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We must not lose sight of our brave troops doing a fine job in Afghanistan under difficult circumstances – or forget them once they return home.
But their plight is sometimes forgotten, and we are still not giving the armed forces all the support they deserve.
For one thing, our troops returning from Afghanistan should be given top-quality army accommodation, but Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee recently confirmed that between 40% and 50% of all army accommodation is substandard. So the World War One lesson of ‘Homes for Heroes’ appears to have been forgotten.
In addition, the army is being asked to do too much with too few resources. We are badly overstretched, with soldiers paying the price by doing long tours of duty. As a result, family life, training and recuperation are all suffering. No wonder people are leaving the services in droves.
> John teams up with the Royal British Legion
We should also remember veterans. Last autumn, I teamed up with fellow MP Dr Ian Gibson to hold a cross-party Inquiry into the effects on servicemen of participation in Britain’s nuclear weapons tests in the 1950s. I set up the Inquiry after hearing the distressing story of a local resident whose family seems to have been tragically affected by his exposure to radiation during service.
Over two days, we heard evidence from scientists, veterans and campaigners, and I was left convinced that the argument for recognising a possible link between participation and subsequent ill health is much stronger than the Government currently admits. Our Inquiry therefore recommended a new approach which would fast-track claims for compensation and standardise the way they are assessed. Read more.
We have recommended that the Government takes the problem much more seriously, undertakes further scientific research, and considers a compensation payment to all veterans. It is vital that we continue to work to recognise this loyal group of ex-servicemen.
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