Debate contribution: Supporting Service Leavers, Veterans and their Families

Debate contribution by Mr John Stewart on 4 November 2025.

MLA

Mr John Stewart

Party at the time

Ulster Unionist Party

Date

4 November 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Supporting Service Leavers, Veterans and their Families

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5216961

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I support this important cross-party motion. I thank the Members who tabled the motion, as well as the Veterans Commissioner and his staff, for carefully wording the motion and for all the efforts that have gone into it. The motion recognises the enormous contribution of all who have served and continue to serve and the families who stand beside them. I declare an interest as a proud member of His Majesty's Reserve Army. I am very proud to continue to serve alongside hundreds of men and women from across Northern Ireland and from every background, tradition and walk of life. They are the very best of us. I am also immensely proud to be in an MLA team and a party that has a proud tradition of service. I look to my party colleagues on my left: that service and commitment can be no better demonstrated by Andy Allen. We all know the difficulties that Andy has faced, having served on the front line for the nation. I pay tribute to each and every one of my colleagues and every single person who has served our nation over the years. Through my experience, I have seen, at first-hand, the skills, discipline, teamwork and leadership that military service instils. Those are qualities that our economy and our communities need now more than ever, whether, as the proposer of the motion said, that be in engineering, logistics, healthcare, IT or management. Those who are leaving the forces have transferable skills that represent a powerful asset for employers and our society alike. They will and do make a valuable contribution. The motion also reminds us that, while service brings strength, it can also bring challenges. The transition from military to civilian life is not always straightforward. We have heard examples of that: finding new employment, adapting to different routines and accessing healthcare, housing and education for you and your family members can all be difficult steps. That is why the armed forces covenant matters. Its guiding principle is simple but profound: no one should suffer disadvantage as a result of their service. It is not about special treatment; it is about fair treatment. It is about recognising the unique sacrifices that are made by our service personnel and their families, and ensuring that they are not left behind when they return to civilian life. As has been mentioned in the debate, we have made progress in Northern Ireland. The legal duty that has been placed on public bodies to have due regard for the covenant is a significant step forward, but legislation alone is not enough; it must be actively implemented. Departments must be aware of their responsibilities; staff must be trained; and veterans must see the benefits in real terms, and not be hard done by, when it comes to access to GPs, schools and housing offices. That is why I particularly welcome the fact that the motion calls on each Department to appoint an armed forces liaison officer. Having a clear point of contact within government will make a real difference, ensuring that the covenant is not just a statement of intent but a working framework that delivers support on the ground. I agree with the Members who mentioned the particular role of councils. In 2014, I was proud to introduce the local government covenant to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Given the overlap between services, it is essential that central and local government work together to ensure that all the service provision is there. We also need stronger collaboration between government, employers, education providers and veterans' organisations. Many local charities and community groups already do superb work to support veterans with job training, counselling and welfare advice, but, too often, their efforts operate in isolation. We can and should join up that support so that every service leaver knows where they can get help to succeed in civilian life. I say this very clearly: the armed forces community belongs to each and every one of us; it transcends politics and background. The men and women whom I, and veterans across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, have served with come from every single background in our community in Northern Ireland, whether that be rural or urban. They are the shared fabric of our society. Supporting our armed forces veterans is not a partisan issue; it is a shared moral responsibility. I commend the motion to the House and, again, thank everyone who brought it forward. Let us ensure that the promises of the armed forces covenant are fully delivered in Northern Ireland so that no veteran or member of their family feels forgotten and we harness the immense potential that they bring to our society and economy.

790 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:45 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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