Military Covenant

Jim Sheridan Excerpts

Wednesday 16th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Dr Murrison]

rose—

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

rose—

[Mr Murphy]

I shall briefly give way to my hon. Friend.

[Jim Sheridan]

I concur with the hon. Member for Colchester (Bob Russell) that this should be a non-partisan debate, but my right hon. Friend is right to remind the House that during the Labour years, the then Opposition constantly criticised the Government on the lack of spending on protective equipment, as did the generals. We understand why the politicians criticised the Government, but why did the generals criticise them, and why have they suddenly gone quiet in the short period since the election?

[Mr Murphy]

I do not wish to reopen that debate, but my hon. Friend is free to make that point whenever he wishes to do so.

It is clear that to date, the Government’s policy on the covenant and their policy on the RPI-CPI switch are policies without a patron. No Government Minister has defended them, yet Ministers expect Back-Benchers to suspend their consciences and their sense of right and wrong to vote through a policy that they have not backed.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Bryant]

rose—

[Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab)]

rose—

[Dr Fox]

I give way to the hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North (Jim Sheridan).

[Jim Sheridan]

The right hon. Gentleman is explaining the promises or pledges in his party manifesto. Do they include his pledge to compensate Christmas Island veterans, many of whom will be watching this debate and wanting an answer?

[Dr Fox]

That was not a commitment in the Conservative manifesto, but Ministers will constantly review the issue, as happened under previous Governments.