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SHADOW DEFENCE MINISTER WELCOMES GOVERNMENT MILITARY COVENANT U-TURN
- COVENANT TO BE WRITTEN IN LAW AFTER CAMPAIGN LED BY LOCAL MP
The UK Government has been forced into a major u-turn on enshrining the rights of our armed forces in law after a campaign in Parliament led by local MP and Shadow Defence Minister Gemma Doyle.
Prime Minister David Cameron announced in the weekend media that the principles of the military covenant- the contract between the state, the people and our armed forces- will be written into law. Defence Secretary Liam Fox confirmed the details of the plan in the House of Commons yesterday (16 May).
The Government had previously refused to write the covenant into law, and voted against Labour amendments to the Armed Forces Bill which would have done so, despite the Prime Minister promising in June 2010 to introduce "a new military covenant that's written into the law of the land."
Gemma Doyle has welcomed the announcement, which has been brought about by a campaign in Parliament she led along with defence charities like the Royal British Legion.
West Dunbartonshire MP and Shadow Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Minister Gemma Doyle said, "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our servicemen and women, their families, and veterans who have and continue to make huge sacrifices in the defence of our freedom.
"The military covenant is a contract between the nation and those who serve our country so bravely. It will now be written into law so that the Government's responsibilities towards the forces community is strengthened and can never be sidestepped.
"By enshrining the covenant in law, the Government has finally done the right thing. After David Cameron promised his government would do this they later back-tracked and refused. Only in the face of real anger from forces families and MPs of all parties have they now belatedly been forced to keep their promise to our brave service personnel.
"It's disappointing that the Government had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this point, but I was delighted to play a key role in this successful campaign alongside charities like the Royal British Legion, who deserve huge credit.
"The important thing is that the principles of the rights and rewards that our soldiers, sailors and airmen can expect in return for the sacrifices they are prepared to make on our behalf will now be protected by law."