This week is Armed Forces Week, a chance for communities to show their support to the men and women who make up the Armed Forces: from those currently serving, to our veterans to cadets. We are exceptionally proud of our armed forces in West Berkshire and a number of community events are taking place across West Berkshire including a military vehicle display in Hungerford on Saturday supported by the 6th Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
The Government’s commitment to the armed forces has never been stronger. In 2021 it published its “Integrated Review” on foreign policy, defence and national security strategy for the next decade in the face an aggressive Russia, resurgent China, terrorism and climate change. In the largest defence spending commitment since the Cold War, £24 billion was committed to restore our navy as “the foremost naval power in Europe”, expand our aircraft carriers and maintain and develop the Trident nuclear deterrent (in which the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston plays an integral role). In addition to this a new Space Command Centre is coming to High Wycombe as part of the Royal Air Force, and a new National Cyber Force is being formed.
There is also an intense focus on support we give to veterans. In the three years since I have been elected, a new Office of Veterans Affairs has been established, and the Minister responsible, Johnny Mercer MP, is a member of the Cabinet, a reflection of the importance attached to his role. A raft of new policies have been developed to support veterans and their families after they leave the armed forces. Amongst the most significant, are those directed at supporting veterans into employment including the Veteran Employers Group which focuses on developing skills, the Civil Service Scheme directed at bringing veterans into branches of Government and the Career Transition Partnership. So far these have proved highly effective. Under these various schemes, 87% of veterans are today in steady long-term employment within six months of leaving the armed forces. In addition, Operation Courage has received £21.5 million to provide mental health services specifically for veterans, and Operation Fortitude offer specialist supported housing services to prevent veterans falling into homelessness. Additional financial support is available on public transport (30% price reductions on rail travel) to reflect the gratitude we have for servicemen and women.
I have worked closely with the Veterans Minister since I was elected, including on the national Veterans Survey last year, which gave veterans the opportunity to tell the Government how it could best support them. I am delighted to be welcoming him to West Berkshire next week where he will be meeting veterans from the Royal British Legion, the Veterans’ Breakfast Club and SSAFA (the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association).
The bravery and skill of those who serve this country is exceptional, and even as modern warfare develops becoming more technological, the core values which they reflect and defend is a source of deep national pride.