Frances Done: This government isn't honouring the military covenant

Frances Done CBE, Director General of The Royal British Legion, outlines her main concerns with the way our servicemen are treated.

A career in the Armed Forces differs from all others. Service personnel agree to sacrifice certain civil liberties and to follow orders; including orders to place themselves in harm’s way in the defence of others. In return, the nation promises to help and support people in the Armed Forces and their families when they need it most. This mutual promise is enshrined in the Military Covenant, which is acknowledged by all Services.

The Military Covenant does not have the force of law but, through convention, custom, and contemporary application, it has come to represent the Nation’s moral commitment to its Armed Forces.

The Royal British Legion believes that certain aspects of the Military Covenant are not being delivered and that the Nation must now bring about change to ensure that our Service people and their families get the support they deserve. It is time to Honour the Covenant.