Ex soldiers who risked their lives for our country deserve better, declares new veterans minister Al Carns

AS a Royal Marine Commando, I served in every major conflict of the last twenty years, and I have seen countless acts of courage, selflessness and kindness from the exceptional men and women of our Armed Forces. Proof that they are the best of us.

The world is becoming increasingly fractious. Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine brought war to Europe, and autocratic states are degrading the very freedoms so many British and Allied forces fought to protect in WWII.

I have seen first-hand the impact of 14 years of defence cuts, and I have seen up close how the very character of warfare is changing.

That's why I stood for election as an MP. We need change and fast. And that's why I'm honoured to be appointed as the Minister for Veterans and People.

I am ready for this task. I’m under no illusions that many of our Armed Forces and veterans feel let down or forgotten. I will do everything I can to ensure they get the support they deserve.

And I am so pleased to be part of the Defence Secretary's team. He will be a stalwart advocate for veterans and armed forces personnel and their families at the Cabinet table.

We're not wasting a moment in getting to work for our veterans. I've been out this week meeting some of our exceptional veterans and hearing their stories.

Next week we launch our Strategic Defence Review, and we are laser focused on solving the challenges facing our forces, and our veterans: fixing military accommodation, sorting out recruitment and retention, and improving veterans' support around employment, mental health, and housing.

This is a government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. Our new Labour Government will give nothing less to this task than what those brave and talented men and women have given for our nation.