I am delighted to work alongside Filey-based navy and Porton Down veteran to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant. This is a commitment by the nation to ensure that those who have and continue to serve, as well as their families, are treated fairly and suffer no disadvantage. Focusing on healthcare, housing and education, it intends to increase awareness among public bodies of the unique nature of military service.
My constituent has made valid points that through his own experiences and by talking to ex-service personnel and doctors, there is a real issue with a lack of awareness about the Covenant. This, he has learned, has resulted in many personnel not knowing they can access faster medical treatment. His case is a prime example of how there needs to be more awareness around this scheme and I am committed to helping him in his campaign to deliver this. I have therefore written to Defence Minister, Leo Docherty, to raise my constituents' case and the broader issue he highlights.
The Armed Forces Act which passed successfully through Parliament in 2021 enshrines the Armed Forces Covenant in law. It introduces a legal duty for relevant UK public bodies to have due regard to the principles of the Covenant. For this reason, the points made by my constituent are ever more poignant. I will continue to work on this issue on behalf of all ex-service personnel in Thirsk and Malton.
If you are affected by these issues, or know of anyone who is, please do contact my office at [email protected].
