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Note- this was recorded prior to Danny's resignation.

Danny Kinahan, is the first Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland and was appointed to this role by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in September 2020, as a result of the New Decade New Approach political agreement.

He's a former Army officer, MLA and Member of Parliament.

In this episode, our host Jonny Ball quizzes him about his military, civilian and political career as well as the role of Veterans' Commissioner.

Danny's Key priorities:

• Ensuring the interests of veterans and their families are championed at all levels.
• Remembering, celebrating and promoting the contribution veterans have and continue to make to society.
• Ensuring that every veteran and their family living in Northern Ireland know where to turn, to access support, assistance or advice if they need it.
• Developing policy and improved services, in collaboration with government (both locally and across the UK) and other relevant organisations, to enhance veterans’ daily experiences.

For more information, check out his website here: https://www.nivco.co.uk/about-the-ni-veterans-commissioner/

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Colonel (Retd) James Phillips is the first veterans commissioner for Wales.

James, who lives in Pembrokeshire, left the Army after serving 33 years, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and the Balkans.

He believes Wales has a "long tradition of service and sacrifice".

His appointment means Wales joins Northern Ireland and Scotland in having a dedicated commissioner, though at the time of the recording, England is yet to appoint.

This was recorded before the General Election and we thank James for his patience. We had to delay due to the restrictions placed on appointed persons like James, but as you will hear, it was an amazing chat.

We cover his lengthy military career as well as what a commissioner's role is. Don't forget to listen to our host Jonny's 3 key takeaways at the end!

Huge thanks to Bags at Bare Arms Support to Film & TV for the lend of the studio. For more on their work, see here: Bare Arms – Military Advisers to the Theatrical Industries – Film, TV, Theatre, Games

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Daniel McBirnie is a Saffron Walden councillor and resident. He has fought developers and won concessions for local people and is a former Army Lieutenant Colonel who’s provided MoD briefings to the government on Covid and Mental Health.

Daniel began his military career at the Army's 6th Form College, Welbeck, which is sadly no longer open. He went on to a full career in the Royal Logistics Corps' serving as an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) which is more colloquially known as 'Bomb Disposal.'

We talk Afghanistan, his journey into a demanding and highly pressurised role, as well as his transition into business and local politics.

During the episode we touch on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and Armed Forces Covenant which he advocates. This is administered by MOD's Defence Relationship Management, and you can find out more about them here: Defence Relationship Management - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Don't forget to like, rate and follow the show!

Support the show

💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people, by creating the content you love! Every supporter will get a shout out on our show too!
CLICK HERE 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support