Labour’s candidate for Darlington MP, Lola McEvoy, has hit out at Peter Gibson over government veteran ID cards, asking him to “do his job”.

Slow progress of government-issued veteran cards has led to only 3.45% of Darlington’s veterans receiving the card, out of 5387 eligible in the town.

The government scheme, which began in 2019, planned to see nearly two million cards given to former service members to provide them quick access to health, housing, and charity services.

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Lola McEvoy, Labour’s candidate to be Darlington’s MP said: “The local conservatives talk the talk but once again when it comes to concrete measures that improve people’s lives, they’re failing to walk the walk. It’s simply wrong that the veteran ID rollout is so far behind.

“In the meantime, Peter Gibson needs to do his job and get the ID cards out to every veteran in our town.”

Figures from the ONS show that out of more than 1.8 million veterans in the UK, only 56,000 have been awarded – amounting to 3% of the veteran population.

Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer pledged in December that all remaining cards would be given out by summer, but Labour’s analysis reveals that at the current rate, this may take more than a decade.

This comes as the Labour party launch their new ‘Veterans’ Voice’ Campaign, as well as announcing a planned £1bn towards veterans' mental health treatment and incorporating the Armed Forces Covenant into law.

Shadow Veterans Minister Rachel Hopkins said: “The Conservatives like to talk up their support for our forces, but it’s clear that they are failing our veterans.

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“The veteran's ID card is supposed to help our society keep its promise to those who serve by ensuring quick access to services like healthcare. But Conservative ministers have delivered just a fraction of the cards needed.

“Our veterans don’t need empty promises, they need action. That’s why Labour has launched its Veterans’ Voice campaign to hear directly from former personnel and their families and put their lived experiences at the heart of our future policy offer.”

Darlington MP Peter Gibson was approached for comment but did not respond.