Commenting on Quentin Davies’ report on public attitudes towards the military, which recommends creating a national Armed Forces Day, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:
 
“Many of these proposals are good common sense and should be welcomed. It is essential that the British public understands the huge sacrifice and commitment made by our servicemen and women.
 
“But we must never let pageantry obscure the hard facts about the way the current Government treats our Armed Forces.  Read more »

Arriving today for a two-day visit to Afghanistan, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has emphasised the vital importance of success in the ‘conflict of our generation’.

Warning that a failure to ensure peace and stability will see Afghanistan reverting to a haven for terrorism, he aims to find out what Britain can do to ensure the international effort in the country is put back on track to success.

Nick Clegg said:

“Afghanistan is the most important conflict of our generation. If we fail to secure lasting peace and stability, Afghanistan will revert to a pariah state, feeding the international drugs trade and offering a haven for terrorism that will threaten global security for the conceivable future. The consequences of failure would be devastating.

“Yet the success of our mission in Afghanistan hangs in the balance. International efforts have not yet delivered the stability and security that the people of Afghanistan deserve. So we must ask tough questions, of ourselves and our allies, to ensure we succeed. Read more »

Commenting on Des Browne’s announcement that a public inquiry is to be held into the death of Baha Mousa, the Iraqi civilian who died while in British custody in 2003, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:

 “This announcement is welcome, but long overdue. It has to be asked why the Government took so long to decide a full public inquiry is the right way forward. Read more »

Commenting on today’s statement by Des Browne on the MoD’s Spring Performance Report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:
 
“This damning report adds to the growing sense that Gordon Brown doesn’t care about the military.
 
“The report is a catalogue of woes for the MoD. There is a recruitment catastrophe, dangerous levels of overstretch and a crisis in the defence equipment budget. Read more »

Commenting on reports that the relatives of 14 men killed when a Nimrod spy plane crashed in Afghanistan may have been shown a replacement aircraft after the one they were meant to view developed a fuel leak, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:
 
“This suggests that despite the tragedy which occurred in Afghanistan, further RAF Nimrods still in use have similar, potentially life-threatening problems. Read more »

Today in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat MP Bob Russell put forward a Ten Minute Rule Bill calling for a change to immigration law which would grant indefinite leave to enter and remain in Britain for Gurkhas.

This is part of a wider campaign to give Gurkhas fairer rights and recognition. Despite being recognised as outstanding and well-respected members of the Armed Forces, and serving in numerous operations around the world, at present many Gurkhas are prevented from claiming equal rights.   

Read more to see the full text of his speech:

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