Veterans are still disadvantaged says Brenda Hale MLA

She said it is another reminder for Her Majesty’s Government that veterans in Northern Ireland are not on the same footing as everywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Mrs Hale, who was one of the key consultees on the report, has been spearheading a DUP campaign to have section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act amended to enable veterans to be recognised by service providers as per the Armed Forces Covenant.

“As a heart and soul supporter of our Armed Forces in Northern Ireland, I am embarrassed and exasperated that the Government has failed to act on this key recommendation,” said Mrs Hale.

“I welcome that Lord Ashcroft is continuing to campaign with me on this issue but I am frustrated and feel let down that Her Majesty’s Government has failed to deal with this anomaly.

“The Forces in Mind Trust has undertaken a study to establish the level of disadvantage faced by our veterans because they live in Northern Ireland.

“I look forward to that study concluding and that being a further incentive for the Government to act.”