Defence Secretary Promises More Support For Armed Forces Personnel

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced details of a series of new schemes and initiatives, designed to support serving personnel and their families.

The new packages aim to provide help to servicemen and women throughout their careers and offer support to those living with significant illness or caring for others.

Service leavers will also have access to a new transition programme to help them to adjust to civilian life.

Mr Williamson also announced that ID cards will soon be available to all military leavers to give them instant recognition for their service to the country.

In a speech to the Conservative Party Conference he paid tribute to the UK's servicemen and women: "The bravery and dedication of our people is second to none.

"Whether they are in service, have served, or support the service of a loved one, we owe them a great debt of gratitude for their work in keeping this country safe.

“It is only right that we give our Armed Forces every opportunity to develop their skills to reach their potential, while ensuring that their spouses and civil partners are just as valued for the part they play.”

Serving personnel will have access to their own Professional and Personal Development Plan by the end of 2020.

Those who have already made the transition to civilian life will be able to apply for an ID card in 2019.