It is at this particular time of year that we reflect on the valour, commitment, and gallantry of our armed forces in Wales. I, too, and I say with it humility, am much privileged to put on record my recognition, appreciation and support of our armed forces community in Wales, and also with due respect for the families of our brave men and women past and present. We reflect not just to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms but to honour those who continue to make that sacrifice with distinction in the name of peace and stability in the world. Irrespective of the debate on foreign interventions, our fighting men and women are the pride of our country and should be acknowledged and supported as such.
It is heartening to hear of the 19 community covenants that have been signed up to by local authorities, but the point raised by Peter Black AM as to how these covenants are being actioned is most valid at this time. We all have a moral obligation and duty to recognise and provide for all those who have served in our name. Some 18,000 people will leave the armed forces each year. In Wales alone we have 220,000 members of the armed forces community, and our Welsh armed forces have been involved in 20 separate conflicts since the second world war. Unfortunately, however, a percentage of those in Wales are in need of mental health support for conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and drug and alcohol addictions. Professor Kennedy’s report of the veterans residential facility task and finish group states that delayed onset of these conditions means that they can often take up to 30 years to present in those who have served previously on active duty. In a Welsh Affairs Select Committee meeting in February, Professor Alan Hawley, a retired major general and military expert, said that, despite much support by charities, more could be done at Government level as regards health and housing.
The work that has been undertaken by the All Wales Veterans Health and Wellbeing Service in Wales in supporting our forces community and veterans is to be welcomed, of course, but more can be done, should be done and must be done to support those who experience prolonged trauma or permanent injury. The Royal British Legion has campaigned for increased funding for veterans mental health services via the All Wales Veterans Health and Wellbeing Service and I hope that the Welsh Government will listen here and act on this call.
Professor Kennedy’s report has further highlighted the lack of dedicated residential accommodation for veterans in Wales and the lack of capacity within each health board to sufficiently progress assessments for mental health conditions. The fact that around 5% of those who have risked life and limb for their country find themselves living on its streets is a scourge on our society, so I do welcome the commitment of the Welsh Government to work with Cymorth Cymru to develop a directory of services for veterans at risk of homelessness.
It would be remiss of me not to highlight the work of a fantastic organisation that I am very proud to have within my own constituency, Blind Veterans UK. It is an organisation that provides support, care and compassion to ex-servicemen and women suffering sight loss and partial sight. The good news is that it has recently recruited 71 new members of staff. I remind the Chamber that Blind Veterans UK exists solely thanks to charitable donations, and I place on record my support for the staff and volunteers for the extraordinary work that they do for our armed forces community.
However, I am disappointed, Minister, that you have just said now that you have no intention to pursue the veterans card, because in the much trumpeted report published in November last year, point 3.7 stated:
‘Through the Expert Group, reviews are being undertaken of advice services available to the Armed Forces community, and the value and viability of an Armed Forces card that would provide access to Public Services for members of the Armed Forces and veterans.’
So, less than a year later, and in this very poignant week, you actually tell this Chamber that you have now changed your mind on that and so this point is no longer relevant. That is clearly most disappointing. This card would extend the free bus scheme, free swimming, and free entrance to Cadw sites to veterans, as well as ensuring that our forces have priority access to health in the NHS for service-related injuries, conditions and adaptations. I just wonder why you are still left wanting as a Government on this. The Ministry of Defence in the UK has been able to play a leading role in providing opportunities for work and training for young people, which provides a safe, structured environment that imparts a wide-range of skills to young people.
It should not only be on one day or during one week a year that we reflect on the significance of our armed forces community. It is not enough to simply wear a poppy, or to hold an annual debate. The commitment to our armed forces will be demonstrated in the coming weeks, months and years, creating a Wales that is worthy of our armed forces, our veterans, and of their unstinting service