Hugh demands ACTION NOW

HUGH ROBERTSON DEMANDS STATEMENT OVER CUTS TO GULF SERVICEMAN'S PAY

Hugh Robertson who was Adjutant of a main battle tank regiment, has demanded a Commons statement from the Defence Secretary over revelations that the Ministry of Defence is planning to cut between 20-35% from the Local Overseas Allowance of servicemen posted to the Gulf. The move will affect up to 10,400 members of the armed forces posted to the Gulf who are in receipt of Local Overseas Allowance.

The demand, made to Robin Cook at Business Questions, is the latest step in a campaign run by the MP which has included Questions to the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister and the tabling of EDM 779 - which has attracted signatures from all political parties.

Hugh Robertson said: "It is absolutely disgraceful that the Ministry of Defence should cut pay of servicemen and women at a time of great stress for them and their families.

"The Secretary of State should come to the House and make a full statement without delay.

"No member of the armed forces should lose out financially through service to the Gulf."