Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has today warmly welcomed the creation of a new Office for Veterans’ Affairs, as announced by the Prime Minister, appointing Oliver Dowden as Minister representing veterans in Cabinet.
Oliver Dowden will work closely with the Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Johnny Mercer.
This is the first time that veterans’ affairs will be overseen by dedicated Ministers in the Cabinet Office to ensure the whole of the Government delivers the life-long support our veterans deserve.
The role will now be a joint Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office position, in order to allow the Minister to direct the work of the new Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
The best experts from across Whitehall will also, now be working together in the Cabinet Office hub on a comprehensive approach to veterans’ affairs.
Commenting Caroline said:
“It’s so important that we reward our armed forces dedication and commitment to our country by ensuring that they have the support they need when they leave service. This Government announcement will ensure veterans wellbeing is considered in everything from medical and mental health treatment to training and skills to secure new careers, from support in adapting to civilian life, to targeted prevention of homelessness.
The creation of this office will help ensure that veterans’ interest will be heard and shared with across Government, at the Cabinet table.”
Oliver Dowden and Johnny Mercer will immediately begin work to establish the structure of the new Office, reporting progress to the Prime Minister by 30th September 2019.
Commenting, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson stated:
“The brave men and women who serve in our military truly represent the pinnacle of British character. We are rightly admired throughout the world for our Armed Forces, and it is a stain on our national conscience that any veteran who has served should be abandoned by the country they have fought so courageously to protect.
It is absolutely right that the government should do all it can to support our armed forces from the day they enlist and for the rest of their lives. Veterans have given so much to the UK. They have so much to offer our workplaces and wider society and it would be a dereliction of duty not to harness that potential.”
