A petition to appoint a special commissioner to represent wounded, injured, sick or homeless Welsh ex-soldiers has been heard in the National Assembly.
It was heard by the Assembly’s Petitions Committee, and the idea will be looked at by the Welsh government
The Commissioner would be responsible for an annual report to examine care for veterans, highlight good ways of supporting them and recommend future methods.
The petition, submitted by Nicola Hester, says:
“We veterans need someone to be our voice and true representation to the Welsh Government. Not what the “chiefs” want you to know. We need someone who can meet with us, know our views and what we need. To support those unfortunate who end up in prison instead of having mental health treatment for PTSD.”
The idea of a specific Veteran’s Commissioner has been backed by the Assembly’s All-Party Group on the Armed Forces, and follows the establishment of a similar post in Scotland.
“It would provide a good outlook for people in the armed forces and prove that they’ve still got a lot to offer for society in general,” said David Price of Welsh Veterans Partnership, which works to support former members of the armed forces.
“I think recruitment would benefit because people would feel that ‘If I go into the armed forces, I will be taken care of’… it could only enhance the general take-up of service”.
Mr Price also emphasised that the position would help “join up” work by armed forces charities, ensuring that work wasn’t duplicated.
Petitions Committee chair David Rowlands AM (UKIP) said there is “deep sympathy for the armed forces in the Assembly chamber”.
The petition is now being considered by the Welsh Government, who will decide if the Commissioner’s post will be created.
