Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Tag: Rishi Sunak

  • Prime Minister Announces OP PROSPER To Boost Veterans’ Employment

    Prime Minister Announces OP PROSPER To Boost Veterans’ Employment

     

    The Prime Minister met veterans and businesses at a Veterans Connect event held at a military museum, where he launched OP PROSPER – a wraparound employment service to support veterans into work after they leave the Armed Forces.

    OP PROSPER will be backed by £2.1 million in new funding. The scheme will support veterans in securing high paid jobs, where they can hone the skills that they developed in the military in key sectors that are helping to boost the economy. This includes areas like cyber and digital, manufacturing, energy and financial and professional services.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The courageous men and women who have served in our Armed Forces represent the very best of our country and we must serve them as well as they have served us. They deserve our full support to thrive in civilian life and to continue contributing their incredible skills to the prosperity of our country. That is why I am proud to announce OP PROSPER, which will support veterans in securing high-skilled roles in key sectors that are helping to grow the economy.”

    The Prime Minister was joined by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer, to meet veterans and some of the leading employers of veterans in the UK, including Deloitte, Amazon and Centrica.

    Veterans’ employment in the UK is at an all-time high, at 89%, but there is more we can do. OP PROSPER will build on the support already available and will improve awareness of the skills and talents of veterans among industry and employers, to encourage businesses to hire veterans.

    The initiative will also provide wrap-around support to veterans and their families, delivered by experienced employability professionals. This will make sure that they are supported to go straight into new roles or take the next step in their existing career.

    In 2022, the Government introduced a 12-month National Insurance relief for employers hiring veterans into their first role after service, which has been extended for another year. This tax incentive gives businesses potential savings of up to £6,200 per employee, while also allowing them to benefit from the fantastic skills and experience that veterans bring.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said: “Our veterans leave the military with an abundance of skills, and the tenacity and drive to continue achieving greatness. But for too long, too many have ended up in jobs that don’t fully harness their talents and abilities. That is why we’re introducing Op Prosper.

    “By connecting veterans with employers, engaging industry bodies on the importance of hiring veterans, and strengthening their qualifications and skills, this Government will ensure more ex-servicemen and women are securing high quality and fulfilling employment. Hiring a veteran is one of the best business decisions a company can make, and OP PROSPER will help ensure this is realised by all employers across the country.”

    The Government has committed to make the UK the best place in the world for veterans, providing an additional £33 million in funding to support veterans over the next three years, with a further £10 million announced in the 2023 Autumn statement for veterans’ healthcare. In 2021, Op Courage was launched as a bespoke mental health support for veterans supported by professionals who are from or have experience of working with the military community, and over 30,000 veterans have used this service to date.

    Earlier this year the government launched a new digital service enabling veterans to verify their veteran status and apply for a Veteran Card, streamlining the process to access veteran-specific support.  Since the project launched, almost 100,000 Veteran Cards have been issued.

    The Veteran Card provides veterans with a clear recognition of service, a tangible link to the Armed Forces, and allows them to easily verify their veteran status to access support and services from government, charities, and local authorities.

    This government established the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to better coordinate veterans’ policy, bring together and improve our knowledge of veterans, and provide dedicated policy work on veterans. In October last year, the Government launched a consultation to gather views from veterans and intends to publish the first ever draft Veterans Bill outlining how we could legislate to ensure that the progress made in recent years to transform veterans’ care in this country is secured. With the Veterans’ Strategy at its core, this will maintain the momentum on our ambition to make the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran.

    Chris Recchia, partner at Deloitte, lead for the firm’s Military Transition and Talent Programme and founder of the VeteransWork Employment Campaign, said: “At Deloitte, we’ve helped influence over 7,000 veterans’ transition journeys in the last 12 years, whilst helping to evolve the veteran narrative and make the UK the best place to be a veteran.

    “There are tangible benefits of having veterans in an organisation and making it a business imperative to do so, as they possess relevant transferrable skills, a positive attitude, resilience and an ability to make culture enhancing contributions not only here at Deloitte, but in the finance and professional services sector and the wider UK workforce.”

