Since taking office in July 2024, this UK Labour Government has been clear that we will reset the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

That was a promise made, and a promise now delivered.

For too long, veterans across the country had been let down by a broken and underfunded system, one that too often let people fall through the cracks. That’s changing. This week, the UK Labour Government launched the first Veterans Strategy in seven years, a serious plan to transform how we support those who’ve served our nation.

At the centre of this strategy is a new national network of VALOUR-recognised support centres for veterans. These will be places where support can be accessed in a range of areas, such as housing, or employment, on the spot. Backed by £27 million in new funding, these centres will offer a single point of contact, removing barriers that previously existed to make it as straightforward as possible for veterans to access advice and support.

We’re also taking action to end veteran homelessness. A £12 million package will go into extending ‘Operation FORTITUDE’, the programme that’s already helped over 1,000 veterans off the streets and into safe, secure housing. This funding, which is guaranteed for at least three more years, will help give our homeless veterans stability, dignity, and a fresh start.

This is a major shift in how those who’ve served in our forces are looked after. Through the VALOUR programme, now backed by £50 million, we’re connecting local and national services as well as supporting the incredible work of veteran charities across the UK. The first VALOUR-recognised centres will open in spring 2026.

But we’re not stopping there. Our new Defence Housing Strategy marks the biggest renewal of military housing in over half a century. With £9 billion of investment, over 40,000 homes will be refurbished or rebuilt. This is about giving service families the safe, modern homes they deserve and bringing many homes back into public ownership following a failed privatisation deal made by the Conservatives in 1996 which saw dreadful housing conditions for forces and their families.

Backed by the Veterans Strategy, we’re also investing in a new pilot scheme to get veterans into the new, clean energy and technology jobs we are creating. This pilot scheme will connect former service personnel with training and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector, recognising their unique skills and helping deliver the UK’s clean energy transition. It’s a logical and practical step that supports and reskills veterans, whilst at the same time, supporting our mission to build a more sustainable energy network.

This UK Labour Government is serious about delivering for veterans. We’re putting the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. We’ve already made the Veterans’ ID Card an accepted form of voter ID. And we’ve launched a £75 million compensation scheme to right historic wrongs faced by LGBT veterans who were forced to leave their jobs because of their sexual orientation or gender identity – compensation significantly above the level recommended in the Etherton Review into the previous treatment of LGBT veterans.

Because this is what a government of service looks like. We are recognising the contribution of those who have served and are serving to defend our nation.