Aberconwy MP Robin Millar’s Private Members’ Bill supporting veterans passed its final stages in the House of Lords this week to receive Royal Assent, becoming the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Act. The Act extends the remit of Veterans’ Advisory Pensions Committees and to expand the cohort of veterans that they can assist.
Welcoming the news, Robin said:
“I’m delighted that the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Act has received Royal Assent. I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to support me in presenting this Bill, including the Royal British Legion and local military charities here in Aberconwy. And, at a time when politics often appears so polarised, the cross-party support that the Act has received at every stage has been heartening.”
Continuing, he said:
“The highest proportion of veterans in Wales are here in Conwy County. Men and women who have served with distinction and honour, often at great cost. It has been a privilege when I have met them, to discuss life after service and also, on occasion, hear from them about their time in the Armed Forces.
“In Aberconwy, I have been impressed by the work of established institutions like Blind Veterans, which operate their principal facility serving veterans from across the UK – and even overseas – from their hospital overlooking Llandudno. And I have been moved by the spontaneous emergence of groups and initiatives from within the community, such as Military Minds FC and the Troop Café.
“These are the organic and dynamic organisations – a network of Burke’s little platoons – which need encouragement and enabling in their work of support for veterans, more than any direction and regulation. And it is to enable the spirit of these volunteers that the Act is intended.”