The Ministry of Defence has pushed back on a proposal from Rupert Lowe MP to divert foreign aid spending into a new suite of veteran support measures, emphasising that extensive programmes are already in place.
Lowe asked ministers to consider using aid funds to establish a network offering fast-track treatment, ring-fenced housing priority and a dedicated employment and retraining system for former service personnel.
In her response, Defence minister Louise Sandher-Jones said the Government remained “completely dedicated to recognising our veterans” but made no commitment to reviewing aid spending.
She pointed to the new cross-government Veterans’ Strategy built around VALOUR, described as “a new national programme designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK to access the care and support they deserve”, with 27 million pounds allocated for support hubs.
Sandher-Jones listed current mental and physical health services, including Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE, and highlighted housing measures such as “additional priority” status, removal of local-connection rules, and increased funding for homelessness services. Op FORTITUDE, the single referral pathway, has “already housed over 1,000 veterans”, she said.
For employment, she cited the Career Transition Partnership and Op ASCEND, which has “successfully engaged over 420 employers and supported over 4,600 veterans and family members” as of June.
The minister’s reply underscored the existing support landscape while offering no indication that the Government plans to redirect aid funding along the lines suggested by Lowe.
