Purvis supports Scotland’s veterans (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Purvis supports Scotland’s veterans

October 1, 2008 12:10 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale Jeremy Purvis will chair the first meeting of the newly created Cross Party Group (CPG) in the Scottish Parliament for Supporting Veterans in Scotland.

The new CPG has been set up to discuss issues affecting the veterans' community in Scotland in order that those responsible for shaping policy recognise that the needs of some veterans may be different from other members of society.

Commenting, Mr Purvis said:

"Scotland's veterans should be given the respect and attention they deserve by this Parliament.

"I hope that through this new Cross Party Group, supported by both Poppyscotland and Veterans Scotland, we can start to make a real difference to the lives of our ex-servicemen and women.

"I am keen to start putting those issues specific to our veterans at the forefront of debate in Holyrood - issues such as affordable housing, employment and training, health provision and social inclusion.

"One of the first issues I am particularly keen to tackle is mental health support for our young veterans. In 2006, Combat Stress had more than 400 active clients in Scotland, of whom 66 per cent were between the ages of 30 and 60. We all want to see more support for this group and this will be a core piece of work for the CPG."

Adding to this, Ron Smith, Chairman of Veterans Scotland, said:

"The veterans community in Scotland welcomes this initiative by MSPs and looks forward to working with the cross party group on a wide range of issues as they affect veterans and their families across Scotland."