Al Carns commits to improving housing, job prospects, and mental health for veterans
Former soldiers who risked their lives for our country deserve better, the new veterans minister declares today. Al Carns pledged to waste no time in bettering their housing, job prospects, and mental health. The ex-Marines Colonel left the military after 24 years ahead of the election and was among five new Labour MPs given top jobs by Sir Keir Starmer.
Commitment to support Armed Forces and veterans
Mr. Carns stated, "I am ready for this task. I’m under no illusions that many of our Armed Forces and veterans feel let down or forgotten. I will do everything I can to ensure that they get the support they deserve." The ex-commando, awarded the Military Cross for his service in Afghanistan, emphasized the need to respond to those undermining hard-won freedoms.
Call for change and increased defense spending
Mr. Carns, ahead of a Strategic Defence Review launching next week, emphasized the need for change. He warned, "We need change and fast." The review will outline plans to raise defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP.
Government commitment to veterans
New PM Sir Keir was criticized for not appointing a dedicated veterans minister in the Cabinet like the Tories did with Johnny Mercer. Instead, Defence Secretary John Healey will represent veterans at the Cabinet table. Mr. Carns affirmed, "This is a government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. We will give nothing less to this task than what those brave and talented men and women have given for our nation."
