2010 press releases

15th Jan: Local MP Norman Baker backs Lib Dem plans to honour armed forces with duty of care for veterans

Local MP Norman Baker has today backed plans introduced by the Lib Dems to create a statutory duty of care which will guarantee access to health services and financial support for veterans in Sussex and across the UK.

The provisions are contained in a 'Veterans Welfare Bill', introduced today by the Lib Dems in Parliament. The introduction of the Bill has been prompted by concerns that because of a lack of co-ordination and information, too many veterans end up with inadequate support and access to public services once they leave the armed forces.

Under the plans, the Ministry of Defence would be obliged to ensure that veterans' needs are properly assessed and their access to support monitored appropriately. The Bill also seeks to improve the implementation of existing support programmes available for those who have served in the armed forces, and would require the Secretary of State for Defence to report to Parliament on veterans' welfare issues on an annual basis.

Lewes MP Norman Baker commented:

"Our armed forces make enormous sacrifices on our behalf, yet in far too many cases, they receive inadequate support from our government.

"I am delighted to back these proposals, which will ensure that government takes real responsibility for former servicemen and women in Sussex and across the country. It is only right that the assistance offered to our veterans after they leave the armed forces reflects the extent of the sacrifices that so many of them have made on our behalf.

"I believe that the measures proposed in this Bill would be a positive first step towards addressing the government's failures which have left some veterans isolated, vulnerable and out of pocket."

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