News

July round-up

UK Parliament Scottish Affairs Committee

I welcomed the opportunity to give evidence to the Westminster Scottish Affairs Committee at the start of the month, alongside the Executive Chair of Veterans Scotland. We discussed a range of topics with the Committee Members relating to support for our veteran community in Scotland, covering both reserved and devolved responsibilities.

You can view the session or read the transcript here.  

UK Armed Forces Covenant Conference

The UK Armed Forces Covenant Conference in Glasgow was a useful two days of learning, conversation and connection. The event brought together councils, public bodies, charities and Forces-friendly employers to share good practice and explore how we can better support the Armed Forces community. The conference was fully subscribed, and Rangers Football Club were wonderful hosts.

It was good to take the opportunity for a valuable discussion between all three Veterans Commissioners and UK Veterans Minister Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, who also delivered an inspiring keynote address on the second day.

It was a privilege to close the conference and reflect on the energy and commitment in the room.

The conference also coincided with the launch of an updated edition of the AFC Toolkit to help councils and partners deliver the Covenant locally. You can view it here.

Westminster Debate

I attended the House of Commons debate on the legacy prosecution of veterans who served in Northern Ireland. While there was no vote, the debate provided an important opportunity for the voices and concerns of our veteran community to be heard at Westminster.

Alongside the Veterans Commissioners for Northern Ireland and Wales, I issued a joint statement setting out our views and ongoing commitment to supporting those affected. You can read our statement in full here.

Veterans and Finance

This month I continued conversations around my Veterans and Finance report, which was shaped by the voices of veterans, their families, and those who work with and support them. In a recent blog, I reflected on what I heard – from insights on financial literacy and debt support to the power of support from those with military experience when it comes to building trust and offering appropriate, accessible advice.  

You can read the blog here: Veterans and Finance – learning from lived experience.

Lanarkshire Veterans Community Hub

I visited the Veterans Community Hub in Lanarkshire and was struck by the enthusiasm of the volunteers and members who make it such a welcoming place. It was great to meet local veterans, hear their stories and see the range of support on offer. This hub is a vibrant example of community-based support in action.

I had the opportunity to speak with local media about my visit, emphasising the importance of organisations like these in combatting social isolation and supporting the entire veteran community – including families and the bereaved.

Read more in the Daily Record.