Nick Clegg’s proposals to increase the pay of the lowest-paid troops by £6,000 a year. The proposals, which would mean that no service personnel in the Army, Navy or RAF would receive less basic annual pay than a new-entrant police constable or development-level firefighter, would be funded within the MoD’s existing budget.
Heather Kidd said: “Every day, the news is full of stories of brave service men and women who consistently risk life and limb in Afghanistan. The duty that our service personnel do is one that they do in the face of huge risk and uncertainty. Yet despite putting their lives on the line every day, our troops are paid a pittance.
“This is why I wholeheartedly support Nick Clegg’s call for a £6000 pay increase for our lowest-paid soldiers, sailors and airmen. I have no doubt that the people of Shropshire will agree with me when I say that our service men and women deserve a greater reward for what they do. Those dedicated to serving in our armed forces should not have to bear the low wages they are paid in addition to the dangers they face on the front line.”