Military Covenant Part1

What is The Military Covenant:
The Military Covenant is a term introduced into British public life to refer to the mutual obligations between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is an informal understanding, rather than a legally-enforceable deal, but it is nevertheless treated with great seriousness within the services. While recognition of a special bond of mutual obligations between the state and its Armed Forces dates back more than 400 years, it was not until 2000 that the Army published 'Soldiering - the Military Covenant' which set out the obligations on the soldier to make personal sacrifices in the service of the nation, and stated that the armed forces must be sustained by the nation. Although the term "covenant" implies some form of legal guarantee or contract, there is in fact no basis in UK law, custom or history for such covenant.

What Does the Covenant Read?
“Soldiers will be called upon to make personal sacrifices – including the ultimate sacrifice – in the service of the Nation. In putting the needs of the Nation and the Army before their own, they forego some of the rights enjoyed by those outside the Armed Forces. In return, British soldiers must always be able to expect fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service. In the same way the unique nature of military land operations means that the Army differs from all other institutions, and must be sustained and provided for accordingly by the Nation. This mutual obligation forms the Military Covenant between the Nation, the Army and each individual soldier; an unbreakable common bond of identity, loyalty and responsibility which has sustained the Army throughout its history. It has perhaps its greatest manifestation in the annual commemoration of Armistice Day, when the Nation keeps covenant with those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in action.”

Recent Political History:
In recent times there has a been a lot of talk about the Covenant. Namely The British Legion in 2007 launched a campaign which accused the Government of failing to meet its commitments under the Covenant. In his conference speech that October Consvertive Party leader and the Now Prime Minister David Cameron referred to the Covenant and said "Mr Brown, I believe your government has broken it."
Responding to the Royal British Legion's campaign, the then Seceratary of State for Health Alan Johnson announced in November 2007 that armed forces veterans would get priority treatment on National Health Service, and those injured would be treated immediately in hospital rather than go through waiting lists. Prescription charges would also be waived.

In opposition David Cameron asked Andrew Murrison MP to establish the Military Covenant Commission. Chaired by author Frederick Forsyth CBE and with experts including the Falklands veteran Simon Weston OBE its report (www.militarycovenantcommission.com) heavily influenced the current government's thinking. On 25th June 2010, The Times newspaper reported that Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to enshrine the Military Covenant in law. Such a development would allow British servicemen and servicewomen to sue the State for breaches of the Military Covenant.

On the 28th August 2010 The English Defence League held a rally in Bradford city center. One of several speakers on the day was ex-Kingsman Lee Highdale. Mr. Highdale, as not only a speaker for the EDL, but as a ex-serviceman delivered a speech calling for the Prime Minister and the Government to enshrine the covenant into law. More so to introduce laws into place to protect the Armed Forces from public abuse which has been witnessed in recent years. There is currently a petition being set up from the EDL to collect names/signatures to support this. There is a great deal of support from both serving and ex-serving forces who will support this. It seems that the actions of the public are going to have to do what the politicians should be doing,

The English Defence League:
The English Defence League itself was formed as a direct response to abuse which the Royal Anglian Regiment suffered from Islamic Extremists and their sympathizers in March 2009. They have done more than just hold national protests in different cities across the country were they have had attendance in the thousands, or held smaller more regular flash demo’s in many cities even simataniously , they have offered a solution for the intial problem. What notice has anyone taken?

The EDL has been all to often reffered to as ‘Far Right’ or ‘Nazi’s’ even ‘Racist’. The people from within the EDL are from all different backgrounds, colours, religions, cities, as to how people can even think about tarring them with any these names is just ridiculous. These people are standing up against what they think and is a very real threat in this country. Political Correctness gone mad, an the deadly threat of militant Islam.

Add to this all the incidents that are happening not just in Europe but across the world, you have to ask yourself, Are the English Defence League right?

I for one think they are and 100% support their values, and will continue to do so by any means necessary.

IN SHORT THE ENGLISH DEFENCE LEAGUE IS HERE TO STAY, THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO WAKE UP, STOP WORRYING ABOUT OFFENDING PEOPLE AND DEAL WITH THE ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED. WE AT THE EDL HAVE EVEN OFFERED A SOLUTION FOR ONE OF THESE ISSUES.

WE ARE CALLING OUR ELECTED GOVERNMENT TO ACT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO PUT YOU THERE, BEFORE IT IS TO LATE!