Still ‘gaps’ in aid given to forces personnel, claims MSP

Welcoming progress being made to support former armed forces personnel, a Fife MSP has said there are still gaps in the help provided.

Labour Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley said the gaps in support were affecting those involved in the recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq in particular.

He highlighted that referrals for PTSD and other mental health issues from former armed forces members has gone up by 143% over the past decade and said more support was required.

Scottish ministers gave an assurance to Mr Rowley that work to collect data on the numbers of veterans taking their own lives was ongoing.

Mr Rowley said: “It should be obvious that veterans and their families should be given the support that is required when it is needed.

“However, that is not always the case, particularly for people who have been involved in recent conflicts.

“It is easy for a person to switch off the reality of conflict when that conflict is taking place thousands of miles away and poses no immediate threat to them or their family.

“However, the realities of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan included 632 British soldiers being killed and tens of thousands being injured.

“Even those statistics cannot allow me to begin to imagine the horrific experience of being in armed conflict.

“That is why we all in Scotland have a duty to all those who have served in our armed forces, particularly those who have served in recent conflicts, and now need our support,” he added, pledging to continue to highlight the issue to both governments.”