Scottish veterans deserve better-Rennie

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Apr 2009

The welfare of Scottish veterans has fallen "between the stools" according to Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Willie Rennie MP who believes Scottish veterans are suffering from the Scottish Government's assumptions that the Ministry of Defence is dealing with veterans' issues.

Speaking on Tuesday during a parliamentary debate on Armed Forces Veterans, Mr Rennie praised the efforts of George Connelly from the Help for Heroes campaign who is planning a "Musical Spectacular" in Culross at the end of July and the work of the Fife Veterans Association.

Mr Rennie praised the Government's efforts to provide veterans with an identity card to allow them to receive priority health treatment but emphasised the importance of ensuring that these and other initiatives are rolled out to Scotland.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

The Government has made announcements on priority healthcare for veterans and priority council housing for injured veterans.

"My fear is that Scottish veterans won't benefit from such initiatives because the UK and Scottish Government's often don't work together.

The Scottish Government needs to make sure that what is decided by the MOD is implemented in Scotland so that veterans in Scotland don't lose out.

"Veterans deserve more support from the Government after many years of service in the armed forces. Many are injured, suffer from poor mental health or find it difficult to get a job or home. The Labour Government must do more."