Labour unveil ‘Forces Charter’
By politics.co.uk staff
Gordon Brown has revealed a raft of measures aimed at improving the lives of Britain’s armed forces.
Rather than looking at supporting the troops on the frontline, which the prime minister has consistently argued cannot be improved, the charter aims to guarantee the rights of service personnel, their families and veterans.
“Labour’s commitment to defence and national security is non-negotiable,” the prime minister said.
“Britain is united in its admiration for the courage, skill and dedication of our armed forces. We must do our best not only for them but for their families, and those who have served before them.”
The ‘Forces Charter’ includes plans to give personnel support by helping them on to the housing ladder and providing them with equal access to social housing.
It proposes providing free further and higher education for those who have served six years and protecting access to schools for families posted around the country.
In addition to medical care, a specialist veterans advice service is pledged with priority access to NHS treatment for mental health.
A regular independent review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is also proposed.
Labour’s defence secretary Bob Ainsworth said his party would not let members of the armed forces down.
“This charter will enshrine their rights in law, ensuring that long after the fighting in Afghanistan is over, government and society will not be allowed to forget their sacrifice,” he added.
