9. 8. Statement: Marking Remembrance Day and Supporting our Armed Forces Community

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 7:00 pm on 8 November 2016.

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Photo of Carl Sargeant Carl Sargeant Labour 7:00, 8 November 2016

I’m grateful for the comments of the Member, and, of course, I think we can come together on many of these issues, like the commemoration, as we have in front of us today. In regard to some of the detail of his question, he’s right in saying that I will be launching the housing pathway on 10 November, and more details will follow. We’re finalising the development of a pathway consultation with our key partners, predominantly from the expert group, the panel that understand these issues that veterans and families require, and I’ll make a statement or a written statement to the Chamber appropriately.

It must go without saying, though, that I think for far too long the armed forces—the Government, the armed forces. Once service personnel leave the acquaintance of the armed forces, it troubles me that, actually, we set them on a journey of, often, failure. I think, actually, once you sign up to be a service person, you should have a much longer–lasting relationship with that, post service. Because we pick up the pieces; communities pick up the pieces of the effects of trauma through war or through other issues experienced. My family have all served in the armed forces, and, for the two elections prior to this one, my brother served in Iraq—he left in the final week of preparation for the election—which was very traumatic for his family, but for all of the family. Fortunately, he was one that was lucky and came back, but it does have an effect longer term, and I think we should have a longer-term relationship with the armed forces, and that’s something I’m very keen to take up with UK Ministers in that respect.

The issue of social care costs, I think I’m correct in saying—if I’m not, the Minister will correct me by letter, but I understand, from April of next year, we will be introducing a full disregard for armed forces here in Wales. So, it’s something that I hope, again, the Member will welcome. There are many discrepancies; indeed, as a Member, I’ve got an issue with the war widows pension. When a widower remarries, they lose their war pension. I think there’s an equality issue here, and I think it’s something, long term, the UK Government should address too.

I think today has been a really useful opportunity to express, across the Chamber, our commitment to the armed forces and families here in Wales. There are challenges in the system and we must continue to strive to make that better, and I hope that, in the non-partisan way that we have been able to have this discussion this afternoon, we can continue to embed a better quality service for people who have put themselves and their families on the line for us and many prior to this. Thank you.