As ministerial responsibilities shift within the Ministry of Defence, a new chapter begins for veteran support, underlining the government’s unwavering commitment to veterans’ welfare.
The British veterans’ community has witnessed significant changes in ministerial leadership over the past year, with two notable appointments highlighting the government’s commitment to military personnel and their families. The transition from Al Carns to Louise Sandher-Jones as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans represents both continuity and a fresh perspective in this crucial portfolio.
Al Carns: A Brief but Impactful Tenure
Al Carns made history when he was appointed Minister for Veterans and People at the Ministry of Defence on 9 July 2024, just five days after being elected as the Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak. His appointment was particularly significant given his distinguished military background as a former Royal Marines Colonel who earned the Military Cross for his service in Afghanistan.
During his tenure, Carns brought a unique perspective to the role, drawing on his recent military experience and personal understanding of the challenges faced by service personnel transitioning to civilian life. The Nuclear Community Charity Fund (NCCF) has praised his engagement, describing their interactions with the minister and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) as “very positive.” The NCCF’s assessment of Carns’s impact is particularly telling: “his legacy, even though only achieved through a short time, has been profound across our community of veterans.” This speaks to his ability to quickly establish meaningful connections with veteran organisations and implement initiatives that resonated throughout the community.
Promotion to Armed Forces Minister
In September 2025, Carns was promoted to become Minister for the Armed Forces, a move that the NCCF described as well-deserved recognition of his contributions. This progression reflects the government’s confidence in his abilities and suggests a natural career path for someone with his military background and proven ministerial effectiveness.
Louise Sandher-Jones: The New Voice for Veterans
Stepping into the veterans’ portfolio is Louise Sandher-Jones, a Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire since July 2024. Sandher-Jones, like her predecessor, brings a wealth of relevant military experience to the role, having served as an Army intelligence officer and a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. Her appointment on 6 September 2025 as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans and People represents a continuation of the practice of appointing ministers with a personal understanding of military service.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The NCCF’s response to these ministerial changes has been notably positive, expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration with the new minister and the OVA. This optimism suggests that the foundations laid during Carns’ tenure have created a strong platform for ongoing partnership between the government and veteran support organisations.
Significance for the Veterans Community
The smooth transition between these two ministers, both with military backgrounds, suggests a maturing approach to veterans’ affairs within government. Rather than viewing ministerial changes as potential disruptions, organisations like the NCCF see them as opportunities for continued collaboration and growth.
Looking Forward
As Louise Sandher-Jones settles into her new role, the veteran community will be watching to see how she builds upon the foundation established by her predecessor. Building on this collaborative approach, the NCCF is particularly keen to actively engage with the flagship OVA Valour project, which was commenced during Al Carns’ tenure. This initiative represents another opportunity for the charity to work alongside government partners in delivering meaningful support to the veteran community.
As Al Carns moves on to his new role overseeing the Armed Forces and Louise Sandher-Jones takes up the veterans’ brief, the continuity of experience and dedication assures that the welfare of Britain’s veteran community remains in capable hands.