    James Cameron, CEO of Mission Community, said: “We are delighted to have been announced by the Prime Minister as one of the grant-awarded organisations for Op PROSPER leading on the delivery of sector initiatives.  Building on the success of the Armed Forces engagement initiatives in Automotive and in Renewables, we welcome government reinforcement of our strategic work with trade bodies and leading companies making the commercial and social value case for Armed Forces community engagement.

    “Since 2019, this top-down approach empowers industry as champions for this cause, helping us create a community of communities, supporting our veterans and their families by positively influencing the kinds of cultures and behaviours they will find within sectors.”

    Alistair Halliday, Chief Exec, Forces Employment Charity, said: “We are excited that Op PROSPER supports us in developing and extending our specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment and work in partnership with hundreds of employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served and their families.

    “Veterans and their families will be able to come to the Forces Employment Charity and receive free 121 support from our specialist career advisors to explore new job opportunities that will enhance success and prosperity for themselves and their families, regardless of their background or where they are based in the UK.”

  • Prime Minister Deploys UK Military To Eastern Mediterranean To Support Israel

    Prime Minister Deploys UK Military To Eastern Mediterranean To Support Israel

    Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2023.

    The Prime Minister has deployed UK military to the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel and reinforce regional stability.

    • Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft to begin patrols today to help partners track emerging threats to regional security.
    • Royal Navy task group to deploy to eastern Mediterranean in coming days to help mitigate humanitarian crisis
    • Military teams bolstered across the region as cooperation with Israel is stepped up

    The Prime Minister has directed UK military assets to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, reinforce regional stability and prevent escalation.

    Maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will begin flying in the region from Friday to track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups.

    Meanwhile, a Royal Navy task group will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean next week as a contingency measure to support humanitarian efforts.

    The military package, which includes P8 aircraft, surveillance assets, two Royal Navy ships – RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus – three merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, will be on standby to deliver practical support to Israel and partners in the region, and offer deterrence and assurance.

    The Prime Minister has also asked for all military teams in Israel, Cyprus and across the region to be bolstered to support contingency planning and the efforts of neighbouring countries to deal with any spill over from instability in Israel.

    Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spoke to the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, today to understand the wider regional picture and underscore the importance of supporting civilians to leave Gaza.

    He also thanked President al-Sisi for Egypt’s assistance in helping British nationals in the area.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    We must be unequivocal in making sure the types of horrific scenes we have seen this week will not be repeated. Alongside our allies, the deployment of our world class military will support efforts to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalation.

    Our military and diplomatic teams across the region will also support international partners to re-establish security and ensure humanitarian aid reaches the thousands of innocent victims of this barbaric attack from Hamas terrorists.

    The Prime Minister is due to speak to northern European leaders about the situation in Israel at the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Sweden on Friday. They are expected to discuss the vital need to work with partners across the Middle East to support stability, while simultaneously remaining focussed on backing Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

    He will also visit British warship HMS Diamond while in Gotland, Sweden, which is on patrol in northern Europe to reinforce security in the region. While on board, the Prime Minister will hear about the capabilities of Diamond’s sister ship, HMS Duncan, which is deployed in the Mediterranean with NATO.

    The package of military support, which will work alongside allies already in the region, is a significant demonstration of the UK’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence and will allow the UK to adapt to the needs of partners as the situation evolves over the coming weeks.

    The step change comes after the Prime Minister spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, and the Defence Secretary discussed the situation with his NATO counterparts in Brussels.

    The Foreign Secretary visited Israel to see first hand the destruction Hamas terrorists have caused and to understand how the UK can support the efforts of the Israeli Government to ensure the safety and security of the Israeli people.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said:

    The monstrous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas in recent days have proven why the UK must support Israel’s absolute right to self-defence and deter malign external interference. No nation should stand alone in the face of such evil and today’s deployment will ensure Israel does not.

