The Royal British Legion has expressed concern over the inadequate support provided to Britain’s Armed Forces and their families, stating they are being let down by the nation they sacrifice so much for. One highlighted case involves a veteran who suffers severe PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, including during the deadliest year in 2009 for UK forces. This veteran, Phill Winton, underwent a challenging legal battle to secure compensation but has yet to receive the full amount owed.
Ahead of the Labour Party conference, the Royal British Legion has addressed an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to fulfill the promise of fully enshrining the Armed Forces Covenant into law. The organization is encouraging members of the Armed Forces community, veterans, and their families to sign the petition to compel the government to take action.
The Armed Forces Covenant, introduced in 2011, aims to ensure fair treatment and support for those who serve or have served in the military and their families. The Royal British Legion is advocating for the covenant to be legally binding across all government departments and regions with adequate funding and guidance to be truly effective.
The Legion spokesperson highlighted the unacceptable delays in compensating veterans, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent veterans like Phill from enduring prolonged distress due to bureaucratic processes. The organization is calling for concrete actions to uphold the covenant’s principles and provide better support for the Armed Forces community.
Various individuals, including veterans and their families, have shared their struggles with the system failing to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant, leading to challenges in accessing essential services and support. The Royal British Legion continues to push for tangible changes to ensure that those who have served their country are not disadvantaged or neglected.
