I wrote to the editors of the Western Mail and the Daily Post this week about Wales’ commitments to the Armed Forces. This is the letter I sent:
Dear Editor
This week I had the privilege of speaking in a Welsh Conservative-led debate on support for our Armed Forces Community in Wales. I think we would all agree that as a nation, we have a duty to give the brave and capable men and women of our armed forces our full support in return for the selfless service and sacrifice they are prepared to make in our name.
However, we should not just talk about these issues for one week of the year around Remembrance Day but raise them throughout the year. We must ensure that they have what they need to do what we ask of them and that they and their families are looked after properly during and after the service they give to us and our country.
I feel so strongly about this issue that a few weeks ago, when backbench AMs had the chance to submit an idea for a ballot which would give one us the opportunity of bringing forward Welsh legislation, I put forward the proposition of an Armed Forces Bill for Wales. This was a key Welsh Conservative manifesto pledge from May’s election and the objectives were simple – it would help forces personnel to play a full role in society and give them the opportunity they need to socialise and make the most of travel, heritage and leisure facilities; it would raise awareness of the availability of NHS priority care for service related conditions, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; and it would allow wider civil society in Wales to recognise their service and bravery for all that they do on our behalf. Unfortunately, the lottery system meant I did not get selected.
However, ahead of the debate and much to my welcome surprise, the Welsh Government has come forward and published its own package of support for the Armed Forces Community in Wales. This was a real positive step forward and I am pleased that Government has taken forward some elements of the Armed Forces Card that we prioritised in our manifesto.
Yet, there is still the opportunity for the Government to go further with this package of support because I believe some of the commitments fall short of what we believe is necessary – particularly around health support – to provide the best for our armed forces personnel.
The Government said it is a ‘living document’, which is flexible and can be enhanced in the future. Therefore, I hope the Minister took on board the excellent suggestions made by all AMs during the debate because these people who have sacrificed so much for their country deserve our full recognition and full support.
Russell George AM
National Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire