Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, has metwith representatives from the Royal British Legion in Parliament to makea formal pledge to do her bit to support the British Armed Forces.

The move comes as Bob Ainsworth, Secretary of State for Defence, warnedtoday that Operation Moshtarak, being launched in Afghanistan is likelyto lead to a rise in the number of British casualties.

The Royal British Legion is calling on candidates from all parties tosupport the Armed Forces family in the general election and haveproduced a manifesto recommending various changes in government policy.

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut back on certain ‘big ticket’defence items, such a Trident replacement, and to make greater use ofsharing defence costs with our European colleagues for future defenceprocurement. The savings will be used to considerably increase the pay,and improve the housing and care of the armed forces.

During the meeting, Jenny was photographed with a giant replica of thepersonalised pledge card, which she has been given by the Legion inrecognition of her pledge.

Commenting, Jenny said:

“As we move towards the frenzy around a general election, we must neverforget the bravery of the men and women who are putting their lives onthe line for us everyday.

“The armed forces deserve our respect and gratitude. The best way torecognise this is to ensure that they are given all the support theyneed both on and off the battle field.

“I was really pleased to pledge to do my bit and to get my pledge cardfrom the Legion. I know the work they do for the whole Armed Forcesfamily matters not just to me, but to so many of my constituents aswell.

“The Lib Dems are committed to making savings in the Defence budget andusing these savings to increase pay for our fighting men and women andto improve the housing and welfare of their families.”

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said:

“We’re delighted to give Jenny Willott her pledge card in recognition ofher pledge to do her bit.

“Our message to every MP and candidate standing at the general electionis very simple: It’s time to do your bit.

“How you do that is entirely up to you but pledging publicly at www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk <http://www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk/> is agreat way of showing your support for the whole Armed Forces family,both now and beyond the general election.”

“Both the serving and ex-Service community need the support ofpoliticians,” he added.

“Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, andwe hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Kevin Shinkwin, Head of PublicAffairs

E: kshinkwin@britishlegion.org.uk T: 020 3207 2246

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Attached is a photo of Jenny being presented by Legion staff member,Bethan Herbert, with a giant replica of the personalised pledge cardwhich she has been given in recognition of her pledge.

The Liberal Democrats have already pledged to substantially improve thepay of British Privates so that they fall in line with the hourly-rateof trainee and development-level fire-fighters, as well as new-entrantpolice constables. For full details see: http://www.libdems.org.uk/our_campaigns_detail.aspx?title=Nick_Clegg_launches_%E2%80%98Don%E2%80%99t_Short_Change_Our_Troops%3A_Fair_Pay_for_Our_Armed_Forces%E2%80%99&pPK=d47f3ca7-09cf-44b5-bb47-c51cfb5746a4

The Royal British Legion is the nation’s leading Armed Forces charityproviding care and support to all members of the British Armed Forcespast and present and their families. It is also the national Custodianof Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nationand its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal andits emblem the red poppy — www.britishlegion.org.uk.

The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improveconditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and theirfamilies. It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates(PPCs) to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, thebereaved, veterans and dependants.