Armed Forces accommodation a national disgrace, poll shows
25 June 2010
A poll commissioned by The Royal British Legion shows nearly two-thirds (60%) of people believe that the present state of Armed Forces accommodation is a national disgrace.
Ninety per cent think that Armed Forces personnel should not be put into a position where they are likely to worry about the quality of their family's accommodation while they are fighting on the frontline.
The poll, released today, demonstrates the strength of support among the public for a significant improvement in standards of accommodation for Britain's Armed Forces and their families, the Legion says.
It comes at a time when the Prime Minister has called for the Military Covenant between the nation and the Armed Forces to be renewed and enshrined in law for the first time.
More than three quarters (78%) believe Armed Forces families deserve to live in high quality accommodation, with 80% believing the Government should make bringing Armed Forces accommodation up to the highest standard more of a priority.
The ComRes poll echoes the Legion's call, in its manifesto for the 2010 general election, for the new Government "to bring all single and family accommodation up to the highest standard within the lifetime of the next parliament".
Chris Simpkins, Director General of The Royal British Legion, said, "The Legion applauds this Government's commitment to the Military Covenant, which we have long championed. We would now like to see that welcome commitment translate into better homes for our troops and their families. This is something the British public obviously feels very strongly about."
Media contact:
Susan Cottam
Public Relations Officer
The Royal British Legion
T: 020 3207 2477 M: 07775 017 889 e: scottam@britishlegion.org.uk
