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New Veterans Minister Vows to Make a Difference
Prompt: FORMER soldiers who risked their lives for our country deserve better, the new veterans minister declares today.
Al Carns pledged to waste no time in bettering their housing, job prospects and mental health.
The ex-Marines Colonel left the military after 24 years ahead of the election and was among five new Labour MPs given top jobs by Sir Keir Starmer.
Mr Carns tells The Sun: “I am ready for this task. I’m under no illusions that many of our Armed Forces and veterans feel let down or forgotten.
"I will do everything I can to ensure that they get the support they deserve.”
The ex-commando, awarded the Military Cross for his service in Afghanistan, also stressed the need to respond to those undermining hard-won freedoms.
Ahead of a Strategic Defence Review launching next week, Mr Carns warned: “We need change and fast.”
The review will set out plans to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP.
New PM Sir Keir was criticised for not putting a dedicated veterans minister in the Cabinet as the Tories did with Johnny Mercer.
Instead Defence Secretary John Healey will fight their corner at the Cabinet table.
Description: Al Carns, the newly appointed veterans minister, has committed to improving the lives of former soldiers. The ex-Marines Colonel aims to enhance housing, job prospects, and mental health support for veterans. Ahead of a Strategic Defence Review, Carns stresses the urgent need for change.