Last year Robin Millar MP brought a Private Members Bill through the house and on 18th September 2023 it received Royal Assent and became the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Act. The Act extends the remit of Veteran’s Advisory and Pensions Committees and expands the cohort of veterans that they can assist.
On Monday 8th January Robin put a question about Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees to the Ministry of Defence Minister. The question he posed was;
“Thirteen Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees across the UK provide the Minister’s Department with an important platform for hearing and helping veterans. Last year, with his help and the help of Members on both sides of the House, my private Member’s Bill gave the Secretary of State greater flexibility to use the network to help more veterans in more ways. Can the Minister tell the House what progress he has made with the VAPCs since my Bill received Royal Assent on 18 September?”
In response Minister for Defence People and Families the Rt Hon. Dr. Andrew Murrison said;
“First, let me congratulate my hon. Friend on his work on the Bill, which should properly be called the Millar Bill. I recently met VAPC chairs to discuss next steps, and we will ensure that the MOD engages with representatives from VAPCs in a series of working groups to set the direction for secondary legislation that will clarify their future role.”
Following Monday’s question Robin said;
“I was pleased that the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Act received Royal Assent last year and I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to support me in presenting this Bill.
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.
It is for this reason that I am keen to see Veterans Advisory and Pension Committees work as effectively as possible, and I look forward to hearing more about the secondary legislation soon.”
You can watch me asking this question here.