Former soldier in Ipswich says decision not to appoint a minister for Veterans' Affairs is a 'step backwards'
The work will now be done by a parliamentary under-secretary who won't sit in cabinet
A veteran from Ipswich is calling on the government to appoints a minister for Veterans' Affairs.
The position was introduced by the previous government in 2022 and was held by former army Captain Johnny Mercer until the general election, but is now being replaced with a parliamentary under-secretary, former Colonel Alistair Carns OBE, who won't sit in cabinet.
Former Royal Anglian soldier Nigel Seaman, who founded not-for-profit Combat2Coffee in 2018, said he and others in the armed forces community “feel let down” by the news.
Nigel said: “I, and many others in the community do feel let down by this decision.
“The introduction of a dedicated cabinet role for veterans’ affairs is something that was warmly welcomed by former forces members, who for too long had felt like they did not have a voice in government.
“While I don’t doubt Sir Keir and Mr Carns will continue to support us – and I wish them the very best in their work – this feels like a real step backwards.”
He continued: “Our country has made great strides in increasing support for veterans and I am confident we will continue to do so.
“What we will need to see from this new government however are real shows of commitment to demonstrate this, which unfortunately we haven’t seen so far.
“These are however very early days and I look forward to seeing the plans they have in store to support veterans here in Suffolk and across the country beyond the uniform...
“There are amazing social enterprises and charities like Combat2Coffee nationwide who would love the chance to work with Sir Keir and his team going forwards – and we will continue to be here should he need support.”
What does the government say?
The Ministry of Defence, say they that understands many Veterans feel let down, but says the Parliamentary under-secretary is "ready for the task" and he will do everything he can "to ensure all veterans get the support they deserve".