Sir Keir Starmer promises to create a ‘Squaddies Czar’ to represent our brave troops
A NEW ‘Squaddies Tsar’ to represent the military and their families will be created by Labour if they win the election, Sir Keir Starmer says.
His vow comes as Armed Forces week kicks off tomorrow.
The Armed Forces Commissioner would sit outside the military chain of command and have the power to investigate and highlight issues affecting Forces and their loved ones.
Sir Keir said for him, the pledge is personal.
His uncle served aboard HMS Antelope in the Falklands War.
The frigate was torn apart by an explosion and sank at sea.
His uncle survived, but Sir Keir’s family spent an agonising few days waiting to hear if there was news.
He said: “Like everyone across Britain, Labour has deep respect for the serving men and women of our Armed Forces.
“My uncle served on HMS Antelope in the Royal Navy during the Falklands War: I know first hand the courage, duty and sacrifices of our armed forces”.
He said it is a national scandal that so many brave soldiers are living in damp, mouldy housing.
If he gets the keys to No10, Sir said he will pass a new law to create an armed Forces Commissioner within his first year as PM.
He added: “Labour’s Armed Forces Commissioner will be our first step in renewing Britain’s moral contract with our Forces.
“The Commissioner will be a strong public voice for personnel and their families, improve service life, and strengthen parliamentary oversight.”