Local MP Caroline Dinenage today called on the Defence Secretary to bring an end to the cutting short of Armed Forces Rest and Relaxation periods.
During Philip Hammond’s first Quarterly Statement on Afghanistan in the House of Commons, Caroline Dinenage pressed the Minister to look at the strategic air bridge between Afghanistan and Britain. Delays in administration and transport are causing troops to lose up to three days on a two week R&R period.
Caroline said:
“I have spoken in this chamber before about gaps to the air bridge which can mean that up to three days can be taken of the two week R&R period for our personnel. I wondered if I could ask the Rt. Hon Member to look into this matter and review the possibility of starting R&R when troops return home, not when they leave the front line”.
The Secretary of State, Philip Hammond, confirmed that he would look into the current operation of R&R times.
Speaking after the statement, Caroline added:
“Rest and Relaxation periods are essential to the welfare of our troops. Current delays in the strategic air bridge are denying our brave servicemen and women vital recuperation time with their families, and I am glad to have secured the Minister’s pledge to look into this matter”.