MILITARY COVENANT FOR EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL WITH MESOTHELIOMA

That this House notes that thousands who served in the armed services before 1987 are not entitled to full compensation for being exposed, while under military orders, to asbestos and to have contracted mesothelioma; further notes that they will lose out massively when compared with people who contracted the lethal lung disease in civilian life where compensation reaches £180,000, while an estimated 2,500 sailors in this position may only be eligible for £31,000 through their war pension; believes that this is a clear breach of the military covenant, which the Prime Minister rightly described as the promise to our military that, because of the sacrifices they make on our behalf, they should not have less good treatment than other groups of people; agrees with Chris Simpkins, Director General of The Royal British Legion, that this is a clear breach of the Armed Forces Covenant; recognises that the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary are examining the matter; and urges them and service chiefs to take swift and positive action to resolve this gross anomaly.