Starmer under fire for failing to put veterans’ minister in Cabinet

Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for failing to put a veterans’ minister in his Cabinet. 

Downing Street has confirmed that John Healey, the Defence Secretary, will be expected to represent veterans as opposed to having a dedicated minister attending.

Under Rishi Sunak’s government, Johnny Mercer, the former minister for veterans’ affairs, attended Cabinet meetings to speak on behalf of veterans. Labour has yet to announce who will become the next veterans minister.

Mr Mercer has accused the Prime Minister of telling a “straightforward lie” after confirming that he would not have a veterans minister attend Cabinet.

He told The Telegraph: “I hope those 14 ex-service personnel he made a promise in front of when he paraded them during the campaign now see themselves for the opportunistic puppets they are. 

“It won’t be long before he’s arresting Northern Ireland veterans again. Perhaps some of the ex-military Labour MPs can go and warn them off, give them a bit of notice this time.”

Sources close to Mr Healey said the Defence Secretary wanted to speak at Cabinet meetings on behalf of veterans so that he could be “a voice for the entire Armed Forces”. 

A defence source told The Telegraph that he would “personally have a new specific ministerial responsibility in overseeing veterans policy.”

But Lord Dannatt, a former head of the Army, told The Telegraph: “Most veterans’ issues aren’t dealt with by the Ministry of Defence. The only thing the MoD is responsible for is the paying of veterans’ pensions. 

“It always made sense to have the minister of state for veterans in the Cabinet Office because they had an overarching view on all issues that affected veterans, which someone in the MoD doesn’t have.”

Lord Dannatt said he had been “arguing for 20 years” for a veterans minister to have a seat at the Cabinet table and was saddened by the decision, adding: “I hope the Labour government reconsiders.”

On Monday, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “First and foremost, the Defence Secretary will represent veterans at Cabinet. Veterans are part of our military family, and the Secretary of State will drive work with Cabinet colleagues to deliver for them.”

Veterans charities have urged the Government to show it was committed to helping veterans.

Mark Atkinson, the director general of the Royal British Legion, said: “The new Government should show by its actions that it is effectively meeting the needs and improving the lives of the Armed Forces Community – serving personnel, veterans, the bereaved and their families.

“We are pleased that the Government, in its manifesto, committed to applying the Armed Forces Covenant in law to every part of government, and we look forward to working with ministers across the range of departments that serve our community.

“RBL will seek reassurances that any changes do not signal a reduction in support or priority, but that they will result in improved coordination and delivery for the entire armed forces community.”

James Needham, the CEO of Help for Heroes, said: “While we are disappointed there isn’t a dedicated veterans’ minister in Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, we hope John Healey and his team will continue to work with Help for Heroes and other charities to deliver the support our Armed Forces Community deserves.”