On June 6, world leaders, politicians, current and ex-military personnel and civilians will unite with the now tiny number of D-Day veterans, to mark the 80th anniversary of the start of Operation Overlord. Honouring those who served, fought, and died liberating Europe. 

Today those commemorations feel more poignant. Once again war rages in Europe. While we reflect on the sacrifices made of yesterday’s young men and women, we are uneasily aware of the sacrifices already been made by others today. Equally, we know that we may soon have to ask more of our own military services.

We rightly honour our heroes of the past. However, it is becoming ever more apparent that we are failing to honour our heroes of today. Speaking to current service personnel and some very recently ex-service personnel, it seems clear that on top of issues with low pay and lack of equipment, the poor quality of military accommodation is a significant factor when it comes to issues with recruitment and retention of service personnel. 

A recent House of Commons Library research briefing into UK defence spending found that real terms spending fell from £57 billion in 2009/10 to just £44.5 billion in 2016/17. Whilst spending is now increasing, the 23/24 real terms spend still falls below 2010 levels at only £54.2 billion. 

A separate parliamentary report looking at the adequacy of service accommodation stated that the maintenance and repair of service family accommodation has long been an issue for armed forces personnel, adding that service families “have been badly let down for many years” and are not getting the accommodation service they “have a right to expect”. 

A serving member of our armed forces recently told me that his friend, who unfortunately ended up in prison, found the bathrooms were better than his barracks and the toilets far less prone to blocking! 

The report adds that satisfaction with accommodation has “fallen markedly” in the last year, with fewer than half of personnel satisfied with the overall standard of accommodation.

We ask our young service men and women to protect us, fight for us and sometimes to die for us. It would only seem right and fitting therefore, that we honour them, not just with the kit and equipment to do the job, but also accommodation worthy of their great skills, bravery, and sacrifice. 

Geoff Cooper, 
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Romsey and Southampton North