Armed forces minister chats with veterans in Stafford during one of his first visits since promotion
The newly appointed minister for the armed forces met with veterans in Stafford during one of his first public appearances since his promotion in Monday's reshuffle.
Al Carns, who achieved the Military Cross during his service in the Royal Marines, called into the Bird in Hand, home to the town's Royal British Legion, yesterday (Friday, September 13).
He took part in a round-table session, hosted by Stafford MP Leigh Ingham, where veterans and serving personnel were invited to raise their concerns about matters such as access to welfare, housing and health care.
Representatives of local councils, the NHS, forces' charities and housing providers also took part.
Miss Ingham said there were 4,300 veterans in the constituency, plus about 1,000 people who were still serving.
Mr Carns, who had served as veterans minister before the reshuffle, heard first-hand about the challenges faced and the efforts to address them in the county.
Miss Ingham said the meeting would be used to shape both local action and national policy, with Stafford positioned as an example of how services can work together better to provide the services veterans need.
Discussions focused on housing, health, employment, and how the Armed Forces Covenant was being put into practice.
Chas Dale, chairman of Stafford Royal British Legion and himself a veteran, said: “It means a great deal to veterans like me to know our voices are being heard.
"Leigh Ingham has shown real commitment to standing up for Stafford’s service community, and it was encouraging to meet the minister here in Stafford to share our experiences directly.
"We hope this is the start of real change that makes a differenceto veterans’ lives.”
Miss Ingham said the constituency had a proud history of service, and she was determined that veterans were not only heard, but that their voices shaped change nationally.
"By bringing the minister to Stafford to meet veterans and representatives from key organisations that support them, we can now drive forward a local action plan so no veteran in our community is left behind.”
Mr Carns said: “It was a privilege to meet with veterans in Stafford and hear directly about their experiences.
"Local discussions like this are vital in ensuring services work together effectively and in shaping how we deliver for veterans across the country, to ensure nobody falls through the cracks.”
