Military charity calls on every person in the UK to sign letter to PM in support of veterans
An open letter addressed to the Prime Minister and signed by military leaders, celebrities and supporters has called for a generational shift in veteran support.
It begins by congratulating Andy Burnham on his appointment, and calls on him to support the People's Promise to Veterans – a campaign by military charity Help for Heroes.
It asks for better healthcare, financial security, consistent regional support, and a stronger societal duty to those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Signatures so far include Ross Kemp, Lorraine Kelly, Mark Cavendish, Andy McNab, Antony Cotton and former British Army chief General Lord Richard Dannatt, but the charity is calling on the British public to sign their letter to Mr Burnham.
The letter reads: "As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant, that no-one would be disadvantaged because they served our nation.
"Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, are still denied the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve. We are failing to deliver on this promise."
Power of the public
Mark Elliott served 25 years in the Grenadier Guards and the Adjutant General's Corps and was one of the founding members of Help for Heroes.
"The British public have always supported our Armed Forces," he said. "And this is just a reminder [to them] that the government isn't actually supporting our Armed Forces and particularly the veterans and their families properly at this time.
"And it's the power of the British public that makes the government think and make the government act."
Mr Burnham has been supportive of veterans' issues in the past.
As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he made ending rough sleeping a flagship priority with initiatives such as a Bed Every Night and Housing First.
He was also one of the more prominent politicians supporting the campaign for justice for British nuclear test veterans.
'Traumatising'
Clare Keating was medically discharged from the RAF after 18 years due to losing her eyesight, which was directly attributed to her service.
The mum of two also suffered a stroke which left her with more long-term health issues.
"Unfortunately, the support I received on discharge was nil," she told BFBS Forces News.
Describing how this lack of support continues years later, she added: "We're people who, without the help of charities, have been forgotten.
"We can't access the help we need, whether that be mental health services, physical health services or even help finding the right benefits.
"Trying to access my local council website to get a bus pass, and a blue badge has been traumatising."
"When we talk about veterans, that's just a word," Mr Elliott added. "But they are your sons, your daughters, your brothers, your sisters, your grandchildren, your aunts, your uncles – this isn't just [about] veterans.
"These are our loved ones that we're asking, and they volunteered, to go and keep bad people from our door. And when they come back, the British public, I think, should demand that they're looked after properly."
The future of veteran support
An MOD spokesperson said: "For too long, veterans have been thanked for their service but are often left feeling unsupported, navigating a complex and fragmented system.
"Through our Armed Forces Bill, all parts of government will be legally required to think about what its decisions mean for service personnel, veterans and their families, before they take them.
"We want every veteran to access the housing, employment, health, and welfare support they need – when and where they need it."
The letter in full
Dear Prime Minister,
Congratulations on your appointment. At Help for Heroes, we have seen your commitment to standing up against injustices faced by veterans and their families, particularly among the homeless and those impacted by nuclear testing.
It is clear we share a vision of a society where our veterans are valued and supported to live well after service.
As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant, that no-one would be disadvantaged because they served our nation.
Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, are still denied the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve. We are failing to deliver on this promise.
We can and must do better.
As Prime Minister, you can lead a generational shift in how Government supports our Armed Forces Community – those currently serving, our veterans and their families.
At Help for Heroes, we see the ongoing struggle many veterans and families face every day. We meet this demand thanks to the public, our volunteers and supporters. Yet many of the struggles we see could be avoided with better policy and practices in place.
We have 20 years of experience, supporting tens of thousands of veterans and families, so we know what needs to be done. The People’s Promise to Veterans is our plan that sets out practical reforms to strengthen support for them, and in doing so, strengthen our national security.
Our country’s bond with our Armed Forces has always been strong and forged in respect and admiration. In this time of rising global tensions, we need to invest in the people who keep us safe, and this includes our highly skilled, resilient veterans, who will be among the first to answer the call if the nation needs to defend itself.
Prime Minister, the United Kingdom promised that no veteran should be disadvantaged because of their service. We believe now is the time to honour that commitment. We urge you to support the People's Promise, implement its findings, and build a society where all veterans and their families can live well after service.
James Needham
CEO, Help for Heroes
Co-signed by supporters across the UK, including:
General The Lord Richard Dannatt • Sir Mark Cavendish • Lady Cavendish • Andy McNab • Lorraine Kelly • Major (Rtd) KSW Hames • Antony Cotton • Francie Clarkson • Ross Kemp • Jane Moore • Tom Newton Dunn • Lucy Wyndham-Read
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