Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who is Chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and cadets, last week put forward a motion calling on the Welsh Government to work with the first Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales and the UK Government to ensure that the Armed Forces Covenant is upheld in Wales.
The motion also called on the Senedd to ‘recognise the service and sacrifice of people from Wales in the UK armed forces’ and ‘express gratitude to current and former armed forces personnel for their contribution to Welsh society.’
Speaking in the debate, Darren said:
“I think it is to our credit as an institution in this Senedd and here in Wales that we've worked together on a cross-party basis over many years to try to support the lot of our veterans. We must never forget that Wales makes a much bigger contribution to the armed forces than any of the other constituent parts of the United Kingdom and I think that's one of the reasons why they are the best in the world!
“I also want to congratulate Colonel James Phillips on his appointment as the very first Veterans' Commissioner for Wales. This is a post I've campaigned for since 2011. I'm really pleased now that the UK Government, working with the Welsh Government, has identified this fine candidate to fulfil the role. I think his recent experience will no doubt be invaluable in ensuring that the needs of veterans are represented very, very well indeed.”
Emphasising the need for the Armed Forces Covenant to be honoured, Darren said:
“It's been pleasing that we've made progress in recent years. I think it's 12 years ago now that Veterans NHS Wales was established. It's great that we've put more fuel into the tank for the servuce to be able to meet the demands that have been placed upon it, and of course we've made other strides as well, with the excellent Armed Forces Liaison Officers across the country.
“We also the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. It is really excellent and we should be encouraging all public sector employers in Wales to be able to adopt the scheme and go for those bronze, silver and gold awards. I hope there's going to be a platinum award at some point in the future!
“We must not forget either that there are many third sector organisations doing incredible work to support our armed forces, not just the Royal British Legion and SSAFA, but other smaller organisations like Woody's Lodge and Change Step in my own constituency. Indeed we've got a growing number of veterans' sheds around Wales, something that started, actually in my own constituency in Clwyd West.
“So, these are things that we should be very proud of, but there's always going to be more work to do. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder to make sure that we deliver for our armed forces here in Wales, and on that basis I'm delighted that all parties have supported our motion. We will all work, I'm sure, closely with the new Commissioner to make sure that our veterans in Wales get a better deal.”
