Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:22 pm on 12 November 2019.
Diolch yn fawr, Deputy Minister, for this very important statement today. I was privileged to be able to join veterans and members of the public at the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, something which I have very fond memories of doing as a young child, hand in hand with Dad. And, again, I was privileged to join members of the public and veterans yesterday at the cenotaph in Connah's Quay.
Yesterday saw the unveiling of the commemorations stone for an additional 23 names of people from Connah's Quay and Shotton who fought in world war one. It was also, once again, an opportunity to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all cherish. And, Deputy Llywydd, let me say: we will remember them.
As we pass the hundredth anniversary of the ending of world war one and mark the 80 years since the start of world war two, it is incumbent on my generation to do all we can to remember those who fought in these conflicts and all conflicts since. That is why I'm extremely proud to declare today that I am an honorary member of the Royal Welch Fusiliers Shotton and Connah's Quay branch, something which my late Uncle Mark served under.
Remembering is not just about these events, it is also about making sure that our veterans are given the support that they deserve. Deputy Minister, in the same line as Dr Dai Lloyd said—my colleague from across the Chamber—it is extremely difficult even to begin to imagine what the service personnel have seen while on active duty. So, please can you outline what mental health support is available to veterans but also available to serving personnel, as well as their families, and any areas that she feels this provision can be improved?
And finally, Deputy Minister, will you join me in saying in this Chamber 'lest we forget'?