Browne announces help for servicemen

Defence secretary Des Browne has announced that the maximum payment for seriously injured servicemen is to double to £570,000.

Browne was publishing a cross-government command paper containing 40 measures aimed at improving conditions for injured and former armed forces staff, and their families.

The upper limit of compensation payments for those seriously injured in service rises from £285,000 to £570,000.

This would affect about 80 claims made since the compensation scheme was introduced in 2005, and all future claims, Browne told the Commons.

"Everyone with an award for injury under the compensation scheme will benefit, and the most seriously injured will benefit the most," he said.

Browne also highlighted a number of measures designed to end disadvantages experienced by former military personnel and their families when using public services.

Families, who may have to move regularly, will retain their place in NHS waiting lists across the UK.

Admissions policy will be reviewed to ensure children of servicemen are able to find places in good schools, he said.

And all former armed forces personnel with more than six years' service will be entitled to free further or higher education up to degree level.

"We owe this immense debt, and while it can never be repaid sufficiently, we should and will do our upmost to acknowledge it," Browne said.

Other measures highlighted by the secretary of state include:   

• Free bus travel for all seriously injured veterans "at the earliest opportunity"