British veterans left with cancer after military service to be supported, minister says

Johnny Mercer said the government’s Office for Veteran Affairs was ‘committed’ to helping forces heroes diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung caused by asbestos.

The veteran’s minister was responding to a written parliamentary question from Portsmouth South MP, Stephen Morgan.

Mr Mercer said the government ‘will support access to compensation’ for veterans affected by the cancer through either its war pensions scheme or armed forces compensation scheme. He added: ‘The health and safety of Ministry of Defence personnel is of upmost importance and we are committed to providing a safe working environment including the continued replacement and elimination of asbestos items wherever practicable.