"We must reaffirm the Military Covenant" - Sue Doughty

10.09.49am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd Sep 2009

Lib Dems paid their respects to those who have died in active service and from the after effects of war with a minute's silence ahead of the debate on the military covenant". Speaking at Bournemouth Sue Doughty drew attention to the ongoing difficulties faced by many people not only during conflict but also afterwards which has led to more suicides by veterans of the Falkland and first Gulf war than deaths in action during the two wars.

Sue also drew attention to the problems faced by families, many of whom live in sub standard accommodation. She said "It is a matter of urgency that forces quarters are brought up to the decent homes standard. Its unacceptable that families not only have to cope with long absences but also having to cope with the health effects of mould and damp. The stresses on those who are left at home are enormous with careers wrecked by frequent moves and the reality of rebuilding relationships after long absences."

She is also concerned about the problems of urgent moves and the issues of getting children into school, and good access to medical and mental health services.

Attributing some of the problems to the overstretch with action in two many parts of the world she said "Improvements are needed urgently, but a start could be made to dealing with the problem by pulling out of Afghanistan now"