Legion wins public affairs award
17 November 2011
The Royal British Legion
has been recognised with a prestigious national award for its
successful campaign to have the principles of the Armed Forces
Covenant written into law.
The Legion's work on behalf of the covenant was named Campaign of the Year at the Public Affairs News Awards ceremony in London.
It had been shortlisted alongside the Macmillan Cancer Support "Vote Cancer Support" campaign and the Which? "Stop Rip Off Charges" campaign.
A 24-strong judging panel representing the most respected names in public affairs selected the winners based on written entries and personal interviews.
"It's great to see this campaign get the credit it so richly deserves," Director General Chris Simpkins said today. "It overcame considerable resistance in Whitehall and will result in significant changes to the betterment of Service personnel, veterans and their families."
Head of Public Affairs Kevin Shinkwin added: "The new Armed Forces Bill, which now has Royal assent, represents an historical first in terms of getting the fundamental principles right in the relationship between the nation and its Armed Forces. I'd really like to thank the team who worked so hard on this breakthrough - the award belongs to them."
Prime Minister David Cameron announced in May that the principles of the Military Covenant - ensuring that Armed Forces will be treated fairly in return for their service to the nation - would be written into the new Armed Forces Bill.
The announcement came with a wide-reaching covenant support package worth £40-£50million to ensure that the principles would be upheld in health, housing and education.
The government's turnabout on the issue followed an intensive media and political campaign led by Head of Public Affairs Kevin Shinkwin, culminating in personal meetings between the Prime Minister and Director General Chris Simpkins.
The Legion launched its Honour the Covenant campaign in October 2007 and has been champion of the Military Covenant since. The Armed Forces Bill recognises the unique nature of military service, upholds the principle that no disadvantage should arise from military service relative to the general population, and recognises that special treatment may be necessary to ensure that disadvantage does not arise.
