Ipswich Combat2Coffee founder and former soldier Nigel Seaman feels Labour have ‘taken a step back’ by not appointing new Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

An Ipswich social enterprise boss and former soldier feels the new Labour Government has taken a step back in its support for veterans.

Nigel Seaman, founder of Combat2Coffee, said he and others have been let down by Keir Starmer’s decision not to appoint a new Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

The role had been introduced in 2022 and held by Plymouth Moor View MP and former Army Captain Johnny Mercer until he lost his seat in last week’s General Election.

Former Colonel Alistair Carns will pick up Mr Mercer’s work, but as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans, and he will not sit in cabinet.

Mr Seaman, a 12-year veteran of the Royal Anglian Regiment who served in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, expressed his disappointment.

He said: “The introduction of a dedicated cabinet role for veterans’ affairs is something that was warmly welcomed by former forces members, who for too long had felt like they did not have a voice in Government.

“While I don’t doubt Sir Keir and Mr Carns will continue to support us – and I wish them the very best in their work – this feels like a real step backwards.”

Mr Carns’ duties have yet to be revealed, Mr Seaman said, although it is understood he will run the Office for Veterans’ Affairs with oversight from the new Defence Secretary, John Healey.

Combat2Coffee was founded in 2018 and offers training to former members of the armed forces and prisoners while also attempting to stir up discussion around mental health.

It recently welcomed Ipswich Town legend Terry Butcher into its fold and launched its ‘Beyond the Uniform’ scheme, which attempted to highlight the lack of support veterans receive after leaving the armed forces.

Mr Seaman said the country had made great strides in ensuring veterans were properly supported.

However, he said the armed forces community was eager to see a ‘real show’ of commitment on the subject, which they hadn’t seen so far.

Mr Seaman added: “These are however very early days and I look forward to seeing the plans they have in store to support veterans here in Suffolk and across the country beyond the uniform.

“There are amazing social enterprises and charities like Combat2Coffee nationwide who would love the chance to work with Sir Keir and his team going forwards – and we will continue to be here should he need support.”