PLEA TO PM AS OUR FORCES HEROES ARE STILL BEING DENIED FAIR DEAL

ARMED forces members and their families are being let down badly by the country for which they sacrificed so much, the Royal British Legion warns.

- BY LUCY THORNTON

On the eve of the Labour Party conference, it has released an open letter to Keir Starmer urging him to deliver on his promise to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

The covenant, introduced in 2011, promises that service personnel and their families will be treated fairly, with respect and will not be disadvantaged by their time in the armed forces.

The Legion says for it to be truly effective it needs bringing fully into law across all government departments and local authorities, with funding and clear guidance.

Among the thousands being failed they highlighted the case of Phill Winton, who suffered severe post-traumatic stress and “came back a different person” after four brutal tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. Medics have said the dad-of-three, 41, will never be able to work again.

Following a seven-year legal battle, he was awarded £1.7million in compensation but has yet to receive the full amount.

COFFINS

The Legion said: “Many like Phill face unacceptable delays. The lengthy, strenuous process causes untold distress in their time of need.