Theresa May will hand military vets ‘recognition for their sacrifice’ with new ID cards
THERESA May will hand military veterans “recognition for their sacrifice” with new ID cards that will be rolled out to former personnel next year, it has been revealed.
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Plans for the new initiative are set to be unveiled during the annual Millies Awards tonight by Theresa May that will take the form of a new driving license where applicable as well as providing intuitive access to services available to veterans.
Mrs May said last night: “Those who have served deserve recognition for their sacrifice throughout their lives and we will continue to make sure that they get it.
She also told The Sun: “It will be an absolute privilege to attend the Sun Military Awards this evening to once again show my support for the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.
“It is one of the great pleasures of this job that I get to see at first-hand the incredible work they do to keep us safe.”
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The initiative was brought to the table by Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood.
He added: “As a former soldier, I am aware of the personal attachment with the service ID.
“Carried at all times, it becomes symbolic of the responsibility and there is a strange sense of loss when upon departing the Armed Forces, it is taken from you.
“I’m delighted this initiative, which sits in the Armed Forces Covenant, will help us all better recognise our veterans and their service to our Country.”
The card will be marked with a “V” on a driving license design - those who do not drive will be issued with a different card.
The initiative, that salutes the work done by former members of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, is similar in function to the card offered in the US to veterans.
The US Veterans’ Identification Card allows former military personnel access to military bases and provide them with discounts at specified stores.
The American card displays the name, photo and awards of the veteran as well as if they were a Prisoner of War or not.
Veterans in the UK are able to take advantage of priority healthcare and housing in addition to retail offers.
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Displaying clear evidence of a military past should be incredibly easy with the new card.
Ex-military personnel are currently able to apply for a veterans badge or medal, however, this does not provide the same functionality as the incoming card.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is working with the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency on the card design.
