Armed Forces Week

This Armed Forces Week, I'm thinking of all the men and women who risk their lives for our national security, and the families who sacrifice so much to support them.

When we came into government, we were determined to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, who have served, and Forces families. 

I’m proud of what we have delivered in our first 11 months, with the largest forces pay rise in more than 20 years, and another inflation-busting pay rise this year. 

We are recruiting the first ever Armed Forces Commissioner who will be an independent, direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families.

The Commissioner will have the power to investigate issues which impact service life, make recommendations and report them to Parliament. They will challenge ministers and raise awareness of the issues which face our armed forces community, including with annual reports.

We are launching a new care and support system for veterans – VALOUR – which will coordinate local, regional and national services, making it easier for veterans to access help on housing, employment and health.

We have launched a £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme to recognise the historic wrongs experienced by LGBT veterans in the Armed Forces.

We have delivered our manifesto commitment to make the Veterans’ Card an accepted form of voter ID.

Over the next five years, we are boosting the Cadet Forces by 30 per cent, drawing from the talents and skills of young people across the country.

This will see 42,000 young people benefit from new skills and qualifications.

With a new National Security Strategy that aligns our security and economic objectives, we have committed to spending 5 per cent of GDP on security within ten years. 

Our European allies — like France, Germany and Poland — have made the same pledge, which shows the enduring strength of the NATO alliance and our relentless focus on delivering security for people in Britain.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the servicemen and women who have kept our country safe. As we celebrate Armed Forces Week in Cardiff North, I'll be thinking of them.