Jeremy Corbyn and a former Islington councillor call for more protection for veterans from the government.
Jeremy Corbyn MP wants improvements to the support system for Islington veterans as they are being forgotten by local and national authorities.
Mr Corbyn Spoke at a Remembrance Day service in Tollington on Sunday, along with former councillor for Finsbury Park, Barbara Sidnell.
His speech asked the Ministry of Defence for more long-term help as what is available is “not enough”.
In her opening speech, Ms Sidnell also called for the better support of veterans who are homeless or struggling with their mental health.
Speaking to Islington Now, Ms Sidnell recommended that local authorities use the ‘Forcer Protocol’ scheme to help find veterans who go missing – often because of their mental health.
The protocol, which was recently introduced by Kent Police, gives officers access to missing veteran’s personal information provided by families. Risk factors, such as mental health struggles, can then be identified.
Mr Corbyn, Independent MP for Islington North, added “there is a point here about long-term support” for veterans once they leave the armed forces.
Poppy wreaths at the memorial (Image Neve Dawson)
Veterans facing homelessness and isolation are often not reported and fall through the cracks, Ms Sidnell said.
Ms Sidnell said: “People [veterans] seem to be forgotten when they finish a job. Does that mean we forget they are people with it?”
Mr Corbyn added: “The complications of being in a London borough means a lot of people move in and out.”
Ms Sidnell has organised the memorial at Royal Northern Gardens, Tollington, for more than two decades.
Members of the local community, council, police, and Islington Veterans’ Association were all present at this year’s commemoration.
MA Newspaper Journalism at City, University of London. Bylines in MyLondon, Clash Magazine, DIY Magazine, and more. Freelance Arts and Culture Journalist.