Veterans Issues
Veterans programme
Veterans programme
Veterans affairs secretariat
Veterans working arrangements
Veterans task force
Veterans forum
Veterans plenary
Minister's speeches
Minister's speeches
Speech for Minister for Veterans for launch of Community Legal
Services Leaflet on Veterans Issues on
5 October 2004
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here today to mark the launch of the Community Legal Service Direct leaflet on Veterans issues. The fact that we are launching the leaflet at the headquarters of SSAFA Forces Help is not by accident but reflects the major contribution the ex-Service organisations have made to its production.
Can I welcome David Lammy, my ministerial colleague - I am genuinely pleased that you are here with us on this occasion. Andrew, thank you for allowing us to use your premises today. It follows my visit today, meeting many of you in your own workplace. I was also delighted to be your keynote speaker at your conference a couple of months ago.
I would also like to thank officials at the Ministry of Defence and also the Department of Constitutional Affairs, previously the Lord Chancellor's Department, for their cooperation and support in the development and publication of this important leaflet and its contribution to Veterans in the UK.
The project serves as an excellent example of inter-departmental Government. When taken with the contribution made by the ex-Service organisations it epitomises the progress that is being made for Veterans. The leaflet itself contains a wide range of information, and I am confident that it will be positively received and fill an important gap in the provision of information for Veterans, their families and friends.
In the year 2000, many concerns were being expressed by ex-Service organisations that previous Governments had failed to address veterans-related issues. There was a feeling that veterans did not count in wider policy agendas. Indeed, ex-Service organisations were themselves sidelined despite their provision of advice and front line services.
I believe that during this parliament we have altered that view, but we clearly have a lot more to do.
I was also given the impression that public awareness of the role of the Armed Forces was on the decline. And most worryingly the contribution and sacrifice therefore made by veterans was not understood or given sufficient credit. I can tell you that this is not now the case.
After just 16 months Minister for Veterans I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been involved in many projects that are going a long way to addressing all of these concerns.
Let me give you a few examples. Firstly, the formation of the £2 million Challenge Fund for Veterans, which was established to pump-prime veterans' projects. The fund is being used in co-operation with ex-Service organisations, non-governmental organisations and the public sector to explore new projects or research under the Strategy for Veterans.
The production of this leaflet is an example of the type of project that is - I am pleased to say - being funded by the Challenge Fund.
Secondly, the £27.5 million lottery award for Veterans related events and travel. A collaboration of three government departments, the Big Lottery Fund and the Imperial War Museum. Already this has been very well received by all.
And thirdly the Veterans Badge. A unique way to boost recognition of those who are veterans. Over 15,000 have already been distributed and I plan more next year.
The key thing about these three examples - and of course there are many more - is that they involve partnerships. By working in this way we are addressing the problems that were in place before. This helps us tackle the projects we undertake in a more logical manner. And as a result we are able to produce results more efficiently and avoid duplication of effort.
That is why I am so pleased by the excellent one stop shop advice offered by the Veterans Agency in Blackpool. Whilst their primary focus is War Pensioners they will always provide assistance to a Veteran in need and provide an outstanding signposting service throughout the Country. An example of their widening role has been their involvement in the administration of the Heroes Return scheme and their invaluable assistance in progressing applications for the Veterans Badge.
I know that reaching Veterans who are most in need is a challenge that concerns many of you who are here today. Whilst we face a difficult task reaching those Veterans who do not want to be reached, we must continue to improve our approach and means of communication. The publication of this leaflet is an example of our resolve to carry out this task effectively. It will also enable us to develop and use a range of other channels of communication that so far have not been properly exploited.
I am thinking here, for example, of the Citizens Advice Bureaux and the vast array of outlets throughout the Country that form their organisation. I am delighted at the cooperation that we have received in the preparation of this leaflet from Citizens Advice. I hope we can work together on other Veterans related matters in the future.
This is another important day for veterans across the UK. As we look back at the 60th anniversary of D-Day and ahead to Remembrance Sunday, as well as to next year's commemorative events for the end of World War 2, we must of course continue to focus on the basic support that young and old veterans alike may need.
That is why this leaflet is needed. Thank you to all of those involved in its publication. Our veterans will indeed be helped even more in the future.
