NEWS the military covenant will be enshrined in law was welcomed by ex-servicemen, their families and charities in Gwent yesterday.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced the principles of the covenant, a long-standing agreement between the government and servicemen, will be incorporated into the Armed Forces Bill.

A full announcement on the details is due today, but it is set to improve the welfare of military personnel, their health and housing and education for their children.

The military covenant is Britain’s duty of care to its armed forces which says soldiers will be called upon to make sacrifices – including the ultimate sacrifice – but in return, they and their families can expect fair treatment.

Hazel Hunt, the mother of Abergavenny soldier Private Richard Hunt who was fatally injured in Afghanistan, said: “As long as it gets put into law it is very welcome.

It’s about time this country grew up and cared for those who have done their bit.”

Falklands veteran Denzil Connick said: “It’s great and not before its time, I’d have hoped by enshrining the covenant into law it gets the teeth to needs to make sure things happen.”

Chairman of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Gwent, John Blackburn, added: “It will establish the regard with which the services are held by the UK government and its citizens.”

President of the Usk branch of the Royal British Legion, John Harrhy, said: “It’s a long-awaited thing, but we’ll have to wait and see – it depends on how far it goes.”

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We owe it to them

IT is only right that those who put their lives on the line for their country get all the help and support they need.

Which is why the announcement yesterday that David Cameron has accepted demands for the military covenant to be enshrined in law is most pleasing.

Britain has a ‘duty of care’ to its armed forces. This began as an unspoken pact, but was formally made a covenant in 2000.

The duty of care to troops includes paying towards healthcare, which can be physical care for injuries or mental support for post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems.

Yesterday’s move will ensure benefits to troops will be published and debated annually by parliament.

If people do a dangerous job in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, this country has to ensure it is doing everything it can in return.

This is certainly a step in the right direction.