Tackling poor mental health in the UK must be a priority and is why I am pleased that Ministers have now taken steps to ensure that mental health conditions are treated with the same importance as physical health. The Government has committed £450m to improve access to psychological therapies, including for the treatment of depression, for adults, children and young people.
The provision of veterans' healthcare, including for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, is primarily the responsibility of the NHS in England and the devolved administrations. Following the enshrinement in law of the Armed Forces Covenant, veterans in England, Scotland and Wales are entitled to priority access to secondary healthcare for conditions suspected to be due to their service in the Armed Forces, subject to the clinical needs of others.
In the March 2015 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government would provide £8.4m over the next five years to expand mental health services for veterans in England. This follows investment of over £7m during the preceding five years. In addition, over £13m from bank fines has been awarded to support mental health programmes in the Armed Forces community.
I am immensely proud of the courage and dedication of our Armed Forces. For those who have been injured either physically or mentally, it is our duty to ensure that they continue to receive the very best possible care. I know the Ministry of Defence is determined to ensure that veterans who require help are provided with appropriate support including through the Veterans UK helpline; Veterans Welfare Service; and the Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Programme which provides mental health assessments for veterans with operational Service since 1982.