Clwyd West MS and Chair of the Senedd Cross-Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, Darren Millar, has called on the Welsh Government to investigate why there has been a significant fall in the number of veterans coming forward for support.

Raising the matter in yesterday’s Business Statement, Darren said he was alarmed to hear from the Royal British Legion that post the pandemic the charity has not been approached for help by as many veterans as they were before the pandemic.

Given the cost-of-living pressures people are facing, Darren is keen to find out the reasons why.

Calling for a Statement from the Deputy Minister for the Armed Forces on veteran welfare in Wales, he said:

“I know that this is an issue that the Welsh Government takes very seriously. I met with the Royal British Legion last week, and was alarmed to hear that the number of veterans coming forward for support from their welfare officers has fallen quite significantly post the pandemic.

“There appears to be no explanation as to why that is the case. Of course, it may be that demand is just generally lower, but given the cost-of-living pressures that we're seeing across Wales at the moment, I really don't believe that that is the case, and I think it requires some further investigation.

“We know that the Royal British Legion has resources that it wants to make available, and SSAFA and other organisations have resources that they want to make available to support veterans, particularly in their old age. Therefore, I would be grateful if the Minister could commit to working with those organisations to try and do what they can to promote the opportunities that are there.”

The Trefnydd replied:

“The Deputy Minister is in her seat and has heard your questions. I'm sure she is, and will continue to be, committed to working both with the third sector and any other service provider or organisation in supporting our veterans.”