Rishi Sunak cracks 11-word joke as he enjoys tea and cake with veterans
The Prime Minister made a joke as he told veterans about the Conservatives plan to pass a veteran's bill in Parliament if re-elected.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shared 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 with a group of former soldiers at the Ellerton Lakeside Cafe near Northallerton to celebrate Armed Forces Day.
Sharing tea and cake with the veterans, he joked: “You need a lot of sugar to get through my day.”
He then engaged in discussions about the challenges faced by veterans, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting them.
“That’s why we now have, like they do in the US, we have a dedicated office for veteran’s affairs, a minister in the Cabinet, funding. So, we’re at the start of that journey,” Mr Sunak told the gathered veterans.
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Mr Sunak announced that a re-elected Conservative government would introduce a landmark veterans' bill, aimed at enhancing the services and support provided to former military personnel.
“If we’re re-elected, we’re actually going to have a veteran’s bill, we’re going to pass our first ever veteran’s bill in Parliament,” he said.
“That will bring together all the things that we need to do – put some things in law that will improve the service that we’re providing.”
During the visit, Mr Sunak listened to veterans discussing initiatives to address homelessness, mental health issues, and challenges faced by service families at the nearby Catterick Garrison.
He reassured them of his commitment, as he said: “We want to make sure all of you get the support you are entitled to.”
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The new Veterans Bill will also ensure that military qualifications are legally recognised as equivalent to civilian qualifications for the first time.
Although plans for this legislation were announced last October, the early general election delayed its progress.
Mr Sunak previously said: “The heroes who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms represent the very best of our country.
“That’s why we have prioritised making the UK the best place in the world to be a veteran with our clear plan to give them the opportunities, aftercare, and support they deserve to live prosperous, fulfilled lives.”
The Prime Minister contrasted the Conservative Party’s plans with what he described as Labour’s lack of strategy.
“The choice at the election is clear - vote for the Conservatives for a dedicated veterans minister, veterans' rights enshrined in law and more opportunities for veterans, or Labour who have no plan and would take us back to square one,” he said.
