Rishi Sunak makes 11-word joke while enjoying tea and cake with veterans | Politics | News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has outlined his plans for a comprehensive veterans bill if the Conservative Party is re-elected, during a campaign visit to his North Yorkshire constituency.

Mr Sunak met a group of ex-soldiers at Ellerton Lakeside Cafe, near Northallerton, to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Sharing tea and cake with the veterans, he joked: “It takes a lot of sugar to get through the day.” »

He then engaged in discussions on the challenges faced by veterans, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting them.

“That’s why we now have, as we do in the United States, a dedicated veterans affairs office, a minister in Cabinet and funding. So we are at the start of this journey,” Mr Sunak told the gathered veterans.

Mr Sunak announced that a re-elected Conservative government would introduce a landmark Veterans Bill, aimed at improving services and support for former service personnel.

“If we’re re-elected, we’ll actually have a veterans bill, we’ll pass our first ever veterans bill in Parliament,” he said.

“It will bring together all the things we need to do: put into law some things that will improve the service we provide.”

During the visit, Mr Sunak listened to veterans discuss initiatives to tackle homelessness, mental health issues and the challenges faced by military families at nearby Catterick Garrison.

He reassured them of his commitment, saying: “We want to make sure you all receive the support you are entitled to. »

The new Veterans Bill will also ensure that military qualifications are for the first time legally recognised as equivalent to civilian qualifications.

Although the bills regarding this issue were announced last October, the early general elections delayed its implementation.

Mr Sunak previously said: “The heroes who risked their lives to protect our freedoms represent the best of our country.

“That’s why we’ve prioritised making the UK the best place in the world for veterans, with our clear plan to give them the opportunities, care and support they deserve to live prosperous and fulfilling lives.”

The Prime Minister compared the Conservative Party’s plans to what he described as the Labour Party’s lack of strategy.

“The choice in the election is clear: vote Conservative for a dedicated veterans minister, for veterans’ rights enshrined in law and more opportunities for veterans, or vote for Labour who have no plan and would take us back to square one,” he said.