- New Veterans Bill to enshrine rights
- Veterans’ railcard cost cut by almost a third in line with armed forces’ price
- Tax break for employers of veterans extended
- Dedicated cabinet minister and unit in Whitehall preserved
The Conservatives are today (Thursday 6th June) announcing a raft of measures to support veterans, including a new veterans’ bill, extended tax breaks for veterans’ employers and cheaper railcards for veterans. If elected, the Conservatives will build on their plan to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran.
The men and women who have served our country at home and abroad are heroes. That is why the Conservatives will introduce the UK’s first ever Veterans’ Bill. It will enshrine veterans’ rights, such as ensuring military qualifications have an equal standing with civilians' qualifications in law for the first time. This Bill will confirm the UK as a world leader in support for veterans.
Getting veterans into good jobs is an important element of supporting them. In addition to these bold actions, the Conservatives will extend the National Insurance holiday for veterans’ employers. By cutting tax for employers who hire veterans, we will incentivise them to hire even more. The plan is working with the employment rate of veterans has rising from 80 per cent to 89 per cent since 2015, higher than the UK average.
The price of a Veterans Railcard will be cut by almost a third from £30 per year to £21, bringing it in line with the price serving personnel pay for the HM Forces Railcard.
The Conservatives have legislated to protect our veterans against repeated reinvestigations where there is no new and compelling evidence against them, and to end vexatious claims against our armed forces.
Veterans have been willing to put their lives on the line for our freedom, peace and security. They deserve to be treated with respect, live in comfort and with peace of mind. By continuing to build on an impressive record the Conservatives are showing they are standing firmly behind them.
Measures like the National Insurance holiday for veterans’ employers, special pensions and compensation benefits, visa fees waivers for our Commonwealth vets, bespoke support for mental and physical health, a wraparound employment service ensuring veterans secure high paid and skilled jobs, as well as tens of millions in funding have been transformational for veterans’ quality of life.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
The heroes who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms represent the very best of our country.
That’s why we have prioritised making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran with our clear plan to give them the opportunities, aftercare and support they deserve to live prosperous, fulfilled lives.
The choice at the election is clear – vote for the Conservatives for a dedicated veterans’ minister, veterans’ rights enshrined in law and more opportunities for veterans, or Labour who have no plan and would take us back to square one.
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer said:
D-Day is a moment for us to reflect on the historic bravery of those men who fought for us 80 years ago. Their spirit lives on in the millions of veterans who continue their legacy today.
I am hugely proud of the progress we’ve made in ensuring the UK is the best place in the world to be a veteran and I am dedicated to making sure we go even further with this clear plan to support vets.
And we will go further by passing a law to enshrine veterans’ rights in law so that all veterans can have the peace of mind that their dedication will be recognised and rewarded throughout their lifetimes.
The Conservative candidate for Stevenage, Alex Clarkson, who attended the National Commemorative Event at the British Normandy Memorial as a member of the Stevenage branch of the Royal British Legion, added:
I warmly welcome this announcement to support our veterans.
My grandfather William Arthur Clarkson from Hertfordshire landed here 80 years ago today on Gold Beach.
He, like many others, risked their lives to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.
It’s been great talking to people, including some from Hertfordshire, who have shared stories, memories, and experiences.
I am exactly where I should be today.
Although I am not in Stevenage campaigning, I am here on the Normandy beaches with the King and the Prime Minister, commemorating those who risked and sacrificed their lives.
Their bravery allows me to stand as a parliamentary candidate in a free and democratic world.
Alex’s paternal grandfather was a gunner in the Royal Tank Regiment and was in the second wave of landings on D-Day. At the Battle of Caen, his tank was hit and he was the only survivor. He went on to the Falaise Gap and Arnhem, and after briefly returning home to marry his grandmother, returned to Germany and took part in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
