The launch of the Office for Veterans Affairs is officially taking place today. As part of the launch, ministers have announced that the new head of the OVA will be Col David Richmond, the former Recovery Director of Help for Heroes. Further details of what the office will do have also been announced, including its new functions of better co-ordinating Government and charity support and improving perceptions of veterans.
The launch has been covered across widely across many national media outlets today, with pieces in the Daily Telegraph and The Sun, as well as broadcast coverage with interviews on Good Morning Britain and Sky News this morning. Coverage was also featured on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.
The Telegraph carries comments from Col David Richmond on the launch, who says that he “understands the struggles that some face” after he became the most senior officer injured in the Afghanistan conflict. The Sun also carries comments from Col David Richmond saying he “wants the OVA to champion veterans.”
Earlier this morning, Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer was interviewed on Good Morning Britain. He said that he “came into politics to reset the relationship between the country and its veterans”. Later the Minister was also interviewed on Sky News and said that the new office will help to cohere the goodwill towards veterans.
British soldiers’ phone messages
The Telegraph also reports that British soldiers on operation in Estonia have been sent mysterious phone messages.
The report claims that soldiers have been sent suspicious messages on Facebook, Twitter and by text which are believed to be from Russia. The Telegraph also includes an official MOD comment.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:
“Like many members of the public, those in the Armed Forces may on occasion receive communications from unverified sources.
“All our personnel are equipped with the appropriate guidelines to operate electronic devices safely and securely.”
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