Thousands sign plea for more veteran support

An open letter, including 350,000 signatures, calling for more support for veterans has been delivered to the prime minister.

The letter by charity Help for Heroes urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to improve healthcare access, financial security and support. Sir Mark Cavendish, Lorraine Kelly and Ross Kemp are among those to have signed the letter.

Three veterans delivered it to Number 10, including Annette Laurie, 66, from Devon. Laurie, who joined the Naval Reserves in 1984, said she wanted officials to fully exempt the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension payments from tax and benefit means-testing.

The government said it was making a "record investment" to support veterans.

Laurie, from Plymstock, said: "They are financial payments in recognition of injury, trauma, and sacrifice.

"Forcing veterans to count these funds alongside any benefits, and then appear to earn too much, can exclude them financially from mental and physical healthcare."

In the letter, the charity's CEO James Needham, said: "As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant, that no-one would be disadvantaged because they served our nation.

"Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, are still denied the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve.

"We are failing to deliver on this promise.

"As prime minister, you can lead a generational shift in how government supports our Armed Forces Community – those currently serving, our veterans and their families.

"Prime minister, the United Kingdom promised that no veteran should be disadvantaged because of their service. We believe now is the time to honour that commitment."

A government spokesperson said: "We will never forget the courage, bravery and sacrifice made by British servicemen and women for their country and we recognise there is more to do to better support them," the spokesperson said.

"That is why this government is making record investment in supports for veterans, including delivering the VALOUR Scheme, a £50m UK-wide support service for veterans and their families, helping to improve access to the right support when needed, a key commitment of the Veterans Strategy."

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