ARMED Forces personnel and veterans must have a better deal from the Government, according to Darlington’s MP.

Jenny Chapman has joined the town’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Veronica Copeland, in calling for more help and support for those who serve in the armed forces.

The Northern Echo: HOSPITAL PROMISE: Darlington MP Jenny Chapman

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman

To mark Armed Forces Day, taking place across the country on Saturday, the pair have joined Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Defence in demanding that the Government do more for serving personnel and veterans.

Ms Chapman said: “I am delighted to support our Forces, serving personnel and Veterans and their families, on Armed Forces Day.

“It’s wonderful that we have a day that recognises the hard work and bravery of the forces community but of course we need to be supporting them year round and the Government must ensure that our Armed Forces are getting a good deal on pay, welfare, housing and services.”

Urging the Government to spend more on tackling the growing number of homeless veterans, Cllr Copeland added: “As someone who works with our Veterans all year round, it is fantastic to see them have a day dedicated to them.

“Too many veterans end up as homeless, living on the streets.

“They need that extra bit of help and support to deal with additional problems resulting from their military service and that needs to be properly funded by the government.”

MP Nia Griffith, Shadow Secretary for State and Defence, said: “Satisfaction with service life has dropped every year since 2009 and the number of personnel leaving the Forces is worryingly high.

“It’s time the Tories show our personnel they are valued and invest in them. The Government needs to get a grip of this problem and take action now.”