Our armed forces delivered on D-Day, and they deliver during this pandemic | Stephen Morgan MP

As we approach D-Day 76, we are reminded that the significance of this event stands the test of time.
By Stephen Morgan
Published 3rd Jun 2020, 14:50 BST
Updated 3rd Jun 2020, 16:04 BST
A member of the armed forces takes a swab to test for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 from a visitor to a drive-in testing facility at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, in Chessington, southwest of London, in May. Picture: Adrian Dennis/Getty ImagesA member of the armed forces takes a swab to test for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 from a visitor to a drive-in testing facility at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, in Chessington, southwest of London, in May. Picture: Adrian Dennis/Getty Images
A member of the armed forces takes a swab to test for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 from a visitor to a drive-in testing facility at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, in Chessington, southwest of London, in May. Picture: Adrian Dennis/Getty Images

Not only because the immeasurable sacrifices made on the beaches of Normandy, which resulted in the freedoms we have now, but also because our armed forces continue to deliver more than three quarters of a century later.

For time eternal, in our nation’s darkest hour, we turn to the brave men and women in uniform who continue to prove their value to our society. Amid this crisis, they are going above and beyond. Delivering crucial life-saving PPE to frontline staff, setting up test centres, and providing key support to councils through military aid to civil authorities are just some of the ways they are batting for the nation. But as our armed forces continue to deliver for us, is the government delivering for them?

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In the past month it was announced there would be another delay to armed forces pay awards for a second year running. The annual armed forces continuous attitude survey revealed a decade of discontent under the Tories, with satisfaction of military life, pay and pensions all falling since 2010. For the fourth year running, the ombudsman has found the armed forces service complaints system to not be ‘effective, efficient or fair’. We also know that in April, 13,000 personnel were absent from work due to the virus while just 131 had been tested. Does this treatment reflect the dedication shown by our forces?

I will continue to keep a watchful eye on whether service personnel playing an intrinsic role in the supply of equipment are being protected themselves, put pressure on ministers to ramp up testing for our troops, and be a strong voice to ensure that the highest standards are met when it comes to our armed forces. Our armed forces are on the frontline defending us against Covid-19. Time has passed but one thing has stayed the same – the unwavering dedication of our forces’ community. As Shadow Armed Forces Minister, I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure they get the recognition and treatment they deserve.

Related topics:Stephen MorganPPECovid-19