Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and leader of UKIP Wales has welcomed news that the 2021 Census will include a question about whether someone has served in the Armed Forces.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, has been supporting the ‘Count Them In’ campaign led by the Royal British Legion and Poppy Scotland.
He said: “I am delighted the Government has announced this momentous change. It has been a long and hard fought campaign to which I was happy to give my full support.
“This is long overdue and I welcome the news that legislation has, at last, been finalised by the UK Government and Parliament is to amend the census in England and Wales. For the first time, the Census will provide information on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces.
“Having a better understanding of the profile and needs of veterans is a key part of making sure our public services are tailored towards the particular needs of the armed forces community. I welcome this historic change which is long overdue.”
The Royal British Legion, which led the campaign, is at the heart of a national network offering a range of support and services to the Armed Forces community.
The question on the 2021 Census will provide the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities and other military charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
It has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living in Great Britain who make up part of a wider ex-Service community which includes their spouses, partners, dependent children and widow(er)s. However, little is known about the exact numbers. Location and needs of this significant group. Charles Byrne, Director-General of the Royal British Legion said it was a proud moment for the Legion.
He said: “After leading a successful campaign, the fact that a military question will be in the 2021 Census will significantly improve our understanding of the Armed Forces community which up until now has been very limited. It will ensure that we, along with other charities and service providers, can deliver the best service possible to them when and where it is needed most.
“We are delighted and are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign and helped us to achieve this historical success.”
Constituents can find out more about the campaign by going to www.rbl.org.uk/campaigns or posting their own pledge of support on social media using the #CountThemin hashtag.
‘Count Them In’ is part of the British Legion’s campaign work to help champion the interest, welfare and contributions of the Armed Forces community.
