Outcry over low turnout of MPs at veterans debate

About a dozen MPs '“ including Portsmouth South MP, Stephen Morgan '“ showed up to debate the government's veterans strategy on Thursday.

It came just days after politicians heralded the heroism and courage of Britain's armed forces community for Remembrance Sunday '“ which this year marked a century since the end of the First World War.

On the same day, hundreds of MPs travelled to parliament to quiz prime minister Theresa May in a three-hour debate over her Brexit arrangements. 

The news comes after a critical victory was scored by The News in its campaign calling on the government to record the suicide of every veteran.

Mr Morgan said he was frustrated by the pitiful turnout for the veterans debate, adding: '˜As MP for the home of the Royal Navy I take our veterans welfare incredibly seriously. I'm immensely proud of those who serve in our forces so it was important for me to be there and stand up for them.

'˜Of course, it's disappointing more MPs didn't join me, but the passion amongst the few of us there was heartening and I certainly won't give up fighting for our brave veterans.'

The news comes after a critical victory was scored by The News in its campaign calling on the government to record the suicide of every veteran.

Research by The News and journalists from across its parent company, JPIMedia, revealed no official records were kept, prompting an outcry by the military community and forces charities.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, veterans minister Tobias Ellwood vowed the government would now record suicide figures.

 

 

 

Mr Morgan said he was frustrated by the pitiful turnout, adding: '˜As MP for the home of the Royal Navy I take our veterans welfare incredibly seriously. I'm immensely proud of those who serve in our forces so it was important for me to be there and stand up for them, especially in championing our campaign for better data collection. Of course, it's disappointing more MPs didn't join me, but the passion amongst the few of us there was heartening and I certainly won't give up fighting for our brave veterans

 

 

While earlier in the week, The News secured a critical victory in its campaign calling on the government to make an official record of every veteran who takes their own life.

 

 

'“ and after a crucial victory  in The News's battle to 

 

 

On the same day, hundreds of MPs travelled to parliament to quiz prime minister Theresa May in a three-hour debate on Brexit.

 

veterans in crisis: the military suicide epidemic