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The Veterans Minister, Leo Docherty MP, has pledged to visit Southport following an invitation from local MP Damien Moore.

At Defence Questions in Parliament, Damien Moore MP questioned the Government over what steps they were taking to support veterans across the UK, raising the excellent example of the Southport Veterans Hub, which provides for ex-service personnel in Southport.

The Minister set out that £70 million was recently allocated through the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan, with more than 60 commitments made, particularly on the themes of healthcare and employment.

Mr. Moore then invited the Minister to Southport’s new Veterans Hub on Wesley Street, which he opened earlier this year, so that the Minister could see the fantastic work being done to support Southport’s veteran community and hear what further action is needed, a request the Minister accepted.

The new Hub is operated by the Southport branch of the Royal British Legion, and provides a welcoming space for armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families to meet for coffee, or seek advice and support.

The Hub is open on weekdays between 10am – 2pm, and any member of the community can stop by to learn more about the work they are doing, and the support they can offer.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said:

“Those who have served in our armed forces deserve world-class support when they return to civilian life. Southport’s veterans are rightly at the heart of our community, and this is exemplified by the fantastic Veterans Hub in the town centre, which I had the privilege to officially open earlier this year.

“By meeting with our veterans’ community first-hand, the Minister will be able to hear what further support is needed, what is working well, and what needs improving. This will be an important way for the users and dedicated staff of the Hub to feed into decision making right at the top of Government.

“I'm delighted that the Minister has accepted this invitation, and I look forward to welcoming him to Southport in the near future.”
Images from Opening of the new facility in Wesley Street in January