Article by Rt Hon. Jim Murphy MP, PoliticsHome, November 2011
As all our minds turn to Remembrance Day we have an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made in our name by the Armed Forces and the enormous contribution they have made and are making to our country. Theirs is a contribution born from patriotism and courage, and one that will never go overlooked.
In a world where threats are transforming and transnational, the challenges our Forces face are increasingly demanding. Their acts keep our communities safe but also protect the lives of people whose names and stories we will never know. In defence we recognise that responsibilities and values transcend national boundaries. Each of our Forces at home and around the world deserves our highest tributes.
Here at home it is our duty to serve our Forces and their loved ones. The Military Covenant, the bond between the nation and the Forces which ensures no disadvantage arises from Service, is now set in law. Forced into this action by a fantastic campaign by the Royal British Legion, supported by Labour, the Government needs to work harder at upholding its principles through policy.
Today the House of Commons is holding a debate on Armed Forces personnel. There are three issues on which the Forces community will want Ministers to signal a change of course.
The first is the Chief Coroner. All bereaved families at the most difficult time deserve an expert, independent coronial system. This has been legislated for and yet the Office of the Chief Coroner is being abolished by the Government. Ministers have consistently and resolutely ignored arguments on how this can be implemented at lower cost. The decision has been described as “a deep betrayal of bereaved Service families” by the Royal British Legion.
The second is military pensions. The permanent change to a lower rate of indexation will significantly reduce the value of pensions for soldiers and war widows. There is a need for restraint in public sector pay and pensions, but this year-on-year change will disproportionately affect members of the Forces community who rely on their pensions at earlier ages than almost anyone else. The impact will be felt by generations of our bravest, from those who jumped from landing crafts onto the beaches of Normandy in 1944 to those facing the Taliban today. According to the Forces Pension Society a corporal who has lost both legs will miss out on £500,000 in pension and benefit-related payments. A 34-year-old wife of a staff sergeant killed in Afghanistan would be almost £750,000 worse off over her lifetime. The Government should think again about this permanent change.
The third is clarity on cuts to personnel. We know that the Army is set to be cut to its smallest numbers since the Boer War, but we do not know precise figures or from which units redundancies will be found. The uncertainty is damaging to morale. Ministers previously told us no-one serving in Afghanistan would be made redundant, but that has proved to be untrue. Our Forces and their families deserve clear answers about the Government’s plans.
Today’s debate will I hope be conducted in a tone reflective of the mood of our country which always comes together at this time of year to stand in silence and solidarity with those who serve. Issues surrounding Forces’ welfare are not party political and deserve similar unity. We will approach these, as we did the campaign on the Military Covenant and the debate on the Chief Coroner, seeking cross-party consensus. I hope Ministers will do the same and act differently, in reflection of the unique nature of military service.
