Hugh Robertson fights for compensation for Soldier injured in Afghanistan attack

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, has secured a Parliamentary debate to fight for fairer compensation for a soldier appallingly burned during a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2006.

The Soldier, LCpl Martyn Compton, lives in Staplehurst, next to the MP’s constituency and they both served in the same regiment.

LCpl Compton suffered 3rd degree burns to 70% of his body when his vehicle was ambushed by the Taliban. He was the only survivor and was shot in the leg whilst crawling 80 metres to safety.

The MOD initially only awarded him £99,000 which was increased to £163,000 on appeal. The maximum payable is £285,000 which the MP believes should be paid for injuries of this severity. He has also received no indication of the level of pension, the guaranteed income payment, at a time when he is planning for his future.

Hugh Robertson said, “The severity of LCpl Compton’s injuries mean that he should have received the maximum possible compensation payment. It is a disgrace that he has received no indication of the level of his pension at a time when he is trying to plan the rest of his life.

I want the Minister to look into this miscarriage of justice personally and ensure that LCpl Compton receives the full amount payable.”