CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has welcomed the Government’s launch of the UK’s first ever Veterans’ Strategy, ensuring our veterans always get the help and opportunities they need after their incredible service to our country.

It will include a Government taskforce made up of representatives from departments across Whitehall and will focus on four key areas:

• to help veterans meet the financial demands of civilian life, as debt represents the highest percentage of calls to the Veterans’ Gateway support service,

• to provide the best possible support for veterans with lasting physical injuries or mental health problems as a result of their service,

• to offer advice to veterans on housing,

• to support community integration for those who feel a loss of camaraderie upon leaving the Armed Forces.

Mr Stride said: “I know from speaking first-hand to veterans in my constituency, as well as spending time with local British Legion branches, that while many veterans transition to civilian life very easily, others can really struggle.

“This may be due to the loss of colleagues, emotional scarring from horrors they have witnessed, from injuries or just from having to adjust to a completely different lifestyle. We owe those who have fought for our country the best possible care and support and this ground-breaking strategy will help achieve this.”