The Welsh Affairs Committee of the House of Commons has announced a new inquiry into support for armed forces veterans and their families in Wales. The Committee has asked for written submissions by Monday 12 September. BAFF members and supporters who have something to contribute to the inquiry are encouraged to submit their own submissions - BAFF assistance available on request. If there are issues on which you would like BAFF itself to submit written evidence, please contact us as soon as possible.
From the Welsh Affairs Committee's media release, 20 Jul 2011:
NEW INQUIRY: SUPPORT FOR ARMED FORCES VETERANS IN WALES
Call for evidence
There are nearly a quarter of a million armed forces veterans in Wales. These men and women who have served their country with distinction, sometimes in the gravest of danger, deserve the best help that can be provided when they leave the military and return to civilian life.
The Committee has decided to undertake an inquiry into the Support for Armed Forces Veterans in Wales. The inquiry will examine cross-border co-ordination as it affects veterans and the level of co-ordination between the Ministry of Defence, the Wales Office and the Welsh Government.
The Committee will examine:
• The provision of support services to veterans and their families in Wales by the MoD, including resettlement provision;
• The provision of medical and mental health services for veterans in Wales, including cross-border implications;
• Co-ordination between the MoD, the Wales Office and the Welsh Government, in the provision of services for veterans; and
• The impact on Welsh veterans of any legally-enshrined military covenant and obligations as it relates to veterans.
In announcing the inquiry, the Chair of the Committee, David T.C. Davies MP stated; “Wales has a long and proud relationship with the armed forces. Welsh military personnel have made an enormous contribution to the defence of the United Kingdom and in ongoing conflicts around the world. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that veterans and their families are given the best possible support when they leave the military and return to civilian life.”
The Committee asks for written submissions on these issues in accordance with the guidelines stated below. The deadline for written submissions is Monday 12 September 2011.
If you would like to have your say on this, please see the full announcement here:
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