I was delighted to invite Defence Minister, with special responsibilities for Veterans, Kevan Jones MP to Swindon today.

Kevan was invited to speak at a one day conference on Psychological and Physical Effects of Trauma organised by the National Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists and the Swindon PTSD Working Group.

Today’s event was particularly timely given that last Saturday was the first National Armed Services Day which celebrates the work our service personnel do for this country and remembers veterans.

Kevan spoke about the effects conflict can have upon servicemen and women and what the Government is doing and has done to help once the fighting is over.

Last week I met several veterans and was very interested to hear that some of the images they saw during conflict are just as vivid today.

Kevan took questions from the floor and was particularly interested in questions regarding soldiers from the Territorial Army and their aftercare. The Government has worked hard to improve the support available to service personnel making the transition from military to civilian life, particularly those with mental health issues.

Our servicemen and women deserve the highest level of care and conferences like todays are a great way to discuss how we can continue to improve services for them.