Government reassures veterans ID card rollout is accelerating, despite claims of possible 125-year wait

The Government has reassured veterans that the rollout of their ID cards is "accelerating" amid concerns it could take more than 100 years at the current rate.

It follows new analysis by Labour of rollout figures that show only 3% of veterans have received the cards in the last four years.

In 2019, ministers pledged to give every veteran an ID card to enable them quicker access to health, housing, and charity services.

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Data from the Office for National Statistics confirms that only 56,000 ID cards have been handed out since 2018, despite there being more than 1.8 million veterans in England and Wales.

That could, Labour says, mean all of those entitled to a card would, in theory, be waiting 125 years to receive it.

It comes after Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer told The Telegraph newspaper that the scheme would be delivered by summer 2023.

Shadow Veterans Minister Rachel Hopkins said: "These figures are further evidence that while the Veterans' Minister likes to talk, he has actually changed very little for our veterans.

"The veterans' ID card is supposed to help our society keep its promise with those who serve by ensuring quick access to services like healthcare. But the Conservatives have delivered just a fraction of the cards needed.

"Our veterans don't need empty promises, they need action. For their sake, I hope the minister can keep his promise but, based on his party's record of delivery, I don't like his chances."

However, a Government spokesperson reassured veterans of a new digital feature to help them and explained: "The rollout of veteran ID cards is accelerating.

"From next year, veterans will be able to access our new digital service which will enable them to quickly and easily verify their status online, playing a vital role in making sure those who need targeted support get fast access to a range of government services, from health to housing, as well as charity services.

"We have invested more than £1m into the service and look forward to delivering real change to the lives of our veterans."

Until plans for the Veterans ID card were made, there was no way for veterans to easily prove the fact that they had served. Previously, personnel were required to hand back their ID card (MOD 90) when they were discharged.