    The Royal Navy Task Group, RAF operations and our wider military support will be an undeniable display of the UK’s resolve to ensure Hamas’s terrorist campaign fails, whilst reminding those who seek to inflame tensions that the forces of freedom stand with the Israeli people.

    Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will facilitate commercial flights to help vulnerable British nationals wanting to leave Israel.

  • Ben Wallace Resigns As Defence Secretary

    Ben Wallace Resigns As Defence Secretary

    Pictured: The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, UK Defence Secretary, speaks at a press conference onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth docked in Oslo, Norway. Image MOD Crown Copyright. 

    Ben Wallace has resigned as Defence Secretary after announcing last month he would leave his office on the next cabinet reshuffle.

    Mr Wallace who has held the role for four years said in his resignation statement that his military and political careers had come at “a personal toll to me and my family.”

    Mr Wallace went on to add, “the Ministry of Defence that I leave now more modern, better funded and more confident than the organisation I took over in 2019.”

    Prime minister, Rishi Sunak said, that Mr Wallace left with “thanks and respect” having worked in “the most demanding posts in Government.”

    Grant Shapps will replace Mr Wallace as Defence Secretary having previously been Energy Secretary.

  • Government Apologises To Veterans For Egregious Historic LGBT Policy In The Armed Forces

    Government Apologises To Veterans For Egregious Historic LGBT Policy In The Armed Forces

    The PM and Defence Secretary apologise to LGBT personnel and veterans impacted by the historic ban.

    The government has today apologised for the treatment of LGBT veterans, following the publication of an independent review into the military’s pre-2000 ban on LGBT personnel.

    The review, published in Parliament today, follows a formal apology by the Government, delivered by the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary. The independent review, chaired by Lord Etherton and co-commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces.

    The Government has previously said that the treatment of LGBT personnel and veterans in the Armed Forces prior to the year 2000 was completely unacceptable and highly regrettable. Lord Etherton’s report found that investigations in an individual’s sexuality were intrusive, invasive, and for some caused long-lasting and severe impacts to the lives of veterans and their families.

    The review highlights the Government’s unwavering commitment to understanding how best to support its veteran and LGBT community and acknowledges that it fully accepts that their treatment prior to 2000 was not acceptable. In recognition of this the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have formally apologised in the House of Commons today to all those who were affected and mistreated in the enactment of the ban.

    The scope of the review focused on three main areas, with the primary one being the effect the historic policy may have had on those impacted by the ban, including the consequences for their future lives. It also looked at the accessibility of veterans’ services for LGBT people and how to ensure that LGBT veterans are recognised and fully accepted as members of the armed forces.

    Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak said:

    The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state – decades behind the law of this land.

    As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment while bravely serving this country.

    Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.

    Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:

    I am pleased that this review has shone a much needed light on a shameful and unacceptable historical chapter in our Armed Forces history. It is heart breaking that the very tolerance and values that we expected our soldiers, sailors and aviators to fight for, were denied to many of them.

    I am pleased we now have the opportunity to right those historic wrongs so that LGBT Veterans can once again take pride in their service.

    Within the review are 49 recommendations, these include the restoration of medals that were required to be handed back on dismissal or discharge, the awarding of campaign and other medals that were withheld, the clarification of pension rights and the presentation of the Veterans Badge.

    The Government has accepted the recommendations in principle whilst acknowledging that some may be delivered by different means. It is committed to working with LGBT Veterans to ensure that all restorative measures delivered are appropriate.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer said:

    This is a historic moment where we can reflect on the wrongs of the past but also recognise the extraordinary service of LGBT veterans who have bravely served this country.

    The apology today is an important part of addressing the historic hurt that many LGBT veterans feel.

    We’re also looking to the future as we learn from the past, including stepping up support services for veterans affected by the issues raised in this review.

    Minister for Defence, People, Veterans and Service Families ,Dr Andrew Murrison said:

    What happened was wrong. I want to thank people who testified for their courage in coming forward with evidence. Our job now is to study the review’s recommendations and say what we will do in response.

