STUNELL CALLS FOR BIG PAY RISE FOR STOCKPORT SOLDIERS ON THE POVERTY LINE
10.42.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Oct 2009
Troops fighting in Afghanistan, including the First Mercian Regiment, which draws recruits from Stockport, should be given a £6,000-a-year pay rise, according to Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell.
The lowest paid private receives just £16,681 a year, and there are over 51,000 soldiers earning less than the basic pay for equivalent ranks in the police (£22,680) and fire service (£22,038), despite serving on the frontline in Afghanistan.
Mr Stunell and the Liberal Democrats now want to see pay rises worth almost £6,000 a year for the lower ranks, giving them parity with equivalent positions in the police and fire service, and the fair pay deal they deserve.
Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:
"Every day young men and women are putting their lives on the line, fighting in terrible conditions in Afghanistan.
"What is their reward from this Labour Government? Shockingly poor pay that leaves them on the poverty line and their families back at home hungry.
"The Liberal Democrats will put a stop to this straight away. We will raise the pay of the lowest paid troops by an extra £6,000 a year, and give them the fair pay deal they deserve.
"We need to stop short-changing our troops."
ENDS
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