Sir Alan Beith MP pledges to "do his bit" for British Armed Forces and backs plan to increase service pay

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Sep 2009

Sir Alan Beith MP is standing up for our armed forces.

Sir Alan Beith, MP for the Berwick upon Tweed constituency, has pledged to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.

Sir Alan met with representatives from the Royal British Legion at the recent Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth where he was presented with a copy of the Legion's manifesto for the next general election, which sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion's Head of Public Affairs, said

"We're really grateful to Sir Alan for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message is very simple: 'It's time to do your bit'.

"The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties," he added. "Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration".

Sir Alan said

"I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website - www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more."

At the conference, Sir Alan Beith also backed radical plans to increase the pay of Britain's lowest-earning troops by £6,000, improve the condition of forces' housing, and ensure proper medical provision for all personnel. The proposals, which would mean that no service personnel in the Army, Navy or RAF would receive less basic annual pay than a new-entrant police constable or development-level firefighter, would be funded within the MoD's existing budget.

Sir Alan said

"The amount we pay our troops is a national disgrace. It is deeply unfair that the most dangerous public service job we have is also one of the worst paid. Lower-ranking service men and women should see their pay increased in line with that of the police and fire services.

"This Government has failed to look after troops both on the front line and the home front. Our brave men and women are enduring unimaginable hardships in Afghanistan, putting their lives on the line day after day. The very least we can do is treat them with respect."