SANDRA FIGHTS FOR LOCAL SOLDIERS' PENSIONS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 9th Apr 2008

Local MP, Sandra Gidley, joined with local armed forces pensioners Brian Bartholomew and Colin Romero last week to fight for justice for those who have been denied a military pension.

At present, members of the armed forces who left the services before April 1975 with less than 22 years service do not get a military pension, despite having paid contributions. This stands in contrast to those who left afterwards, who get a full pension providing they served for a minimum of five years.

Commenting from a rally in Whitehall, held by the Armed Forced Pension Group, Sandra said:

"As someone whose father served in the Army, this issue is very close to my heart.

"It is a disgrace that men and women who have fought for their country have been so easily neglected by their government. Brian, Colin and many other service personnel feel that they are suffering a huge injustice.

"The United Kingdom is the fifth richest country on earth - we are better off by far than we were in the mid 70s when the rules were implemented. Now I am determined to see the rules changed again.

"People say that 'old soldiers never die'. Perhaps it should be said that 'old soldiers never die, they just carry on fighting for their pensions'!

Colin Romero and Brian Bartholomew with Sandra Gidley MP on the House of Commons terrace after the rally last week.

ENDS