Statement by TUV East Londonderry Assembly candidate and ex-serviceman Jordan Armstrong:
“Just a few weeks ago David Cameron stood in the House of Parliament a delivered a speech to defend sending our forces into a bombing campaign against ISIS.
“Now we here the same Government, freezing the war pension of our war veterans and widows. These veterans served this country with distinction and many suffered life changing injuries. Their widows have to cope with the pain of the loss of a loved one. The pension is an important safeguard to help them throughout their life and, in all too many cases, to deal with many complex injuries.
“The pension freeze is an act of disloyalty to the 140,000 military veterans and widows. The state pension however has not been frozen and will see an increase of 2.9% due to its “triple lock” protection. This triple lock protection should incorporate war pensions, to underscore our commitment to those who served this country and send out a strong signal that we are here to help them in their time of need.
“The announcement sends another blow to our war veterans in Northern Ireland who already do not receive the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is implemented throughout the rest of the UK. More needs to be done to address these important issues.
“When men and women give so much for their country, it is only right to show them the gratitude they rightly deserve!”