Jonathan Djanogly, the Member of Parliament for the Huntingdon Constituency, yesterday spoke out against the Government's proposed changes to the law whereby:
a) The standard of proof for an ex-serviceperson's entitlement to a disability award is to be tightened against the appplicant; andb) The current unlimited time for applications will be reduced to 5 years.
Mr Djanogly said:
"Following an approach to me from Peter Plowman, the Secretary of the St Ives and District Royal British Legion, I have been organising a campaign to stop this Government's cost cutting proposals.
The fact is that many injuries caused to our service personnel do not become apparent for many years after the injuries have been sustained.
The Royal British Legion consider that the effect of Labour's proposals, if enacted, will lead up to 60% fewer pensioners being awarded than under the current rules.
I was delighted to have received the support of 113 MPs so far, who have signed up to my Early Day Motion against the Government's proposals.
From my point of view, men and women who have sustained injuries acting in the defence of our country deserve our full support."