Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones has called on the Welsh and UK Governments to do more to support Welsh veterans.
Speaking during a debate on the ‘National Insurance Contributions Bill’, Miss Jones commended the Government for supporting the UK’s veteran community into work following their service. She highlighted a small change to National Insurance rules which would see employers save money if they hire an Armed Forces veteran.
However, Miss Jones urged the Welsh and UK Governments to go further and commit to creating the Veterans Commissioner which Wales lacks – the only country in the UK not to have a dedicated champion for Welsh veterans.
Fay Jones MP said: “My campaign to save Brecon Barracks from closure is a persistent thorn in the Ministry of Defence’s side, but our support for veterans must go beyond maintaining high quality sites and shiny silverware in the Mess.
“The changes outlined in this Bill could save an employer who employs a veteran up to five and a half thousand pounds. This makes a veteran even more attractive to an employer and the Minister should be commended for pursuing this.
“But Wales is currently the only part of the UK not to have a dedicated Veteran's Commissioner – someone on the side of veterans who can challenge local authorities and health boards to ensure that veterans can access the services they need.
“The UK Government is doing its part but we need the Welsh Government to engage too. I urge both sides to come together and create this role – so that Welsh veterans can benefit from the protections their colleagues in England receive”
The MP also used the debate as a chance to urge the Welsh Government to back the Conservatives’ freeport agenda. Freeports, areas where special tax arrangements are given to businesses who relocate there, will be created around the UK – with at least one planned for Wales. This is despite opposition from the Welsh Labour Government who expressed “reservations” about the policy. Miss Jones urged the Minister to “press full steam ahead” with his plans – enabling Wales to benefit from tens of thousands of new jobs.
Speaking after the debate Miss Jones said: “A rising tide raises all boats and so, if a Freeport were to come to Wales, people in Brecon and Radnorshire would benefit from new jobs and opportunities. This is something that’s been denied to us here for too long. Constituents tell me all the time that they want their children to grow up and get good jobs here. If the Welsh Labour Government would just embrace the idea of a freeport – we in Brecon and Radnorshire would benefit at long last.”