Latest news with #VALOUR
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
JOHN HEALEY: We've made tough decisions – this is a new era for defence
The threats facing Britain today are more serious and less predictable than at any time in a generation. War has returned to Europe. Russian aggression is growing. Cyber-attacks strike us here at home every day. The world has changed – and so must defence. A move to warfighting readiness to deter our adversaries is essential and urgent. Vladimir Putin 's Russian forces are still menacing the doorstep of Europe. But tomorrow's publication of our Strategic Defence Review (SDR) is a message to Moscow: we're making Britain's Armed Forces stronger. And the people of Britain safer. When the people voted Labour into government, we inherited an Armed Forces that had been underfunded and hollowed out for 14 years under the Tories. By contrast, this government committed the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – as a foundation of our Plan for Change. We took the tough decision to reduce overseas aid spending to fund our uplift for defence. That is investment to match not only the severity of the threat but the dedication of our Armed Forces, which are respected around the world. Mail on Sunday readers know our British service men and women do our nation proud. In return, our government will do better by them. That's why we awarded the largest pay rise to personnel in 20 years, created a new independent Armed Forces Commissioner to champion their cause and improved support for veterans through the new VALOUR programme. We are determined to renew the nation's contract with those who serve. And through the SDR, we will ensure that British forces have the equipment they need and the homes they deserve. Yesterday, I confirmed a record £1.5 billion for repairs to substandard military housing, meaning more than £7 billion will be spent on Forces accommodation this parliament. We will also invest in advanced technologies to make our Armed Forces stronger and more lethal, giving them the advantage over our adversaries. I see increasing defence spending as a 'defence dividend', and through the SDR we will ensure this benefits hard-working people. Defence is an engine for growth. We have one of the finest defence industrial bases in the world. As Defence Secretary, I see communities – such as Barrow and Derby – transformed by both defence investment and the pride and purpose that comes with it. I want towns up and down the country to gain the jobs, apprenticeships and skills that defence brings. Ukraine shows us that a nation's Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry behind them. So through the SDR we will create an 'always-on' munitions production base, capable of scaling up when needed. At least six munitions and energetics factories will be built – with £1.5 billion of new funding. And we will build, here in Britain, up to 7,000 long-range weapons, making UK forces and Nato stronger and deterring adversaries like Russia. These investments will back more than 1,800 high-skilled jobs across the UK. This is a new era for defence. The SDR sets a new vision, part of this Government's drive for national renewal. Jobs will be created. Towns will thrive. Working people will be better off.
South Wales Argus
12-05-2025
- Politics
- 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.
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
New system will help support armed forces veterans across Lanarkshire
It coincides with the 80 year anniversary of VE Day this week Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash has paid tribute to the armed forces community across her constituency as this week marks 80 years since VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe. VE Day on Thursday May 8, is a time for remembrance and reflection of those who have served - and still serve - in the armed forces. The Labour MP welcomed the UK Government's new VALOUR system - a bold UK-wide plan to improve veterans' support services. She said: 'The new VALOUR system, named to celebrate the courage of our veteran community, will mean veterans across the UK have easier access to essential care and support. 'This move is a vital step forward for the 2,553 veterans in Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke. 'For most service personnel, a career in the Armed Forces sets them up for success and can be a great tool for social mobility. 'VALOUR aims to help unlock veterans' full potential and foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities. 'And where veterans have complex needs, VALOUR will help ensure the support on offer is data driven and better tailored to their need.' Backed by £50 million of funding, VALOUR will provide joined-up care through a UK-wide network of recognised support centres, regional field officers, and tailored, data-driven services. It will improve access to help in key areas like housing, employment, health and welfare - regardless of where a veteran lives. Pamela added: 'Bringing together charities, service providers and local government, the new regional field officers provide more evidence and feedback driven support for veterans, across housing, employment, health and welfare. 'Our veterans served with valour. Now our VALOUR support network will help ensure our country repays their courage. 'Labour is delivering on our Plan for Change by renewing the nation's contract with those who serve. 'They had our backs, and we have theirs.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Leader Live
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Andrew Ranger MP highlights importance of Hightown Barracks to Wrexham
