I’m writing this week’s column in the run up to Remembrance weekend. An important time to focus our thoughts on our armed forces, both serving and retired. And those who never made it home.
This weekend there will be Remembrance services across East Hampshire as we reflect on those that have paid the ultimate price to protect our land and our freedom.
But this is also an opportunity to think about how we as a nation continue to support both those still serving and those who have moved into civilian life – our veterans.
The world remains dangerous – in some ways growing in danger. Last week’s Budget included information on defence spending, but I do believe it is important that as well as having the ambition of increasing it to 2.5 percent the government should also set out its path to hitting that target. I hope it will do so soon.
We also heard that military families in receipt of the continuity of education allowance for school fees will receive mitigation from the VAT changes that come into force from January. That is a welcome step (though as regular readers will know, I would rather there were no VAT on education to need mitigation from).
The ‘Armed Forces Covenant’ is essentially a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families, which says we will ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day to day lives. The Covenant is a very positive thing – when it is working well – and I commend all the employers and public bodies and others who are truly committed to it.
More than 1 in 10 East Hampshire households includes a veteran, which is considerably above the national average. Veterans do, did or will need differing levels of support at some stage to help them make a life for themselves outside of the military. Having spoken to many, I’m acutely aware that understanding the help available and what you might be entitled to can become a bit of a stumbling block.
This is why I have joined up with East Hampshire District Council and the Royal British Legion to host the first East Hampshire Veterans Festival. The purpose of the festival is to bring all the support available to veterans – be it help on pensions, housing, employment, health, benefits, education and much more – under one roof.
In addition to sector experts, also present will be charities such as Beyond the Wire, who I met recently. This charity helps those that have lost a family member in conflict; helping to navigate the complexities of a life away from the military. Although not veterans themselves, these families are as much a part of the armed forces community as their loved ones, and so are also due the same level of assistance.
I really hope that this event helps put our local military and veteran community in touch with support that is out there.
As we mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day once again we reflect that we will forever owe our service men and women a debt of gratitude.
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The East Hampshire Veterans Festival is taking place on Friday 24th January 2025 at the Festival Hall in Petersfield. It’s free to attend and open to all veterans. For more information, or if you would like to book a stand, please email: [email protected].
