Conservatives launch Armed Forces Manifesto

Labour have let down those who wear the uniform with such pride. Our Forces sacrifice and risk so much to do their duty by us. The least we can do in return is to do our duty by them.

That is why yesterday we launched our Armed Forces Manifesto, which outlines how we will repair the Military Covenant and rebuild the bonds between the Forces and the people. We will:

•  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.

Andy Morgan, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Bolton South East, said "Being an ex soldier I understand how our armed forces must be feeling.  They have been shown a complete lack of support by this government.  All Gordon Brown has done is increase the number of operations our service personnel are engaged in without backing it up with equipment and extra manpower.  As a Conservative MP I will support our Armed Forces family and that includes not just the service men and women but also their families."