Keir Starmer under fire for not appointing veterans' minister

In recent news, the new Labour government has decided not to appoint a dedicated veterans' minister to sit in the cabinet, sparking disappointment among key figures in the veterans' support community. Help For Heroes charity CEO, James Needham, expressed his disappointment at the absence of a dedicated minister but remains hopeful that the government, led by John Healey, will continue to collaborate with charities to provide the necessary support for the Armed Forces Community. Mark Atkinson, director general of the Royal British Legion, emphasized the importance of the government fulfilling its commitments to the Armed Forces Community, including applying the Armed Forces Covenant in law across all government departments. The absence of a veterans' minister in Keir Starmer's cabinet was first highlighted by Fred Thomas, now the elected Plymouth Moor View MP and a veteran, during a pre-election hustings event. Thomas emphasized the challenges faced by veterans, such as financial struggles and unemployment, and called for a more holistic approach to addressing their needs. Former veterans' minister Johnny Mercer, who served from 2019 to 2024, criticized Starmer for not appointing a veterans' minister despite campaign promises. Mercer highlighted the impact of his initiatives, such as Operation Fortitude and Operation Courage, in supporting veterans and their mental health needs. Mercer's absence from the cabinet has raised concerns about the government's commitment to veterans' issues. Despite Starmer's assurance during the campaign that a veterans' minister would be appointed, the position remains vacant. The Veterans Minister plays a crucial role in addressing veterans' rights, mental healthcare, homelessness, and other key issues affecting the Armed Forces Community. Mercer acknowledged areas where he felt he could have done more during his tenure, including veterans' rights, mental healthcare, and support for Northern Ireland veterans. The decision not to appoint a veterans' minister has drawn criticism and calls for the government to prioritize the needs of the serving and veteran community. As the debate continues over the absence of a veterans' minister in the new Labour government, stakeholders in the veterans' support community are urging for swift action to address the pressing issues faced by veterans. The role of the Veterans Minister is seen as essential in coordinating cross-government efforts to improve the lives of serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The government's commitment to fulfilling its promises to the Armed Forces Community will be closely monitored, with expectations for concrete actions to support those who have served their country.