Local MP Dean Russell attended Armed Forces Covenant Awareness training. The training provides an overview of the unique challenges of Service life and how people can help support the Armed Forces Community.
The Covenant is a commitment by the nation to ensure that those who have and continue to serve, as well as their families, are treated fairly and suffer no disadvantage. In the face of intensifying threats, our Armed Forces are more important than ever in protecting our national security, representing our interests on the world stage, and reinforcing ties with our NATO allies.
Speaking after the training Dean Russell MP said "I welcome that the Armed Forces Act 2021 has been passed by Parliament. The Act enshrines the Covenant further into law, delivering on our manifesto commitment to introduce a legal duty for relevant UK public bodies to have due regard to the principles of the Covenant.
"The training serves as a useful introduction to the Covenant and to what life in the Armed Forces can be like.
"I am encouraged by the recent funding announcements in support of veteran welfare, most notably in the Autumn 2021 Budget and Spending Review. The Government will provide an additional £5 million in 2022-23 for a variety of causes, including research into treatments for mental health issues."
