SUSAN KRAMER URGES BETTER DEAL FOR ARMED FORCES IN NORTH KINGSTON

12.41.41pm GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

Susan Kramer MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston is calling for the Government to improve accommodation for military families in North Kingston and to improve the treatment received by members of the armed forces.

Susan Kramer MP said:

"I recently visited military housing at The Keep where many military families live in the constituency, and was shocked at conditions inside."

"Public areas are dilapidated, the playground has no proper equipment and there is no decent community facility for families to gather and socialise. Much of the accommodation is sub-standard and modernisation of the flats has been suspended."

"Some families have had to endure this sub-standard accommodation for over fifteen years. This is just not acceptable. It is time we cared for our armed forces and their families properly."

"These families in North Kingston are the spouses and children of our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. When we ask so much of them there is no excuse for being cheap when dealing with their welfare."

The Liberal Democrats forced a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday on armed forces welfare, where Susan Kramer backed the Liberal Democrats' proposals.

The Liberal Democrat action plan for improving armed forces welfare, includes the upgrading of service accommodation and improved medical care and counselling.