We are fully funding the Defence Investment Plan, backed by £289bn of investment over four years, to ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge systems and equipment they need. The Plan will also support thousands of jobs and defence industries across Scotland.
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, let us also not forget that remembrance is an active commitment to our veterans and Armed Forces personnel today, both in November and the year round built on the defence commitment to today's service personnel with over £2.5bn government investment on defence in Scotland alone.