Veterans’ support is a must...

The statistics paint an alarming picture of life after military service for a worrying number of veterans.

Figures uncovered by our investigation team show that ex-soldiers and sailors are killing themselves at a rate of one every 11 days. During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014 the rate of British fatalities due to enemy action was one death every 14 days.

That the rate of deaths due to suicide is higher after service than the casualty rate in service, is truly shocking.

We accept that the majority of veterans adapt to life after service successfully and more often than not flourish in civilian life.

They are a welcome addition to our community.

But it is clear that there are a significant few who struggle and, in extreme cases, take their own lives.

We have known this for some time, yet, as we reveal today, no official records on the number of veterans taking their lives are kept.

How can an accurate assessment of the problem be made, if no records are kept?

Little wonder then that the Government stands accused of “turning a blind eye” to concern that suicides among military veterans are spiralling.

It is clear that there is much more needs to be done to support the very people who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.

A clearer monitoring process is a must, but so too is greater support for these veterans, both by highlighting the services available to help them and financially supporting these organisations.

The care and support for those who served their country with honour should not end at the military gates.