Elwyn Watkins calls for big pay rise for servicemen and women on the poverty line

2.08.11pm GMT Tue 17th Nov 2009

Elwyn Watkins, Liberal Democrat candidate for Oldham East & Saddleworth, has called for the Government to award big pay rises to military personnel many of whom are risking their lives on the Afghanistan frontline.

He is backing new Liberal Democrat policy to give the worst paid servicemen and women, who earn less than trainee police officers and firefighters, pay rises worth almost £6,000 a year.

Elwyn Watkins 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. The average basic pay across the ranks of private and lance corporal would rise to around £25,000.

"We need to stop short-changing our troops."