Veterans & Disabled Abandoned by Labour Government Already

Sir Keir Starmer Announces New Cabinet, Key Groups Left Unrepresented & Election Promise Broken

Over the weekend, Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled his new cabinet of ministers, sparking a wave of reactions across the political spectrum.

One of the most glaring omissions in Sir Keir's cabinet is the lack of ministerial representation for both armed forces veterans and the disabled. Despite the growing calls for inclusive governance, there is neither a Disabilities Minister nor a Veterans Minister in the newly formed cabinet. This has led to questions about the Labour government's commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.

During the election campaign, Starmer was asked if he would have someone in his Cabinet responsible for veterans, his response was "Yes, we will. I think it's very important".

Edit 10th July 2024 - a parlimentary under secretary was appointed on the 9th of July. However, they do not sit at Cabinet level - in effect breaking Starmers pledge and demoting the role in his government.

Armed Forces Veterans: 

A Missing Voice

The significance of this omission cannot be understated, especially given the representation of armed forces backgrounds among MPs. Currently, around 5% of MPs have either a background in the armed forces or are current reservists, a figure that closely mirrors the 4% of the general population. Despite this, the absence of a dedicated Veterans Minister means that the specific needs and issues facing veterans can not receive the focused attention they require in the corridors of power.

Disabled Community: Underrepresented and Unheard

The situation is even more stark for the disabled community. Based on population statistics, it is estimated that around 136 MPs should openly identify as disabled to mirror the general populace. However, the reality is far from this ideal, with only five MPs currently identifying as disabled. The lack of a Disabilities Minister further compounds the issue, leaving many to worry that the interests and rights of disabled individuals will be sidelined.

Mark Webster, an armed forces vetetan from Telford Shropshire, and disabled himself, has expressed his disappointment with the new cabinet lineup. "This is a missed opportunity for the Labour government to show its commitment to inclusivity and representation". 

Mark, the local Green Party's Disability Spokesperson, went on to say "Having a Veterans Minister is crucial to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served our country, and those of the disabled communities - all to often with crossover between both groups! "

"The disabled community has been fighting for recognition and equal representation for years. The absence of a Disabilities Minister sends a worrying signal about the priorities of the new Labour government."

Moving Forward: The Need for Inclusive Governance

While Sir Keir Starmer's cabinet announcement has highlighted a range of expertise and backgrounds, the lack of representation for veterans and the disabled remains a significant oversight. As the government moves forward, it remains to be seen how these communities will be engaged and supported without dedicated ministerial roles.

In an era where inclusive governance is increasingly recognised as essential for a healthy democracy, the Labour government needs to reconsider its approach to ensure that all segments of society have a voice at the highest levels of decision-making. The call for a more inclusive cabinet is not just about representation; it is about ensuring that the needs and concerns of all citizens are heard and addressed.