Sir Menzies Campbell launches military covenant review in Redruth

10.00.00am GMT Tue 22nd Jan 2008

Former Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ming Campbell visited Redruth Royal British Legion on Saturday to launch a review of the 'Military Covenant'

The covenant is an unwritten agreement in which the government promises to take proper care of those who put their lives in danger for our country. The covenant has hit the headlines in recent years as soldiers have died through a lack of equipment, whilst families have suffered in sub-standard housing.

Following the Royal British Legion's "Honour the Covenant" campaign, Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg asked Sir Ming to put the unwritten covenant into writing. Local MP Julia Goldsworthy has received hundreds of letters and postcards supporting the campaign, so she invited Sir Ming to launch the review in her constituency.

Speaking to sixty veterans from across Cornwall, Sir Ming said:

"It was an honour to meet so many brave men and women who have served our country. There is clearly a feeling that many people in our society, especially politicians, have 'lost ownership' of the armed services. I plan to put the Military Covenant into writing, to make sure that the government can be held to account."

Local MP Julia Goldsworthy added:

"The Royal British Legion has run a brilliant campaign, both nationally and here in Cornwall, to raise awareness of the current state of the military covenant. It was their hard work and powerful campaign which first prompted me to invite Ming here to Cornwall to meet with veterans and service personnel. It is extremely important that local people have the opportunity to make their views heard on this very important issue and I am delighted that the event was so successful.