Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, has today expressed his dismay at the government’s latest refusal to commit to recording the number of veterans who commit suicide
The importance of recording this data cannot be underestimated, without a clear undisputable number to convey the gravitas of the problem, it will be harder to force the government to implement schemes to address the matter.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“I am disgusted that the government are refusing to commit to recording the number of veteran suicides that take place despite our efforts in Portsmouth to push Ministers to plan for this.
Without a quantifiable record, it will be harder to make progress with regard to addressing this serious issue.
No other sector loses an ex-employee every seven days. The job demands so much from these brave people, we must be there for them on their return.”
The Portsmouth MP has so far met with multiple veterans’ charities such as All Call Signs and Combat Stress, hosted a round table discussion with the Shadow Veterans Minister and raised concerns in the House of Commons.
He now intends to put pressure on the Government by tabling a Westminster Hall debate on Veteran Suicide.
The Portsmouth MP added:
“I am committed to maintaining pressure on the government to act on this urgent matter. These brave men and women put on their uniforms to ensure our safety, we owe them our support.
I will continue to raise this matter in Parliament and in the constituency until the government cease their substandard approach to this pressing issue.”
Mr. Morgan has argued incessantly that the government should take responsibility for this process:
“It is the government who, at aged 16, are able to control every aspect of a serviceperson’s life. From what time they get up to where they are deployed.
It is morally repugnant that once these people face hardship as a result of their career, the government cuts them lose and refuses to provide support.
I will continue to campaign with All Calls Signs and The News until we finally see action from this failing government.”
