THE GOVERNMENT minister responsible for former armed forces personnel has said he takes any veteran suicide personally.

The response from Johnny Mercer MP comes following the death of ex-rifleman Jamie Davis, whose body was found in Totton on Saturday following a missing person search.

Alicia Davis, Mr Davis’s wife, has raised concerns about the lack of support given to her partner to help him through PTSD.

Mr Mercer, minister for defence people and veterans said: “Any veteran suicide I take personally, and my thoughts are with Jamie’s friends and family at this time.

“I am determined to tackle this issue and I have instructed my team in the MOD to look at every single case to ascertain whether we could or should have done more, so we can learn lessons and put an end to this situation.”

Wife of ex-rifleman Jamie Davis said a lack of support from the military contributed to his death

The MP for Plymouth Moor View added: “There is a range of help available. I am determined to do all I can to make sure that veterans know where they can turn to in times of need.”

The Ministry of Defence said they take the wellbeing of all those who have served in the armed forces extremely seriously, with access available to specialist medical care from the NHS, alongside a dedicated mental health service for veterans in every part of England.