    Since 2000, the Government has made great strides to remove barriers and deliver initiatives that improve the experience for LGBT personnel These initiatives include a guide for parents of LGBT children, delivering LGBT allies training and the provision of PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis).

    And in establishing the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, the government has done more than ever before to ensure all veterans have the support they need when they leave the Armed Forces.

    The review is an important part of the Government’s Veterans Strategy ActionPlan, where we committed to learning and addressing with compassions the historic hurt or disadvantage that sections of the veteran community have experienced.

    The Government has also recently launched the extension of the Home Office’s disregard and pardons scheme to ensure that all those who were convicted of same-sex sexual offences can have their convictions wiped.

    To support those affected by today’s announcement and the historic ban the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is awarding £250,000 to LGBT organisations to provide support services for impacted veterans. This is in addition to the £45,000 funding provided to organisations last year to help them gather evidence for the review.

    Craig Jones MBE, Executive Chair, and Caroline Paige, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, said:

    Finally the voices of those who have lived for decades in the shadow of this abhorrent policy have been heard and their truth told. Today’s apology from the Prime Minister recognises the suffering of veterans who met the challenges of service life but faced many cruel treatments from those in whom they placed their trust.

    Lord Etherton’s report is a visceral account of the damage done and the opportunity for this Government to put in place substantial reparations. We must wash away the shame felt by these veterans and bring a just and honourable end to this unjust and dishonourable war.

  • PM Extends Ukraine Military Training To Pilots And Marines As President Zelenskyy Makes First Visit To The UK Since Russian Invasion

    PM Extends Ukraine Military Training To Pilots And Marines As President Zelenskyy Makes First Visit To The UK Since Russian Invasion

    Ministry of Defence Main Building, Horse Guards Avenue.

    President Zelenskyy arrives in the UK today to meet the Prime Minister and visit Ukrainian troops.

    President Zelenskyy visited the UK yesterday to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and addressed parliament as the UK steps up its delivery of lethal aid into the country, and prepares to train fighter jet pilots and marines.

    The leaders discussed a two-pronged approach to UK support for Ukraine, starting with an immediate surge of military equipment to the country to help counter Russia’s spring offensive, and reinforced by long-term support.

    The Prime Minister will also offer the UK’s backing to President Zelenskyy’s plans to work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

    As part of the talks, the Prime Minister will offer to bolster the UK’s training offer for Ukrainian troops, including expanding it to fighter jet pilots to ensure Ukraine can defend its skies well into the future.

    The training will ensure pilots are able to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets in the future. As part of that long-term capability investment, the UK will work with Ukraine and international allies to coordinate collective support to meet Ukraine’s defensive needs.

    He will also offer to begin an immediate training programme for marines.

    That training will be in addition to the recruit training programme already running in the UK, which has seen 10,000 Ukrainian troops brought to battle readiness in the last six months, and which will upskill a further 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year. The UK will continue to work with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and international community to scale the programme up in 2023.

    Just last week, Ukrainian troops arrived in the UK to learn how to command Challenger 2 tanks, following the Prime Minister’s decision to send the main battle tanks to Ukraine.

    The Prime Minister will also offer to provide Ukraine with longer range capabilities. This will disrupt Russia’s ability to continually target Ukraine’s civilian and critical national infrastructure and help relieve pressure on Ukraine’s frontlines.

    The President and his team will also meet defence and security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of the Air Staff, to discuss the details of the training programme.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.

    Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.

    I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future. It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.

    The UK will also announce further sanctions today in response to Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine, including the targeting of those who have helped Putin build his personal wealth, and companies who are profiting from the Kremlin’s war machine.

  • PM Accelerates Ukraine Support Ahead Of Anniversary Of Putin’s War

    PM Accelerates Ukraine Support Ahead Of Anniversary Of Putin’s War

    The Prime Minister has announced the UK will send tanks and self-propelled guns to aid the Ukrainian offensive.

    The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer pictured in November 2022. 

