Legion responds to call for Armed Forces 'charter'
18 December 2009
The Legion has responded to a proposal by the Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, for a charter giving serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces specific and possibly legally binding rights, including priority access to public services such as healthcare.
In describing "Afghanistan First", Mr Ainsworth said:
"When our forces are deployed, we must make sure that:
- We meet the needs of forces personnel in theatre;
- Look after their families at home while they are away;
- And when they return make sure they have all the support they need, especially those who have been injured.
Afghanistan First means making sure the Government meets these obligations too."
In response The Royal British Legion, which has been campaigning vigorously for the Government to "Honour the Covenant", issued this statement.
"The Legion believes the Military Covenant already 'does what it says on the tin' - and we have campaigned vigorously on its behalf. The public is all too aware of the pressing need to keep the Nation's promise to its Armed Forces - to look after them and their families when they are in need. Rather than a Charter, we think the Government should commit to the establishment of appropriately empowered Commissioners for the Armed Forces to ensure that its Command Paper commitments are honoured at every stage of policy and service development."
