Conservatives launch military covenant measures

The Conservatives have outlined the findings of their commission looking into improving the welfare of military personnel and their families.

Concerned that the so-called covenant between the nation and troops had been broken, David Cameron established the group  to suggest ways of improving access to education and healthcare.

Measures suggested include helping families of soldiers to secure NHS treatment and improving housing.

Because many personnel are thought to leave the services because of difficulties imposed on their families, the government is already considering ways to improve the welfare of and respect for the armed forces.

The Conservative measures have been drawn up by the military covenant commission, chaired by novelist Frederick Forsyth.

Interim proposals unveiled by the commission included help with maintaining military families' NHS waiting list places when they move around.

Families of service personnel would be able take their waiting list position with them to a new area, and would be guaranteed access to an NHS dentist.

Military families would also attract additional funding for their children's schooling.

The covenant commission's report said: "The current unmitigated intensity of operations is having a significant impact on service family life and, inevitably, on effectiveness and retention.

"The Army Families Federation has highlighted the fact that coping whilst a family member is away from home is particularly challenging both emotionally and financially."

Many of the ideas from the commission are believed to be similar to those being considered by the government.

Its plans to improve the welfare of the armed services are set to be unveiled in the next few weeks.