D-Day: Davey sets out plans for veterans and military personnel 

EMBARGO: 22:30 Wednesday 5th June

On D-Day, the Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has set out the party’s plans to deliver a fair deal for veterans, serving personnel, and their families.

This would include improving Ministry of Defence housing, strengthening the Armed Forces Covenant, and ensuring that military compensation for illness or injury does not count towards means testing for benefits.

The Liberal Democrats said veterans and military personnel deserve a new package of support as the country "will be reflecting on the sacrifices made to free Europe from tyranny 80 years ago." 

The party is also calling for the setting up of a new government commission to secure a cross-party consensus on improving conditions for serving personnel and veterans.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“Today millions of people across the country will be reflecting on the sacrifices made to free Europe from tyranny 80 years ago. 

“We must ensure everyone who has stood in defence of our nation is rewarded and properly supported.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling for a fair deal for our veterans and military personnel. We want to see improvements to military housing and compensation and a new commission to ensure that our service men and women and veterans are no longer taken for granted.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

The Liberal Democrats plans include: 

• Strengthening the Armed Forces Covenant by placing a legal duty on the Defence Secretary and government departments to give it due regard. 

• Improving the standard of Ministry of Defence housing, including by reviewing maintenance contracts.

• Accepting the recommendations of the Atherton Report on women in the armed forces.

• Ensuring that military compensation for illness or injury does not count towards means testing for benefits.

• Establishing a “Fair Deal for Service Personnel, Veterans and Families Commission”.