POPPY SCOTLAND MANIFESTO

Yesterday, Poppyscotland launched its manifesto in advance of The Scottish Parliament elections in May.

I am sure that the Scottish National Party (SNP) and The Scottish Government will engage positively and constructively on the issues raised.

The SNP Scottish Government has an excellent track record of delivering for veterans and was the first nation in the U.K. to establish a Scottish Veterans Commissioner, appointed by the Scottish Government Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey MSP.

The Scottish Government also provides funding for the Supporting Veterans Into Employment Initiative as well as a Scottish Veterans’ Fund to support projects that provide a wide range of advice and practical support to veterans across Scotland. In Scotland the rules were also changed to ensure that the War Disablement Pension is exempt from the assessment of income, meaning veterans can access the help they need and keep the full value of their pension. This is an approach that should be taken for all reserved social security benefits and on which we will continue to press the U.K. Government.