Homeless veterans: Leaders back our appeal to help struggling servicemen and women

 
Call to arms: David Cameron addressing British troops in Afghanistan shortly before they left this year. Also pictured, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband and Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson today joined the leaders of Britain’s three main political parties to unite behind the Evening Standard’s appeal for homeless veterans.

The Mayor of London called on people to back the campaign for struggling servicemen and women, whatever their own views on Britain’s involvement in conflicts overseas.

His move came as David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg also pledged their support for the campaign, which aims to improve life for veterans who have fallen on hard times and prevent others slipping into homelessness.

The appeal is raising money for two military charities — ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and Veterans Aid. Mr Johnson said: “Finding veterans who risked their lives keeping our country safe sleeping on our streets is a particularly tragic situation and whatever your view on Britain’s involvement in conflicts overseas I urge you to contribute to this important Evening Standard campaign.

“These veterans have worked on our behalf all over the world with incredible, skill, professionalism and bravery. Quite simply they deserve better, and every penny donated to the appeal will be spent on ensuring they have access to the specialist services that can help them turn their lives around.”

The appeal is being run in partnership with The Independent and i.

Mr Cameron said: “Our servicemen and women represent the best of Britain and they deserve the best support when they fall on hard times. Helping our brave veterans get back on their feet doesn’t just benefit them and their families – communities are richer for their contribution.

“By enshrining the Armed Forces Covenant in law this government has put strengthening respect and increasing support for our Armed Forces at the heart of its agenda. I am pleased that The Independent and the Evening Standard are giving something back to our Armed Forces through this campaign.”

The Prime Minister continued: “The Soldiers’ Charity and Veterans Aid do vital work in highlighting the challenges some veterans face – we must never forget the sacrifices they make, and continue to make to keep our country safe.”

He added that the Government had this year made £40 million available to support projects providing specialist accommodation for veterans, including people who had been made homeless. The money was raised through fines paid out by banks involved in the Libor scandal involving the fixing of inter-bank lending rates.

Mr Miliband, the Labour leader, said: “Our Armed Forces serve our country with bravery and distinction. Servicemen and women, and veterans, are rightly held up as role models of duty, service and integrity. But like everyone, they sometimes need help.

“The Soldiers’ Charity and Veterans Aid are two organisations that look after those who bravely fought for our country, but who have fallen on hard times after leaving service. That’s why I’m delighted to support their work and this campaign.”

Mr Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Whenever we need their help, Britain’s servicemen and women are always there to protect us. That’s why it’s so important that, as a country, we are there for them too when they need us most.

“After operating in some of the most challenging circumstances possible, it can be hard to return to a civilian life and, sadly, we know some former servicemen and women have found themselves losing everything. So this Christmas, I am proud to support The Independent and Evening Standard’s Homeless Veterans campaign.”

For more information on our Christmas appeal please visit www.homelessveterans.co.uk.

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