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South Wales Argus

Nick Smith MP on treatment of veterans and government plans

I was pleased to see so many fantastic events taking place right across Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney, including a powerful and poignant lighting of the beacon event I attended at the Aneurin Bevan Stones in Tredegar. This ceremony was one of a series that saw more than a thousand beacons being lit simultaneously across the whole UK on Thursday night. These events offered a chance to reflect on all those who have served, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, to reinforce the lessons of the Second World War and to remind ourselves how important the Armed Forces are to our country. Our Labour Government further demonstrated our commitment to supporting our veterans and our Armed Forces Community this week through the announcement of our new VALOUR project. We have 3,052 veterans in Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney and I know that many will be unhappy with the way they have been ignored and disrespected over the last 14 years. The way veterans have been treated is extremely poor and that must change. Through £50m of funding, our aim is to have VALOUR-recognised support centres in every part of the UK, working with health, employment and housing charities as well as service providers and local government to provide tailored local support for veterans. New Regional Field Officers will work with these organisations to share best practice and guidance. This represents a major milestone in delivering our manifesto promise to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant. Our veterans served with valour and now our VALOUR support network will help ensure we repay them. Last month saw another very successful outing of our Everyone Deserves an Easter campaign. Alongside Gerald Jones MP, I helped put together this project which saw 75 hampers containing all the ingredients for a roast dinner, as well as Easter treats, delivered to families across Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney, including 10 delivered to the Hospice of the Valleys. This project wouldn't be possible without the help of the Ebbw Vale Institute pantry team, the Caerphilly Cares team and the volunteers who came to help pack on the day. Thank you to everyone who lent a hand. Nick Smith is MP for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney.