Thousands sign plea for more veteran support

An open letter, including 75,000 signatures, calling for more support for veterans will be delivered to the prime minister later.

The letter by charity Help for Heroes urges Prime Minister Andy Burnham to improve healthcare access, financial security and support after service. Sir Mark Cavendish, Lorraine Kelly and Ross Kemp are among those to have signed the letter.

Three veterans will help deliver it to Number 10, including Annette Laurie, 66, from Plymstock, Devon.

Laurie, who joined the Naval Reserves in 1984, said she wanted officials to fully exempt the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension payments from tax and benefit means-testing. The government has been asked to comment.

Laurie said: "They are financial payments in recognition of injury, trauma, and sacrifice.

"Forcing veterans to count these funds alongside any benefits, and then appear to earn too much, can exclude them financially from mental and physical healthcare."

In the letter, the charity's CEO James Needham, said: "As a nation, we have made a promise through the Armed Forces Covenant, that no-one would be disadvantaged because they served our nation.

"Many veterans, particularly those injured while serving, are still denied the quality healthcare, financial security and support they need and deserve.

"We are failing to deliver on this promise.

"As prime minister, you can lead a generational shift in how government supports our Armed Forces Community – those currently serving, our veterans and their families.

"Prime minister, the United Kingdom promised that no veteran should be disadvantaged because of their service. We believe now is the time to honour that commitment."

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