The Ministry of Defence is facing a damaging court case brought by some of the thousands of soldiers who were forced out of the army in a bid to save money on pensions.

At a time when the army is facing a shortage of 5000 troops, thousands of personnel have been pressured out "to reduce the budget requirements on MoD", according to a leaked document.

Meanwhile, the Independent reports that soldiers injured in the Iraq war are now having to pay for private treatment to avoid long delays on NHS waiting lists.