16. Mr. Michael Jabez FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress the veterans forum has made in addressing the needs of veterans; and if he will make a statement. [8366]
§ 23. Lawrie QuinnTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress the veterans forum has made in addressing the needs of veterans; and if he will make a statement. [8374]
§ Dr. MoonieI have chaired two meetings of the veterans forum at which I have agreed with representatives of the veterans' organisations a vision and initial work programme for the initiative. A key objective has been that the initiative should be taken forward as a partnership between ourselves and the veterans' community. We are addressing issues of identity, communication, recognition and care and the action plan we have developed for the future will be focusing in particular on those veterans who are most vulnerable.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his strategic priorities as Minister for Veterans Affairs are. [10216]
§ Dr. MoonieAs Minister for Veterans Affairs my four strategic priorities are:
- 1. To develop a partnership between Government and the veterans' organisations.
- 2. To recognise the special status of veterans by strengthening the identity of veterans as a group to whom society owes a particular debt.
510W - 3. To gain better recognition of the contribution and achievements of veterans through education, and the part played by veterans in securing national and international stability.
- 4. To identify ways of improving the level of care provided to the ex-service community with particular emphasis on those most in need.