Tory armed forces manifesto launched
Thursday, 22 April 2010 12:00 AM
By Sasjkia Otto
The Conservative Party pledged to protect the defence budget for 2010/11 as it launched its armed forces manifesto today.
But it said a strategic defence and security review would be necessary to ensure resources match commitments.
It outlined its plans to repair the military covenant by increasing government support for "overstretched" forces ahead of tonight's second prime ministerial debate which will focus on foreign policy and defence.
The party pledged to double operational allowance, improve rest and recuperation leave, give forces children extra support in schools though the pupil premium, provide necessary equipment at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer.
It said it would support former servicemen and families by helping veterans into teaching careers and giving university and college scholarships and bursaries to children of those killed in combat.
Liam Fox, shadow secretary of state for defence, reaffirmed his commitment to mental health as a welfare priority and announced a post-traumatic stress treatment programme and a mental health screening for all service leavers.
"The first duty of government is the defence of the realm, and our most vital asset in that is our people," said Dr Fox.
"I know from my experience as a civilian army medical officer that the surest way to have unhappy service personnel is to have unhappy service families. This is why a Conservative government will repair the military covenant as a matter of urgency."
Charity Combat Stress "warmly welcomed" the manifesto for its potential to "help the UK meet the anticipated future demand for high quality mental health services for our veterans".
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