    The Prime Minister is set to accelerate the UK’s diplomatic and military support to Ukraine in the weeks ahead in a bid to push Russia further back and secure a lasting peace.

    A flurry of UK diplomatic activity will take place across the globe this week after the Prime Minister directed senior ministers to drive international action as we approach the first anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February.

    The Prime Minister has already committed to match or exceed the UK’s defence support for Ukraine in 2023 and he instructed ministers and officials this week to ensure we are being proactive as possible across the full spectrum of our support.

    UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale. The Prime Minister is therefore encouraging allies to deploy their planned support for 2023 as soon as possible to have maximum impact.

    Sending Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine is the start of a gear change in the UK’s support. A squadron of 14 tanks will go into the country in the coming weeks after the Prime Minister told President Zelenskyy that the UK would provide additional support to aid Ukraine’s land war. Around 30 AS90s, which are large, self-propelled guns, operated by five gunners, are expected to follow. The Defence Secretary will set out further details of this support in the House of Commons on Monday.

    The UK will begin training the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use the tanks and guns in the coming days, as part of wider UK efforts which have seen thousands of Ukrainian troops trained in the UK over the last six months.

    The Prime Minister has tasked the Defence Secretary with bringing together European allies to ensure the surge of global military support is as strategic and coordinated as possible. The Defence Secretary will travel to Estonia and Germany this week to work with NATO allies and other international partners to this end.

    Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary will travel to the United States later this week to discuss how the UK and US can leverage our position as leading supporters of Ukraine to galvanise further international action.

    He will also travel to Canada – another of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters – to discuss closer coordination on international sanctions and our coordinated effort to boost our support to Ukraine.

    A Downing Street spokesperson said:

    As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war.

    Alongside his closest military advisors, he has analysed the military picture, looked at the strategic impact of the UK’s support and identified a window where he thinks the UK and its allies can have maximum impact.

    The Prime Minister is clear that a long and static war only serves Russia’s ends. That’s why he and his ministers will be speaking to our allies across the world in the days and weeks ahead to ramp up pressure on Putin and secure a better future for Ukraine.

    In the lead up to the one-year anniversary of the invasion, the Prime Minister will seek to demonstrate the UK’s power as an international catalyst with influence across NATO, the G7, the Joint Expeditionary Force and elsewhere.

    He will work with partners to put Ukraine in the strongest possible place to enter future peace negotiations from a position of military, economic and diplomatic strength and secure a strong and lasting peace.

  • PM Announces New International Coalition To Develop The Next Generation Of Combat Aircraft

    PM Announces New International Coalition To Develop The Next Generation Of Combat Aircraft

    The UK, Italy and Japan will join forces to develop the fighter jets of the future.

    The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer at the National Memorial Arboretum recently. 
    Image MOD Crown Copyright 2022. 

    The UK will work with Italy and Japan to adapt and respond to the security threats of the future, through an unprecedented international aerospace coalition announced by the Prime Minister last week.

    The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a new partnership and ambitious endeavour between the UK, Japan and Italy to deliver the next generation of combat air fighter jets.

    The Prime Minister launched the first major phase of the programme, which aims to harness the combined expertise and strength of our countries’ defence technology industries to push the boundaries of what has been achieved in aerospace engineering to date.

    Due to take to the skies by 2035, the ambition is for this to be a next-generation jet enhanced by a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft, advanced sensors, cutting-edge weapons and innovative data systems.

    By combining forces with Italy and Japan on the next phase of the programme, the UK will utilise their expertise, share costs and ensure the RAF remains interoperable with our closest partners. The project is expected to create high-skilled jobs in all three countries, strengthening our industrial base and driving innovation with benefits beyond pure military use.

    The Prime Minister said:

    The security of the United Kingdom, both today and for future generations, will always be of paramount importance to this Government.

    That’s why we need to stay at the cutting-edge of advancements in defence technology – outpacing and out-manoeuvring those who seek to do us harm.

    The international partnership we have announced today with Italy and Japan aims to do just that, underlining that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are indivisible. The next-generation of combat aircraft we design will protect us and our allies around the world by harnessing the strength of our world-beating defence industry – creating jobs while saving lives.

