Aberconwy MP Robin Millar has welcomed the passing of his Private Members’ Bill, the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill, passing its Second Reading in the House of Lords. The Bill seeks to extend the remit of Veterans’ Advisory Pensions Committees and to expand the cohort of veterans that they can assist.
Opening the debate in the House of Lords, Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton said:
“I am pleased that the Bill has had a successful passage in the other place and received support from all sides, in no small measure thanks to the excellent efforts of Robin Millar.”
Continuing, he said:
“I believe that the Bill will make a tangible difference to veterans and their families, and act as an important bridge between the veteran community and the Government.”
Concluding the debate, the Minister of State for Defence Baroness Goldie said:
“The priority for today is to ensure that this Private Members’ Bill, which addresses the importance of issues of support for our veterans and their families, receives a smooth passage through the House of Lords.”
The Second Reading was passed with strong support from across the House of Lords and will now progress to the Committee Stage.
Commenting after the Bill’s progression, Robin commented:
“I am pleased that my Bill has now progressed to its Committee Stage in the House of Lords. At a time when politics often appears so polarised it is heartening that there is a real sense of unity in ensuring that we care for those who have given so much to protect us. I am grateful for the cross-party and cross-bench support that my Bill has received during its progression through Parliament.
Continuing, he said:
“Since being elected as the MP for Aberconwy it has been a privilege to participate in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. The scheme has given me, and many other MPs, an invaluable insight into military life and experiences that have allowed me to make more informed contributions to defence policy.
“This Government is determined to make the United Kingdom the best place in the world to be a veteran and I am proud that this Bill will help to realise this vision. It facilities the provision of more support to more veterans and it gives Ministers the flexibility to adapt support that is available to veterans as circumstances change.”
Concluding, he said:
“Conwy has the highest proportion of veterans of any county in Wales. It has been a real privilege to meet and listen to veterans across Aberconwy and I’ve been inspired by the work of local charities and community groups such as Military Minds FC and Llandudno’s Troop Café who do much to support them.”