Remembrance: Support for veterans and new funding to protect war memorials welcomed by Spen Valley MP
The MP for Spen Valley, Kim Leadbeater, has welcomed major Government action during the days of Remembrance to honour veterans and protect local war memorials.
The national measures were announced over Remembrance Day and include new funding to protect war memorials, as well as the launch of a transformational Veterans Strategy, which will aim to support the 11,791 veterans living in Kirklees.
The Government has announced an additional £2 million to help maintain and protect the UK’s 100,000 war memorials, many of which are in urgent need of repair due to age, weather damage or vandalism. The funding will support the long-standing work of local volunteers, veterans’ groups and heritage organisations who care for memorials year after year.
At the same time, the Government has launched a comprehensive Veterans Strategy, including new VALOUR support hubs to provide joined-up guidance on health, housing, employment, finance and wellbeing. £27 million has been released for local bids, alongside a new £12 million fund to prevent and reduce veteran homelessness and an expansion of Op FORTITUDE.
These hubs will offer a coordinated national network of support, backed by a new VALOUR headquarters within the Ministry of Defence.
Kim said: “On Remembrance Day, our thoughts turned to the extraordinary courage, service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform.
“Here in Spen Valley and across Kirklees, we are proud to be home to more than 11,700 veterans, each with their own story, contribution and legacy.
“Our war memorials are sacred spaces where we come together to reflect, to remember and to say thank you. This new £2 million investment will help ensure these monuments are protected for future generations, and that the stories of those who served continue to be told with dignity and respect.
“At the same time, the Government’s new Veterans Strategy is a major step forward. Through new support hubs, a boost to homelessness prevention, and investment in specialist NHS services, veterans in Spen Valley will finally see the joined-up, long-overdue support they deserve.
“I will be backing the VALOUR bid in our area to make sure we have the best chance of securing new funding locally.
“We owe our veterans not just gratitude, but action - and I’m determined to make sure this support reaches people here in Kirklees.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, and that is only possible through the extraordinary men and women in our Armed Forces.
“Our nation owes a duty to those who have served, and this new Strategy recognises veterans as one of our greatest assets.
“Our message to veterans and the Armed Forces community is simple: we are on your side.”