Royal British Legion - "Honour the Covenant" Campaign

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 12th May 2008

HM Armed Forces

The powerful Commons Defence Committee published a report in February which supports a number of the demands of the 'Honour the Covenant' campaign. There is more to do, however.

I thought I should use this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about one specific recommendation of the campaign: support for bereaved families. It is particularly relevant. This email reaches you after a coroner's inquest into a Hercules crash, which occurred in Iraq in January 2005, has been delayed until October.

Inquests can be very confusing for families, and solicitors can be very expensive. Currently government money for legal representation for families who have lost loved ones on operations is only available in 'exceptional cases'. In contrast, all cases where someone has died in prison, or in police custody, get the money automatically.

We are demanding that Service families should be provided with legal advice and representation during inquests at public expense.

You can help now by emailing your MP.

Patrick Leavey

Head of Public Affairs

The Royal British Legion