In the current winter of discontent, with of strikes by Rail workers, Ambulance Drivers, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Teachers, Border Forces to name a few, our Armed Forces have stepped up to the plate when required to keep the basics of our country running. This, alongside the defence of the country, long deployments around the world and necessary training despite being undermanned and poorly equipped and tight budgets. However, our loyal members of the Armed Forces have little to no voice when it comes to employment rights and quite rightly are not allowed to strike, the same as our police force. However, back in 1919 after two major strikes by the police, and a subsequent act to prevent the police from striking, the Police Federation was created to give the police a voice. I believe it is time to allow the Armed Forces to have their own federation, taking members from across the rank structure to enable their issues to be raised and more importantly listened to.

At last, much needed modern tanks are being sent to Ukraine. The UK is sending 14 Challenger 2’s, Germany, Poland, and Finland are sending Leopard 2’s, The Netherland, Spain, and Norway are considering sending some of their Leopard 2’s. The US is poised to send dozens of its M1 Abrams battle tanks and the French are considering send a number of Leclerc tanks. All of this state-of-the-art armour is vital if Ukraine is to hold ground and then take back ground held by the Russians once the winter gives way to spring. Why battle tanks? Ukraine has vast swathes of flat plain that is ideally suited to the deployment of armoured vehicles, especially main battle tanks. The Russian T-14 Armata is no match for Challenger 2 and Leopard 2 and Russian forces are reluctant to accept the first tranche of T-14’s due to their poor condition.

Finally, in the last seven days over 1,000 illegal migrants that we know of, arrived in the UK. All of these migrants will be given warm, secure accommodation, food and drink, clothes, £40.85 per week and healthcare as a minimum. All of this given and paid for with your taxes, yet the homeless Armed Forces veterans get none of the above and whilst the Government bends over backwards to spend your taxes on illegal immigrants, it will not support the veterans who loyally served our country. It is a bare faced travesty and one that needs fixing as soon as possible.

Sqn Ldr Peter Richardson R’td.

UK Independence Party - Defence and Veterans Spokesman.