Always more to be done, says PM

Prime Minister David Cameron has acknowledged there was “always more to be done” to assist military personnel, veterans and families as his government published its first annual assessment of progress on the Armed Forces Covenant.

The MoD report records improvements to operational allowances, leave arrangements, mental healthcare provision and support for forces children’s education over the past year.

But Defence Secretary Philip Hammond accepted that “more can and will be done”, and the Royal British Legion highlighted continuing concerns about long-term care for the wounded and injured, support for reservists and the handling of veterans’ complaints.

The report confirmed Mr Cameron’s announcement of the creation of a new ministerial committee, chaired by Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin, to oversee the government’s work.

Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said: “Our forces will judge ministers on actions, not warm words.”