The Ministry of Defence has stated that millions of Veterans could be issued with special identity cards as early as next year under plans being currently considered by the government.

Up to four million Veterans would be eligible for priority medical treatment from the NHS, access to housing and discounts on public transport by using the cards.

Similar systems in the US and France offer subsidised travel and discounts from private companies.

Minister for Veterans Kevan Jones is reported as saying that the government needed “to make it happen”. He told a national newspaper: “We will provide veterans’ ID cards so the person can say, ‘I have served in the services,’ and get priority access to treatment.”

BBC News web site – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7971739.stm