Iraq veteran in new battle to get Burnham to invest in war heroes who ‘will answer call’

More than 80,000 people have signed an open letter urging the Government to improve healthcare, financial security and other support for veterans. Organised by Help for Heroes, the letter says fulfilling the Armed Forces Covenant matters both to veterans’ wellbeing and to national security, as former service personnel could be called on again.

Simon Brown, an Iraq veteran shot in the face who later became mayor of Morley, said reliable support could help recruit and retain service personnel. Retired RAF Group Captain Barrie Griffiths called for timely healthcare, housing and financial help, including for families. The Government said it recognises more needs to be done and cited its £50 million Valour support service for veterans and their families.