Christian retired major general responds to veteran policies of political parties

In-between attending memorial events and laying wreaths, Mr Johnson, Mr Corbyn and Ms Swinson have set out their pledges to the armed forces.

Mr Johnson promised an extension of a railcard for veterans, providing discounted travel for those who don’t get it through other railcards already. Labour have promised to provide better accommodation for army families and the Liberal Democrats say armed forces veterans who were born outside the UK would be exempt from paying settlement fees for staying.

An army adviser and defence expert has been reviewing these policies and their potential appeal to army communities.

Retired Major General Tim Cross advised the House of Commons select committee on defence for seven years from 2007 and was the president of the Armed Forces Christian Union, having previously served in the Balkans, Northern Ireland and Cyprus.

Major General Tim Cross told Premier’s News Hour his thoughts on the railcard: “I think in the great scheme of things it’s a fairly minor issue, I noticed that the other thing they’re talking about is taking away the possibilty of veterans from places like Northern Ireland being prosecuted 40 or 50 years after events, which I would think is far more important than a veteran’s railcard.”

Mr Johnson suggested that a Tory Government would change the Human Rights Act so that it does not include events before 2000,…