Liberal Democrats urge better deal for armed forces

12.00.00am GMT Mon 10th Dec 2007

British troops deserve better service accommodation and improved medical care and counselling

John Dixon, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Cardiff North, is calling on the Government to renew the Military Covenant and improve the treatment received by the armed forces.

This follows the publication by the Liberal Democrats of 'Our Nation's Duty', an action plan for improving armed forces welfare, including the upgrading of service accommodation and improved medical care and counselling.

John Dixon said: "For decades British governments, both Labour and Conservative, have failed to invest in fair treatment for our troops and they are at breaking point. Poor quality accommodation, inadequate care, and critical overstretch are just some of the ways they are being let down.

"As Chancellor, Gordon Brown cut the armed forces' accommodation budget. Then as Prime Minister he went to Iraq for a photo opportunity with troops and announced what turned out to be 'phantom' troop withdrawals. No wonder they think he just doesn't care.

"The last Conservative Government is also to blame for the shoddy housing, faulty equipment and inadequate medical care that our troops deal with.

"The Liberal Democrats believe the time has come for us to have a new military covenant that ensures politicians honour their debt to the armed forces.