Wales’ Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for the Armed Forces, Ken Skates, has welcomed news of an additional £3.5m of funding by the UK Government for the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme.

The Cabinet Secretary says the Welsh Government will now work with the UK Government to maximise this for the benefit of veterans in Wales.

Last week, the Cabinet Secretary met veterans and their families in Shotton to hear about what Remembrance means to them.

He also spoke at a Welsh Government-sponsored Armed Forces Employer conference in Cardiff and visited a jobs fair where 49 Employers attended along with over 140 service leavers and veterans.

Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said: “This time of year is an important opportunity to remember and honour those who have died or been injured in the line of duty in the defence of the United Kingdom.

“The UK Government’s announcement of additional funding for the Reducing Veterans Homelessness programme is positive news and we will work with the UK Government so this benefits veterans in Wales.

“We also welcome the publication of a draft UK Bill which took place this week to establish an Armed Forces Commissioner to represent the interest of Service personnel in Wales and across the UK.

“I have been engaging with UK Ministers over support for veterans and will continue to do so.”