UK Government to Fund Travel for Remaining WWII Veterans to Normandy and Arnhem Events
The Ministry of Defence will cover overseas travel costs for remaining Second World War veterans to attend 80th anniversary events. Funding flows through the Royal British Legion to charities facilitating visits to France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewThe UK government will cover travel costs for Second World War veterans attending commemorations of the Normandy Landings and the Battle of Arnhem. Taxpayer funds will be provided to the Royal British Legion to support charities including The Spirit of Normandy Trust and The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. These organisations facilitate visits to France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Ministry of Defence said its funding commitment would ensure that those who served can attend remembrance ceremonies in Europe. The number of surviving Second World War veterans in Britain is estimated at fewer than 8,000. First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins told GB News that the funding would demonstrate how important veterans are to British society.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins shared with GB News a personal story about his grandfather’s Second World War service. His grandfather was a medic who landed on the British beaches on D-Day. “I was lucky enough to discuss with my grandfather his experiences on D-Day before he passed away,” Sir Gwyn told GB News.
“It made a really powerful impression upon me. He described going across on D-Day, landing on the British beaches. ” Sir Gwyn, a former commander of the Special Boat Service, told GB News that like everybody else he was eager to see a result on the Spending Review and the Defence Investment Plan.
“I can only tell you that we're working really hard to make sure that we get a successful conclusion that will make sure that the armed forces goes from strength to strength and does what it needs to do to protect this nation,” he said. The Financial Times reports that the Prime Minister is scrambling to resolve a cross-Whitehall dispute over the budget.
A government spokesperson said on Thursday: “The Defence Investment Plan will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our frontline forces at speed, while investing in and growing the UK economy.
GB News reported the full details of the veterans' funding announcement.
Key Facts
Potential Impact
- 01
Enables remaining WWII veterans to attend 80th anniversary events in Europe
- 02
Delays possible in finalising Defence Investment Plan due to ongoing cross-Whitehall budget dispute
- 03
Contributes to public understanding of wartime sacrifices through direct veteran contact
Transparency Panel
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