Clwyd West MS and Chair of the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, Darren Millar, has welcomed news that the UK Government is exploring ways to establish the first ever Veterans Commissioner for Wales. 

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has announced the plans when speaking at the annual St David’s Day debate in Parliament today, (February 25th).

Veterans Commissioners aim to improve the lives and champion the interests of Armed Forces veterans by working with ex-servicemen and women and the public, private and voluntary organisations that represent them.

Welcoming the news, Darren said:

“The Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets have long been calling on the Welsh Government for an Armed Forces Commissioner, but to no avail. I am therefore delighted that the UK Government is now pursuing this.

“As the Secretary of State for Wales has said the plans would be a hugely important step for veterans in Wales and their families and would help meet the UK Governments ambition of making the United Kingdom the best place in the world to be a veteran.

“We owe it to those who sacrifice so much for our country, to provide them with the very best services and support, and having a Veterans Commissioner in place in Wales would help ensure that happens.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:  

“The Armed Forces have a long and important tradition in Wales and we are exceptionally proud of our Welsh veterans. Our ex-servicemen and women and their families deserve recognition, support and respect throughout the duration of their service and beyond.

“The recruitment of a Veterans Commissioner for Wales will go a long way towards increasing the support available and highlights the UK Government’s commitment to the welfare of our Armed Forces veterans.