Shameful study shows how little Britain cares for its newest veterans

A veterans retreat is hoping to get the green light to be created and built at Fort Cumberland in Eastney for veterans in hardship.

Pictured, from left: David McMullen, project manager for veterans retreat; Tony Reid, trustee and co-founder of Forgotten Veterans UK;, Gary Weaving, CEO and founder of Forgotten Veterans UK; Jonno Rowlinson, volunteer at Forgotten Veterans UK; Stephen Morgan MP; The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, cllr Lee Mason and the Leader of Portsmouth City Council Gerald Vernon-Jackson.

Picture: Sarah Standing (180529-7636) — A veterans retreat is hoping to get the green light to be created and built at Fort Cumberland in Eastney for veterans in hardship. Pictured, from left: David McMullen, project manager for veterans retreat; Tony Reid, trustee and co-founder of Forgotten Veterans UK;, Gary Weaving, CEO and founder of Forgotten Veterans UK; Jonno Rowlinson, volunteer at Forgotten Veterans UK; Stephen Morgan MP; The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, cllr Lee Mason and the Leader of Portsmouth City Council Gerald Vernon-Jackson. Picture: Sarah Standing (180529-7636)

THEY'RE willing to give their lives to defend the nation. But as a society we are becoming shamefully dismissive of our youngest military veterans.

This is the conclusion of a damning report being released today by one of Britain’s most-established armed forces charities, SSAFA.

The shock study paints a sorry picture of modern-day British values, prompting calls from top military officers and politicians for a change in the public’s attitude.

It comes as new plans were revealed to open a support site in Portsmouth for traumatised war heroes.

Hampshire has one of the UK’s largest veteran populations. However, SSAFA has warned of a ‘disturbing disconnect’ among newer veterans who feel ‘increasingly alienated’ by the nation.

More than 1,000 veterans were surveyed with almost two thirds admitting they felt undervalued by their civilian peers, while 82 per cent felt US veterans were more respected the UK ones.

Alarmingly, the report also highlights the staggering number of those who become homeless after leaving the military – with almost a quarter (22 per cent) living rough.