Ayr MP challenges Boris Johnson on support to veterans at PMQs

Allan Dorans MP challenged Boris Johnson on what he is doing to support veterans’ mental health and highlighted the case of Hollybush House which is owned by the charity Combat Stress who have been forced to reduce their capacity with many jobs cut at the Ayr site.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, said: “In this financial year, the UK Government have redistributed funding meant for veterans’ charities.

“That has resulted in severely reduced services from Combat Stress, a renowned mental health charity serving veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“It has also meant a reduction from 24 to 10 beds in our residential unit in my constituency, and the loss of 50 jobs.

“Will the Prime Minister show his support for veterans’ mental health today by initiating an urgent review of that redistribution of this critical funding, so that we can stop life-changing and often life-saving services being lost?”

The Prime Minister responded saying that Mr Dorans “is absolutely right to raise the issue of veterans and their needs, and that is why the UK Government appointed a Minister for Defence People and Veterans, and a veterans taskforce—a special unit in the Cabinet Office”.

Mr Dorans’ question to Boris Johnson came after the Chief Executive of Combat Stress, Sue Freeth, called on the UK Government to “step-up” to “address the gap” caused by the funding distribution.

Speaking in January she said: “Historically, 40 per cent of our income came from the government.

“These sources of funding have been redistributed and veterans are struggling to get the help they need.

“Now 90 per cent dependent on public donations, we cannot supply a critical service to four UK nations on £10 million per annum when most of the funding is coming from the public and charitable sector funds.

She added: “The government must step up and we are seeking urgent talks to address the gap.”