MP for Wrexham In 2027 we will mark 150 years since the establishment of the Hightown Barracks in Wrexham. The symbol of the proud military history of our city. In both World War One and World War Two, the Barracks were the site of regimental basic training before new recruits were deployed. This is particularly poignant as this week marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. On a recent visit to Hightown Barracks, I met with Colonel Nick Lock to explore the work of the Hightown Barracks today. It was saved in 2013 after a huge community effort led by former MP Ian Lucas and local councillors Graham Rogers and Brian Cameron amongst many others, including myself. I was struck by Colonel Lock's description of the pride that Wrexham feels in its connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, embodied by the campaign to save the barracks. Colonel Lock and I also discussed the difficulties our armed forces currently face after years of cuts and in the context of a rapidly changing global situation. As a former Air Cadet myself and having met current cadets, serving personnel and veterans, I understand the value of a military career, the skills that are developed but also the challenges that can be faced when that career ends. Earlier this year I was proud to be a member of the bill committee for the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for personnel and their families to raise service issues affecting their lives, from kit, to housing, to childcare. The independent Commissioner will have proper powers to investigate issues affecting service life, make recommendations, and report to Parliament. They will also have access to personnel, information, and to defence sites. And we want them to hold us to account, too. According to the House of Commons Library, there are an estimated 3,450 households in Wrexham who have at least one military veteran. Veteran support is crucial, which is why the UK Government has launched the VALOUR system to ensure easier access to essential care and support. For most service personnel, a career in the Armed Forces sets them up for success and can be a great tool for social mobility. VALOUR aims to help unlock veterans' full potential and foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities. And where Veterans have complex needs, Valour will help ensure the support on offer is data driven and better tailored to their need. VALOUR is backed by £50 million of funding, which will help ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support. That funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres in every nation of the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – using data to shape better services. As we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe this week, our grateful nation looks forward to joining our brave Armed Forces and veterans to reflect, commemorate and remember. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and the families who support them, for the contribution they make to our country. Theirs is the ultimate public service. These are serious times, with war in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, growing Russian aggression and increasing global instability. The lessons of the Second World War where countries and peoples came together to defeat fascism and defend our freedoms must never be forgotten.
Leader Live
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Wrexham MP highlights importance of Hightown Barracks
MP for Wrexham In 2027 we will mark 150 years since the establishment of the Hightown Barracks in Wrexham. The symbol of the proud military history of our city. In both World War One and World War Two, the Barracks were the site of regimental basic training before new recruits were deployed. This is particularly poignant as this week marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. On a recent visit to Hightown Barracks, I met with Colonel Nick Lock to explore the work of the Hightown Barracks today. It was saved in 2013 after a huge community effort led by former MP Ian Lucas and local councillors Graham Rogers and Brian Cameron amongst many others, including myself. I was struck by Colonel Lock's description of the pride that Wrexham feels in its connection with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, embodied by the campaign to save the barracks. Colonel Lock and I also discussed the difficulties our armed forces currently face after years of cuts and in the context of a rapidly changing global situation. As a former Air Cadet myself and having met current cadets, serving personnel and veterans, I understand the value of a military career, the skills that are developed but also the challenges that can be faced when that career ends. Earlier this year I was proud to be a member of the bill committee for the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for personnel and their families to raise service issues affecting their lives, from kit, to housing, to childcare. The independent Commissioner will have proper powers to investigate issues affecting service life, make recommendations, and report to Parliament. They will also have access to personnel, information, and to defence sites. And we want them to hold us to account, too. According to the House of Commons Library, there are an estimated 3,450 households in Wrexham who have at least one military veteran. Veteran support is crucial, which is why the UK Government has launched the VALOUR system to ensure easier access to essential care and support. For most service personnel, a career in the Armed Forces sets them up for success and can be a great tool for social mobility. VALOUR aims to help unlock veterans' full potential and foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities. And where Veterans have complex needs, Valour will help ensure the support on offer is data driven and better tailored to their need. VALOUR is backed by £50 million of funding, which will help ensure that every veteran, regardless of where they live, can access joined up support. That funding will establish a new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres in every nation of the UK and deploy Regional Field Officers to connect local, regional and national services – using data to shape better services. As we mark 80 years since Victory in Europe this week, our grateful nation looks forward to joining our brave Armed Forces and veterans to reflect, commemorate and remember. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and the families who support them, for the contribution they make to our country. Theirs is the ultimate public service. These are serious times, with war in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, growing Russian aggression and increasing global instability. The lessons of the Second World War where countries and peoples came together to defeat fascism and defend our freedoms must never be forgotten.
