SNP COMMIT TO SCOTLAND’S VETERANS

SNP COMMIT TO SCOTLAND’S VETERANS

MANIFESTO PUTS FORWARD “VETERANS' CARD” FOR SCOTLAND

The SNP will put forward a commitment to Scotland’s veterans in the party’s
Westminster manifesto to be launched on Tuesday.

The proposal for a Veterans' Card has won the support of recently retired
RAF Tornado pilot Colin McGregor and Jim Panton, Chief Executive of the
Erskine Veterans' charity.

The card would build on the recognition already given to Scotland’s veterans
by the Scottish Government through priority medical care, extending
concessionary travel schemes to injured veterans and the £240,000 Veterans
Fund which supports veterans charities and services.

SNP Defence spokesperson Angus Robertson said: "Scotland's service veterans
deserve more than just respect, they deserve to know that the country they
have served so well will stand by them when they return to civilian life.

"Those who have risked their lives fighting for their country need to know
that they can rely on extra help and support after they leave uniformed
service, and other countries have schemes that allow their ex-servicemen and
women to access services through use of a special card available to all
veterans.

"The SNP Government is already moving to introduce extra help, such as free
bus travel for injured veterans. And, at a time when Scots-based units are
currently on the front-line in Afghanistan, we need to show support to them
and their families. The introduction a Veterans' Card would be a massive
signal of support to those who have served their nation with distinction."

Supporting the proposal recently retired RAF Tornado pilot Colin McGregor, a
prominent support of veterans welfare issues said:

"This is an excellent development. A Veterans' Card would be great news for
ex-servicemen and women. I'm really pleased about this commitment from the
SNP and that it could be introduced soon."

Major Jim Panton, Chief Executive of the Erskine veterans' charity, added:

"Our servicemen and women deserve all the backing they can get once they
return to civilian life, and the whole issue of veterans' support has come
back onto the public agenda in a very big way in recent years.

"A Scottish Veterans' Card would be an excellent development for our retired
forces personnel, and I fully support this excellent initiative, which shows
Scotland leading the way once again."

Possible main uses for Veterans' Card:

1) to passport veterans through Scottish Government services where there are
policies made to fit veterans' needs: health, housing, etc.

2) ID for further emerging veterans' services.

3) ID for commercial partners and organisations that want to give special
promotions or discounts, as in the USA.

4) For the Scottish Govt to be able to contact veterans in Scotland, update
them on services and support and tailor policies in different parts of the
country where there different demands on services.