ELECTION 2010: Conservatives launch Armed Forces manifesto

Mike Penning backs the Conservatives’ ‘Armed Forces Manifesto’.Mike Penning backs the Conservatives’ ‘Armed Forces Manifesto’.

Shadow Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox launched the Conservatives’ Armed Forces Manifesto yesterday and announced that a Conservative government will establish a new mental health screening service for all service leavers, including reservists.
Mike said:
“As a former soldier and long-time supporter of our armed forces – both serving and veterans - I welcome the Conservative commitment to repair the Military Covenant and rebuild the bonds between the Forces and the people. Here in Dacorum we are already doing our bit by strengthening ties with our nearest military base, RAF Halton. On May 16th there will be a march past in the town centre to celebrate Dacorum’s award of ‘Freedom of the Borough’.
“I especially welcome the commitment to equip our armed forces properly and support serving personnel, their families and veterans.”
In the manifesto, the Conservatives pledge to:
• Give the Armed Forces clear leadership – we'll hold a Strategic Defence and Security Review to make sure resources match commitments. In the meantime, we’ll protect the defence budget for 2010/11.

• Equip our Armed Forces properly – we’ll reform procurement so our Forces get the equipment they need when they need it, at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer.
• Support our servicemen and women – we’ll double the operational allowance, improve rest and recuperation leave and establish a tri-Service Military Covenant.
• Support service families and children – we’ll give Forces children extra support in school through the pupil premium, and provide college and university bursaries for the children of Forces personnel who have been killed.
• Support our veterans – with a new mental health screening process and a new ‘Troops for Teachers’ programme to get ex-service personnel into teaching.

For full details of the Armed Forces Manifesto, click here.