Military covenant to become law
The pact between the armed forces and the country they serve is to be enshrined in legislation.
David Cameron used an article written for the News of the World newspaper to confirm the military covenant would be written into the armed forces bill.
The informal obligation of the country to look after its service personnel and their families, whether soldiers have been killed or injured, or neither, has never yet been formalised.
Now the details of what the armed forces can expect to receive in return for being prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice are to be codified.
“It’s about our obligations as a society to our military personnel,” Mr Cameron wrote.
“Whether it’s the schools their kids go to or their access to the right medical care, the military covenant is about saying we will always do right by them.
“If we are asking our armed forces to do dangerous job in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, we have to ensure we are doing all we can for them in return.
“I said all this in opposition. Now, in government, I’m keeping my word.”
The announcement follows a promise by the prime minister to make the military covenant law on a visit to HMS Ark Royal in June 2010.
The covenant will be reviewed once a year by the defence secretary and placed under the scrutiny of an ‘external reference group’, the Royal British Legion said.
Extra funding worth up to £50 million is also expected, as well as a new veteran’s card and a new armed forces community covenant scheme to support action by local communities.
Chris Simpkins, director-general of the Royal British Legion, said Mr Cameron’s announcement was a “historic breakthrough” for the armed forces.
“We are particularly pleased that the unique nature of service will now be acknowledged in the bill, together with the principle that no disadvantage should arise from service – real issues for members of the armed forces,” he commented.
“The inclusion of principles in the bill will help parliament to scrutinise the treatment the armed forces and their families receive,” said Mr Simpkins.
The armed forces bill is currently in committee stage in the Commons and has yet to be scrutinised by the Lords.
