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NEWS
Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell and his wife Elspeth Campbell have met the 16 Air Assault Brigade in Colchester.
During his visit Menzies Campbell called for massive improvements in conditions for the armed forces and their families.
Menzies Campbell called for:
- All army accommodation to be assessed at the highest standard according to the Army’s Standard for Conditions
- An Independent Commission for Military Complaints to be set up to ensure complaints against the armed forces are handled effectively
- Proper support to be offered to troops returning from service including proper medical care and counselling
- Development of a Service Families Charter - to ensure that all families in the armed forces receive consistent and standardised welfare services
The 16 Air Assault Brigade includes the parachute regiment who were among the troops led by Elspeth Campbell’s late father Major General Roy Urqhat at the Battle of Arnhem during the Second World War.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Menzies Campbell said:
"Last year 14,460 personnel quit the service.
"We need to treat the brave men and women in our armed services better otherwise we could face an ever growing shortfall.
"The men and women of our armed forces deserve decent housing and proper equipment. Both Conservative and Labour governments should be ashamed of their failure to provide this for our dedicated servicemen and women."
Liberal Democrat MP for Colchester Bob Russell said:
"While I am delighted with the accommodation provided at the new Merville Barracks for single soldiers, housing for our Army families in many cases leaves a lot to be desired. Often the contrast is totally unacceptable.
"This is something which I have raised in the House of Commons, most recently two weeks ago during Defence Questions.
"It is vital that we provide the best housing we can for the families of our military personnel. Retention of our soldiers is a big issue - ensuring that their families have good houses, good schools and good welfare facilities obviously helps married soldiers to stay in the Army.
"I am delighted that my party leader accepted my invitation to visit Colchester and is prepared to take on these issues."
