A NEW parliamentary inquiry into the support available for armed forces veterans in Wales was yesterday welcomed by a Gwent veterans campaigner.

The Welsh Affairs Select Committee, chaired by Monmouth MP David Davies, will examine how the Ministry of Defence and Welsh bodies co-ordinate their support for veterans.

Former paratrooper and campaigner Denzil Connick said it was a positive move and said public bodies should work together.

The House of Commons committee, which is calling for evidence on the inquiry, will investigate the current support provision available to veterans and their families from the MoD, as well as medical and mental health services.

It will look at how the MoD, the Wales Office and the Welsh Government work together, and any impact on Welsh veterans an legally-enshrined military covenant will have.

Veteran Mr Connick, of Oakdale, said local authorities, the health service and the MoD should be more co-ordinated and that housing and medical care were two areas which needed to be more joined up.

"If this new covenant can carry any weight they should look at ways of making it work," he added.

Royal British Legion caseworker Steve Pennells, of Beaufort, also welcomed the investigation.

He said the forces could work to help veterans on issues such as housing: "Say a lad is coming out of the Army tomorrow and he is going back to Newport or Blaenau Gwent.

"I think if the Army then gave this lad a letter on leaving the regiment that he should take to his local authority, saying I've got no where to live, the local authority should act on it."

Mr Davies said: "It is incumbent upon us to ensure that veterans and their families are given the best possible support when they leave the military and return to civilian life."

The committee is asking for written submissions for the inquiry by September 12. For more information on how to submit evidence email welshcom@parliament.uk

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Inquiry is welcome

WEwelcome a new parliamentary inquiry that will look into the support available for forces veterans.

The Welsh Affairs Select Committee will examine how the Ministry of Defence and Welsh bodies co-ordinate their support for veterans. It will look into current provision available to veterans and their families from the MoD, as well as medical and mental health services.

Former Gwent paratrooper and campaigner Denzil Connick has long claimed not enough is being done to help those once they leave the forces.

He yesterday welcomed the move. It is only right that those who put their lives on the line for this country are given the very best support when they return and when they leave the armed forces.

We hear far too often that this isn’t the case and many are simply left to fend for themselves. We hope this inquiry uncovers those stories.

It’s about time men and women who often risk their lives are shown some respect and given whatever help they need.