MP backs Labour’s transformational Veterans Strategy

Mark Tami MP backs Labour’s transformational Veterans Strategy set to benefit 4,393 veterans in Alyn and Deeside.

The constituency has a higher rate of veterans at 5.3% of the population aged 16 and over than the Welsh average of 4.5% and the UK average of 3.8%. The area with the highest percentage of veterans at 6.3% is Connah’s Quay South and Northop Hall.

As part of the Labour Government’s new Veterans Strategy, veterans support centres will be rolled out across the country. The new centres, which could be on the high street and in community centres, will help improve local veterans’ services.

The centres will fundamentally transform how assistance is provided, offering the first coordinated national network of support centres. They will offer guidance and support in health, housing and employment, and may extend to finance, wellbeing, and integration into society.

Mark Tami said: 

“Our Labour Government is determined to renew the nation's contract with those who serve and have served,”

“There are some fantastic community organisations already doing great work to support veterans in Alyn and Deeside. I’m proud that this Labour Government is backing them by stepping up support for our veterans with a new Veterans Strategy. As part of this, I will be backing local bids to bring a veterans’ support centre to Alyn and Deeside.

“This will transform government support for our heroes and recognise their invaluable contribution across the country.”

This comes alongside the Labour Government’s recent Defence Housing Strategy which sets out the biggest renewal of military housing in over half a century. Over 40,000 military homes will be upgraded and modernised, including 4,153 homes in Alyn and Deeside.

The new VALOUR centres are just one part of Labour’s new Veterans Strategy, the first such strategy in seven years. Developed alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the Armed Forces Covenant, the new strategy commits an extra £12m to the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme and extending Op FORTITUDE - putting the service that has already housed over 1000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness, fulfilling the Prime Minister's pledge that homes will be there for heroes.  

Delivering on the government's Plan for Change, the new Veterans Strategy recognises veterans as national assets, whose unique skills strengthen communities, boost the economy and enhance national security. The strategy is built on three priorities: celebrating those who have served, harnessing veterans' skills, and ensuring effective support for those who need it. 

The strategy, like the Armed Forces Covenant, applies equally across the UK. It has benefitted from the input of veterans and organisations in every nation and region - across the public, private and third sector. 

John Healey MP, Labour’s Defence Secretary, said:  

“The first duty of government is to keep our country safe, and that is only possible through the extraordinary men and women in our Armed Forces. 

“Our nation owes a duty to those who have served, and this new Strategy recognises veterans as one of our greatest assets. 

"Today's announcements will boost local support for veterans across the UK, from better healthcare to housing to jobs. Labour’s message to veterans and the Armed Forces community is simple: we are on your side." 

VALOUR, which launched earlier this year - backed by £50m in total – will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is truly data driven.

VALOUR-recognised support centres will open from spring 2026, offering veterans with a single contact point for support needs.