    It is anticipated that more likeminded countries may buy into GCAP in due course or collaborate on wider capabilities – boosting UK exports. The combat aircraft developed through GCAP is also expected to be compatible with other NATO partners’ fighter jets.

    During a visit to RAF Coningsby, the Prime Minister will view the Typhoon aircraft which have been at the heart of the UK’s air policing for two decades. The new combat aircraft designed by GCAP is expected to replace the Typhoon when it comes out of service. The Prime Minister will also meet Quick Reaction Alert Station engineers and pilots, who protect the UK’s skies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    The UK, Italy and Japan will now work intensively to establish the core platform concept and set up the structures needed to deliver this massive defence project, ready to launch the development phase in 2025. Ahead of the development phase, partners will also agree the cost-sharing arrangements based on a joint assessment of costs and national budgets.

    Alongside the development of the core future combat aircraft with Italy and Japan, the UK will assess our needs on any additional capabilities, for example weapons and Uncrewed Air Vehicles.

    A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers last year, suggested the UK taking a core role in a combat air system could support an average of 21,000 jobs a year and contribute an estimated £26.2bn to the economy by 2050.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    This international partnership with Italy and Japan to create and design the next-generation of Combat Aircraft, represents the best collaboration of cutting edge defence technology and expertise shared across our nations, providing highly skilled jobs across the sector and long-term security for Britain and our allies.

    GCAP sits alongside our other defence cooperation with international allies, including the AUKUS partnership and NATO – to which the UK remains the leading European contributor.

    The UK defence industry is already leading the world in advanced aerospace engineering. At BAE Systems’ new ‘factory of the future’ in Lancashire, for example, the company is pioneering the use of advanced 3D printing and autonomous robotics in military aircraft.

  • Nuclear Test Veterans To Receive Medal As Event Remembers Their Service 70 Years On

    Nuclear Test Veterans To Receive Medal As Event Remembers Their Service 70 Years On

    A new medal is to honour the significant contribution of veterans and civilian staff from across the Commonwealth, who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme, the Prime Minister announced on November 21. 

    The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer visited the National Memorial Arboretum on (21/11/2022).
    Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2022 – Simon Dawson. 

    The award comes as the country pays tribute to the veterans of the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire recently. 

    The event, which takes place 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon, was attended by the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer.

    Service personnel, veterans and their families, and representatives from military charities were also in attendance. 

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

    “I am incredibly proud that we are able to mark the service and dedication of our nuclear test veterans with this new medal. Their commitment and service has preserved peace for the past 70 years, and it is only right their contribution to our safety, freedom and way of life is appropriately recognised with this honour.

    “This medal is an enduring symbol of our country’s gratitude to each and every person who played a part in this effort and their loved ones who supported them.”

    The veterans and civilians who participated in the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme, the first of which was known as Op Hurricane, made the UK the third nuclear power. This work contributed to achieving the nuclear deterrent – the ultimate guarantee of UK sovereignty which continues to keep us safe today, and helps guarantee international security.

    Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said:

    “This medal honours those who served far from home, at a crucial time in our nation’s history.

    “To this day the nuclear deterrent remains the cornerstone of our defence, and that is only because of the service and contribution of the brilliant veterans and civilian personnel.

    “It’s right that we mark this contribution today, 70 years on from Britain’s first nuclear test.”

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    “I am delighted that a commemorative medal can be given to our Nuclear Test Veterans, who have made an invaluable contribution to the safety and security of the UK, and who we recognise and value for their enduring service to our nation.”

    The Nuclear Test Medal will be a commemorative medal that can be worn by recipients.

    The medal also recognises the contribution made by veterans and civilians from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati. All service personnel and civilians under UK command, including close partners from the Commonwealth and Pacific region, who participated in, or were present at, the British or American nuclear tests at the Montebello Islands, Christmas Island, Malden Island and Maralinga & Emu Field, South Australia between 1952 and 1967 will be eligible for the medal. This also includes scientists and local employees.

