ONLY two per cent of Southampton veterans have received ID cards that were previously promised to all former servicemen and women.

Data from the ministry of defence showed that as of December 6 last year, only 133 cards had been distributed in Southampton for 6,361 veterans.

The cards are aimed at helping those who served in the forces to access the services they need including health, housing and charity services.

But after the Government promised them to every veteran in 2019, only five per cent have been rolled out in Hampshire with 84,624 of the region’s 88,945 ex-service personnel still waiting.

In December, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer promised to roll out all remaining cards by this summer.

READ MORE: Southampton Veterans Trust given six months to leave building

But now the government has been criticised with Labour saying it will take more than a century for all cards to be issued at the current rate.

Ahead of a visit to Southampton today, Luke Pollard, Shadow Armed Forces Minister, said: “The Conservatives are failing veterans in Southampton.

“The veterans ID card is supposed to help society keep its promise to those who serve by ensuring quick access to services like healthcare.

“But the Conservatives have delivered just a fraction of the cards needed.”

Chair and founder of the Southampton Veterans’ Trust, Colin Gaylor told the Echo: “I don’t know one veteran that has an ID.

“I think the scheme is a good one. The problem is at the moment it only seems to be going out to current service leavers.” 

READ MORE: Southampton veteran finds 'brilliant' new home after losing leg

Asked if he thinks the cards will ever be sent out, he added: “We will believe it when we see it. It can be seen as another broken promise”.

Leader of the Conservative Group in Southampton, Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry said though that “supporting veterans in our city is incredibly important and we urge the government to speed up this process as quickly as possible.

“We urge the Labour council to work with the government to facilitate this. These will be pretty important to veterans in ensuring they receive the support they deserve.”

Tory MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith added: "Veteran ID cards are a great idea to allow for more support and access to certain benefits for our veterans. 

"I am surprised that so few been distributed, but many veterans like me, may not have applied for an ID card because they don't feel they need to. 

"Further promotion or signposting the clear benefits of having the cards might be necessary in order to create more take up."

Mr Pollard and Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Southampton Itchen, Cllr Darren Paffey will be visiting the Veteran's Trust today.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.