Get involved in Invictus Games, minister urges

Birmingham was announced as the host city of the 2027 Invictus Games

The veterans minister has urged people to “get involved” when the Invictus Games come to Birmingham in 2027.

Alistair Carns, also MP for Selly Oak, said the event, where injured millitary personnel and veterans compete in a range of sports, would be “absolutely amazing” for families and the whole community.

The country needed to provide a better service for veterans, he said, and highlighted Wolverhampton City Council’s recent announcement it was surveying members of the armed forces.

The authority said it was to help understand their "attitudes, feelings, and experiences” to get a better picture of what both current and ex-personnel might need.

Birmingham saw off competition from Washington DC to be announced as the host city for the 2027 games, which are held every two years.

Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Mr Carns said the city’s triumphant bid was “amazing” and “a great success”.

“We went to the launch last week. It was super to see the contestants there, the families, the set-up within Birmingham – it’s world class,” he said.

“So get involved if you can because I think it’s going to be absolutely amazing.”

Alistair Carns was made veterans minister after he was elected in July

The Labour MP, a former officer in the Royal Marines, was elected MP in July’s general election and was immediately made veterans minister in Sir Keir Starmer’s government.