UK 'doesn't care' about soldiers

British troops receive a lukewarm welcome upon their return from active duty, Sir Jock claims.

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Wednesday, 14, Nov 2007 09:55

The British people must do more to express their appreciation for the sacrifice made by the Armed Forces, according to the chief of defence staff.

Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup claims the covenant between the UK populace and the armed forces is "under stress" due to the comparatively poor treatment of troops after returning from active duty.

Talking to the Daily Telegraph, Sir Jock believes returning regiments deserve parades rather than the underwhelming welcome many receive upon arriving home.

"Some of them come back into accommodation that is less than salubrious, they come back to relatively short periods at home, they don't get to spend enough time with their families, they don't get enough time to spend training and all of that creates an enormous amount of pressure for them back home," he said.

"Equally they are concerned the British public does not appreciate or understand what they do. We need to express that a bit more visibly.

"I welcome recent efforts to do that. We need to have a little more tangible and visible expression of our appreciation."

He explained many young soldiers are alienated upon returning to the UK due to the appalling experiences many of them have undergone.

Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary, backed Sir Jock's comments, telling the newspaper: "We have a government that has showed itself to be totally indifferent to the plight of the Armed Forces for ten years and, if anything, the current Prime Minister is even less sympathetic than the previous one."

The chief of defence staff also said military action against Iran should not be ruled out, as diplomatic efforts to assuage fears over Tehran's nuclear programme continue.

"We certainly have the capability to contribute to some form of military action but we do not carry out military action for the sake of carrying out military action," he said.