Corbyn’s ‘social contract’ vow to veterans

JEREMY Corbyn has pledged a better deal for veterans if Labour takes power.

Mr Corbyn used the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War to outline a “social contract” with the men and women who have served the UK in the armed forces.

The Labour leader said the package of policies would help veterans with mental health issues, housing and retraining.

Mr Corbyn said: “On Remembrance Sunday, we commemorate all those killed in war as we strive for a world of peace.

“We must also think of our veterans and the shocking lack of support far too many receive.

“Let today spur us into action, to give our veterans the security and support they deserve with a new social contract for veterans.

“The next Labour government will guarantee armed forces personnel the opportunity to have a home, to heal and to retrain when they complete their time in service.

“We will do the right thing by ending the scourge of rough sleeping and helping veterans embark on new careers.

“The psychological effects of war can be devastating.

“While many organisations do fantastic work to give mental health support, charity alone is not enough.

“If someone is suffering from PTSD, this should be treated as seriously as a physical injury.

“We must honour our commitments to those who served in our armed forces.”

Labour’s shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith said: “In spite of the best efforts of many of those working in the sector, too many veterans are still not getting the support that they need.

“The Government’s longoverdue veterans strategy needs to be far reaching and properly funded.

“It must strengthen the transition phases and implement proper joined-up thinking to ensure that no veteran who needs support falls through the net.

“And it needs to put in the funding so that local councils and health providers can implement the Armed Forces Covenant consistently and effectively, to ensure that veterans get the employment, housing and health support that they are entitled to.”