The only thing standing in the way of the Veterans Commissioner for Wales is the Welsh Labour Government, says Fay Jones MP.

Wales is the only nation in the UK to not have a specific post dedication to overseeing veterans’ affairs.

In March, Ms Jones secured a commitment from the Secretary of State for Wales to take the idea forward.

Following Ms Jones’ campaign in Parliament for the creation of an office specifically for veterans’ affairs in Wales, at the Budget in October, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the UK Government would fund the role.

Despite funding being secured, as public services are devolved to the Welsh Government, ministers in Cardiff Bay need to agree to recognise the role for it to have a meaningful difference.

Most recently, at Defence Questions on Monday 15th November, Ms Jones once again called on the UK Government to continue pushing Welsh Ministers to recognise the post. In his response, the Veterans Minister noted Ms Jones’ commitment to this campaign and supported her with it.

Ms Jones said: “In March the UK Government said it would look at this. True to its word, the Chancellor has now confirmed it will create and fund the post. All it needs now is for the Welsh Labour Government to confirm it will give the role its blessing.

"I cannot understand why the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay is reluctant on this.

"A Veterans Commissioner would oversee public services in Wales and make sure they work for the tens of thousands of former military personnel right across Wales – including those who live in Brecon and Radnorshire.

The Welsh Labour Government needs to come on board with this. Our veterans deserve better than their stonewalling”