Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary is to announce a £35 million fund to support British
veterans and Afghan interpreters in his Party conference speech
today (Monday 27 September).
The funding, recovered from cancelled MoD interpreter contracts,
will be used for grants to charities and Local Authorities in
England to provide mental health support services and support for
those Afghan nationals who have relocated to the UK through the
ARAP scheme.
Mr Healey will be the first Shadow Defence Secretary to address
the party’s conference since 2016, signalling Labour’s renewed
focus on the defence and security of the nation.
The new cash comes as calls to veteran’s mental health charity
Combat Stress have
doubledsince the Taliban swept to power. At the same time,
its income has fallen by 37% in the last financial year partly
due to cuts in NHS funding support.
Research last year
found only 26% of charities thought that the government supports
the mental health of veterans, and 79% of charities believe that
the responsibility to support veterans should lie more with the
government and armed forces.
Meanwhile, there have been reports that some of the 1,200
ARAP-eligible Afghans that were made it out of Kabul are stranded
in unsuitable
accommodation, and councils have requested
more funds to support them.
Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary said:
“Our brave service personnel and their Afghan partners have shown
immense courage and professionalism despite the government’s
woeful mishandling of the crisis.
"The Conservatives are failing our forces. Recent funding
announcements are simply a drop in the ocean and the uncertainty
surrounding future funding for the Office of Veterans Affairs has
pulled the rug from under our personnel when they need it most.
Recent funding announcements are simply a drop in the ocean and
the uncertainty surrounding future funding for the Office of
Veterans Affairs has pulled the rug from under our personnel when
they need it most.
“Labour’s new support fund will make sure we protect those who
protected us.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
- Last month the MoD cancelled a tender on a contract worth £54
million for interpretation services. This PQ reveals the
reason is because approximately 67% of the value of the
contract was for Operation Toral, the UK’s Mission in
Afghanistan. Following withdrawal, the contact was cancelled
and will be retendered. Given the money was supposed to be used
for Afghan interpreters, Labour will use the 67% value from the
contract (Approximately £35 million) to fund mental health
grants for Afghan ARAP personnel and British veterans from our
mission in Afghanistan. The precise funding mechanism will be
decided in due course, but the funding will be available
through grants to Charities and Local Authorities in England
who provide mental health support services.
- In his speech to Labour Party Conference today (Monday 27
September), Shadow Defence Secretary will say (CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY):
“The first duty of any Government is to defend the country
and keep its citizens safe.
“It’s also the public’s first test of any Party aspiring to
Government.
“That’s why has pledged: ‘Never again will Labour go into an
election not being trusted on national security’
“I hope that’s a pledge that everyone in our Party – from
every part of our great, diverse Labour Movement – will
endorse.”
***
“We saw again last month why British forces are respected
worldwide, with UK troops and pilots at the heart of the Afghan
airlift.
“But the crisis has reopened searing memories for many who
served in Afghanistan. Combat Stress say their helpline calls
doubled last month, yet the Government is spending just £20
million this year on veterans’ mental health.
“So I want to announce today that Labour would boost this by
£35 million, with a special fund to support mental health care
for British veterans and the Afghan personnel now with us in the
UK.”
***
“Britain is weaker in the world, from a decade of decline
under Tory government.
“They have weakened Britain’s influence in the world by
breaking international law, antagonizing our European allies,
slashing development aid and failing to stand up for human
rights.”
“They have weakened the foundations for our defences by
cutting full-time Forces by 45,000; leaving fewer troops, fewer
planes, fewer ships and a £17 billion black hole in the
budget.”
“Britain needs new leadership. Forging a new and powerful
role for Britain in the world.
“The next decade will shape the rest of the century.
“With Labour and , Britain will get that new leadership.”
