Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP says that the only thing now standing in the way of the Veterans Commissioner for Wales is the Welsh Labour Government.
Fay Jones MP was speaking after the Chancellor announced in last week’s Budget that he would fund the role. This follows a long campaign from Ms Jones and others to finally create an office specifically for veterans affairs in Wales.
Wales is still the only nation in the UK not to have a specific role overseeing veterans affairs. In March, Ms Jones secured a commitment from the Secretary of State for Wales to take the idea forward. In last week’s Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed the UK Government would create the role, making it answerable to the Office of Veterans Affairs in the Cabinet Office in Whitehall.
However, with public services in Wales devolved to the Welsh Government, ministers in Cardiff Bay need to agree to recognise the role in order for it to have a meaningful difference.
Ms Jones said:
“In March the UK Government said it would look at this. True to its word, the Chancellor has now confirmed it will create and fund the post. All it needs now is for the Welsh Labour Government to confirm it will give the role its blessing.
I cannot understand why the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay is reluctant on this. A Veterans Commissioner would oversee public services in Wales and make sure they work for the tens of thousands of former military personnel right across Wales – especially those who live in Brecon and Radnorshire.
The Welsh Labour Government needs to come on board with this. Our veterans deserve better than their stonewalling.
As we approach Remembrance, its essential we create this role and ensure that veterans can access everything they need as they re-enter civilian life.”