Veterans Day

Those who have served and those who continue to do so should have our deepest respect and gratitude. Labour is delighted that we now have Veterans Day established in the national calendar as the day on which we can unite to celebrate and say “thank you” to our 5 million veterans.

This is the third annual Veterans Day – and its popularity is growing with far more large events in towns and cities across the UK this year than last. In London, Blackpool, Stirling, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham to name but a few.

Since 2004 we have issued nearly 600,000 Armed Forces Veterans Badges – and we intend to issue the badge to all Service Veterans. In 2007 a Veterans Badge was introduced for Bevin Boys – over 4000 have already been issued.

Our Armed Forces deserve our support. As Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne has said: “I truly believe that our Armed Forces are the best in the world. I have seen them at work in various operational theatres and here in the UK and am always moved afresh by their outstanding professionalism.“

No one supports veterans more than Labour. Since entering power, Labour has delivered for veterans in many ways, including:
• Appointment of Veterans Minister in 2001;
• Recognition through launch of HM Armed Forces badge;
• Creation of Service Personnel and Veterans Agency;
• Launch of Armed Forces Compensation Scheme in 2005;
• Launch of new improved Armed Forces Pension Scheme in 2005;
• Extension of priority NHS treatment to all veterans for Service related conditions;
• Free passports to all those born on or before 2/9/1929 (WW2 generation);
• Veterans Challenge Fund;
• Career Transition Programme;
• Help for homeless Veterans

The courage, resolution and skill of all our veterans deserves our respect and recognition for the contribution they have made to the security of our Nation: a security that allows all of us to live our lives in freedom – something we take for granted – but is purchased at a high price by our surviving veterans and those who serve so bravely on Operations overseas today.