An Ipswich social enterprise founder who served in the Army is pleased by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's vow to house all veterans in the UK.

Nigel Seaman, who launched Combat2Coffee in 2018 after leaving the forces, expressed his approval of Sir Keir's announcement during the Labour Party conference. 

The PM promised to give all military veterans, young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse a "guaranteed roof over their head".

Nigel Seaman launched Combat Coffee in 2018 to help veterans.Nigel Seaman launched Combat2Coffee in 2018 to help veterans. (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND) Mr Seaman, a former Royal Anglian soldier, said: “This is a fantastic and very welcome announcement that addresses one of the greatest shames any nation could face – that those who risk their lives for our freedom can be left without a roof over their head.

“Only last year the former Minister for Veterans Affairs, Johnny Mercer, pledged to eradicate homelessness among veterans by Christmas – which unfortunately I do not think he achieved.

"His vision did not reflect the number of veterans sofa surfing who are not made aware of the support available to them."

He added that veterans are often unaware of pathways to help support them and hopes the new government improves communication to aid this. 

The announcement was made by the Prime Minister during his speech on Tuesday. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister during his speech on Tuesday. (Image: Peter Byrne/PA)

Sir Keir made the announcement during his speech at the party conference on Tuesday. 

He said: "We will repay those who served us and house all veterans in housing need.

"Homes will be there for heroes."

Mr Seaman had previously criticised the government's decision to not include John Healey in the cabinet.Mr Seaman had previously criticised the government's decision to not include John Healey in the cabinet. (Image: PA) Mr Seaman had previously said that he felt "let down" by the Labour government's decision to make the role of veteran's minister function not as a cabinet member but as parliamentary under-secretary.

Ex-Colonel Alistair Carns is in charge of running the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and is looked over by new Defence Secretary, John Healey.

This is different from the Conservative government, which had veterans' minister Johnny Mercer attending cabinet meetings.