Plymouth MP's veterans debate sees benches left empty in House of Commons

A debate into veterans care in the House of Commons introduced by a Plymouth MP has seen benches left empty with most MPs already leaving for their Easter break.

Not a single Labour MP was present at the beginning of the debate while only a handful of MPs from the Conservative party attended.

The debate was begun by Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer on the verge of parliament's adjournment for the Easter recess.

The MP for Plymouth Moor View called on the government to do more to help charities helping service veterans.

He said recent conflicts had led to a big increase in those suffering physical and mental injuries and argued the government should provide a more joined-up approach to the care of ex-servicemen with an agreed set of standards.