    It is estimated that around 22,000 veterans will be eligible for medallic recognition.

    The medal can be awarded posthumously. Veterans, their families and next of kin will need to apply for the medal, which will be free of charge. It is expected that the first awards of the medals will be made in 2023.

    To further recognise the contribution of veterans of Britain’s nuclear tests, the government is investing £450,000 into projects which will commemorate and build further understanding of the experiences of veterans who were deployed to Australia and the Pacific.

    As part of that funding, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is launching an oral history project to chronicle the voices and experiences of those who supported the UK’s effort to develop a nuclear deterrent. 

    Due to start in April 2023 the project will run for two years, giving nuclear test veterans the opportunity to be interviewed, and contribute to an accessible digital archive of testimonies about their time working on the tests.

  • £200 Million Announced For Vital Improvements To Troops Accommodation

    £200 Million Announced For Vital Improvements To Troops Accommodation

    THOUSANDS of Armed Forces families across the UK will have their housing and accommodation improved and renovated thanks to nearly £200 million of new Government funding, announced today by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

    On a joint visit to Catterick Garrison, the Ministers chatted to soldiers about the ways the improvements will help them. Over 5,000 personnel, plus their families will have homes modernised with new kitchens, bathrooms and furnishings including reroofing to reduce the risk of mould and damp.

    As part of the funding injection 3,500 service homes will be upgraded as well as single living quarters. This will improve life for Armed Forces personnel deployed at home and abroad to keep the nation safe, including in the fight to halt the spread of Covid-19.

    The work will also make Armed Forces estates more environmentally friendly. New windows and doors will provide better insulation, energy efficient boilers will drive down bills, and solar panels and electric vehicle charging points will reduce the carbon footprint.

    Families with young children will benefit from new play areas, roads will be resurfaced, and energy efficient street lighting will help modernise sites as part of the funding.

    The Defence Secretary invited the Chancellor to Catterick Garrison today, which will benefit from investment in Service Family Accommodation, to announce the news.

    Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

    “Our Armed Forces work incredibly hard to keep our nation safe, and so it is only right that they have a place they feel proud to call home.
    “From introducing a generous Forces Help to Buy scheme to piloting a new rented accommodation model, we have made enormous steps in recent years to offer flexible housing for a modern workforce.
    “This latest investment will benefit thousands of our personnel and their families, providing the standard of living they deserve.”

    Improving accommodation and facilities across military estates will also be part of bold new plans, including replacing 30 WWII accommodation blocks in Longmoor, Pirbright, Westdown, Knook, Nesscliffe, Castlemartin Camps and providing new accommodation for on-call personnel in Northern Ireland.

    The investment is expected to sustain around 2,000 jobs through the work on housing improvements including plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators. This will be delivered through the existing National Housing Prime contract. Upgrades will begin in late summer and will be delivered over a period of two years.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

    “Day in, day out, our Armed Forces make huge personal sacrifices for our country, and it is our duty to ensure they have the best conditions possible.

    “This news doesn’t just mean service homes across the country will be upgraded but will see 2,000 jobs in sectors where they are needed the most, like plumbing and decorating – delivering our Plan for Jobs.”

    Over the last four years £530 million has been invested in improvements to Service Family Accommodation. The additional £200 million funding package will continue to improve the standard of both homes for Service families and single living accommodation on military bases.

    Improvements to accommodation sit alongside a suite of recent changes to military accommodation to make it more accessible and flexible for personnel and their families.

    The MOD recently introduced new flexible working arrangements, expanded offerings to co-habiting couples and extended the Forces Help to Buy scheme until the end of 2022, giving our Armed Forces the chance to get a foot on the housing ladder. This has allowed military personnel to borrow a deposit of up to half of their annual salary, interest free, to contribute towards buying a home, moving house, or building an extension.

    This follows the announcement last week that military children will be entitled to free breakfast and after-school childcare as part of ongoing measures to further support the Armed Forces and their loved ones.