Supporting veterans and their loves ones will always be one of my top priorities.

This week I have been working with a whole range of campaigning groups that support veterans – each has an important mission.

First, I met with Care after Combat, a group that works with veterans who are in the justice system or struggling after time in prison.

Many have found adjusting to civilian life incredibly difficult and now need specialist guidance and support. Care after Combat is delivering this targeted help so that these veterans can rebuild their lives, find employment, and thrive. I will do everything I can to support their vital work.

Next, I met with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to discuss the important work of Fighting with Pride, a group that advocates for veterans who were wrongfully discharged or forced out of the Armed Forces because they are LGBT+. The ban on LGBT+ individuals serving in the Armed Forces was lifted in 2000, and yet the campaign to deliver redress for those affected by this harmful ban goes on.

I will work alongside the Government to put right this historic injustice and ensure that every LGBT+ veteran receives the respect and dignity they deserve.

Finally, I have been supporting the work of Help for Heroes, as they look to fix a serious shortfall in our welfare system. As it stands, some veterans who receive significant compensation following a life-changing injury are then denied the welfare support they need later in life.

This discrepancy is simply unfair. No veteran should be forced to choose between the compensation they need and the welfare support they deserve. I am committed to working with Help for Heroes to change the rules here, which simply do not stack up.

As your local MP, I promise to listen to veterans at every opportunity, and I will do everything I can to be a voice for veterans in Westminster.