Ministers urged to re-open Veterans UK Helpline during coronavirus outbreak

The Government has defended the closure of its Veterans UK Helpline during the coronavirus crisis.
By Geraldine Scott
Published 21st Apr 2020, 19:34 BST
Updated 21st Apr 2020, 19:57 BST

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The helpline was closed due to staff being unable to attend the office, but the Government has come under criticism as former serviceman Captain Tom Moore raised £27m for the NHS and opened Yorkshire’s Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate.

A spokesperson for Veterans UK, which is part of the Ministry of Defence, said “supporting veterans has never been more important” but that the organisation had to adapt its services during the outbreak.

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They said that although the phone line had closed, recorded guidance was still in place and “while we have temporarily asked those needing specific support to email us, our advisers will call them back that same day if urgent help is needed”.

Captain Tom Moore and his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore speaking via videolink at the opening of NHS Nightingale Hospital Yorkshire and Humber in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The hospital is one of a network of seven sites providing surge capacity across England during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: PACaptain Tom Moore and his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore speaking via videolink at the opening of NHS Nightingale Hospital Yorkshire and Humber in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The hospital is one of a network of seven sites providing surge capacity across England during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: PA
Captain Tom Moore and his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore speaking via videolink at the opening of NHS Nightingale Hospital Yorkshire and Humber in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The hospital is one of a network of seven sites providing surge capacity across England during the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: PA

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It comes after Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey, who is also Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, urged ministers to re-open the line.

He said: "Ministers are letting veterans down by closing this vital helpline at a time when thousands of former service personnel will need extra support.

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"The country has been awed by the fantastic efforts of Captain Tom, but for many elderly veterans this will be a time of huge uncertainty and anxiety.

"Ministers should immediately start to safely re-open the Veterans UK Helpline, so those who need it can get the support they deserve."

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Related topics:Tom MooreYorkshireGovernment

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