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By Lord Bishop of Wakefield - 27th January 2011
The significance of the relationship between the military and those they serve must not be downplayed, says the Bishop of Wakefield.
The Church of England has been concerned to contribute to the wider debate on our national contribution to global security. I was asked if I could be a spokesperson for the Church in this area.
I am concerned that the strategic narrative set out in the National Security Strategy and the practical suggestions of what we are able to do, as set out in the SDSR, are made to dovetail. We will need more debate on strategy if this is to be the case.
The Church is also keen to reflect upon the nature of the military covenant whereby we underpin our commitment, as a nation, to those who risk their lives on our behalf. The significance of the relationship of mutuality, trust and respect between communities and military personnel must not be underplayed. The Strachan Report is to be congratulated for taking us forward in our thinking here.
Rather like our constitution, the covenant is unwritten and I think that is wise. 'Covenant' is, of course, a theological term. To talk of covenant avoids language which legislates. Instead the model is one of gift. Each partner willingly gifts to the other. So here we begin with the gift of military service and the paired gift offered by the nation to all in military service: this is a gift shared by government and the wider community.
So, I will ask the minister to indicate what steps have been taken to update the existing package on terms and conditions of service, and the envisaged time frame for the development of a new employment model. Alongside this, I will suggest with the report that 'education throughout the service career' be made a priority.
The SDSR highlights the vision of support to ex-service personnel to study at university. There are also issues about the adequacy of support for reservists, as they return to their normal work following the pressured extremes of military service. I will also ask if there ought not to be someone who is effectively acting as the Reviewer of Armed Services Welfare. It might be combined with other work whilst remaining a distinctive function.
The reviewer would report to the secretary of state for defence (every four years?). Such a statutory measure might help depoliticise our discussions on the military covenant and ensure that the sacrifices of our personnel are responded to with a proper sense of giftedness from the nation's side of the covenant.
Stephen Platten was consecrated as Bishop of Wakefield in July 2003. He was admitted to sit in the House of Lords as one of the Lords Spiritual in 2009.
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