Liberal Democrat 'Fair Deal for the Forces' call voted down

10.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 16th Dec 2007

A Liberal Democrat proposal for a better deal for those in the armed forces has been rejected in parliament. The proposal, put forward during an Opposition Day debate yesterday, called for a codified Military Covenant and for the government to ensure that those serving in the armed forces have access to quality accommodation and other services. Labour MPs voted down the proposals by 302 votes to 71, with the Conservatives not voting.

Willie Rennie, Liberal Democrat spokesperson "The Government have made grand pronouncements about the care of our armed forces. But there is a mismatch between the rhetoric and the reality - on shoddy housing, overstretched personnel, bereaved families waiting for months and years for answers, over-used and faulty equipment, and paltry compensation. The Government are failing our armed forces who, for their gallantry, bravery and selflessness in service of their country, deserve so much more."