30/07/2009
MoD's 'About-Turn' On Compo Welcomed
The families of two injured soldiers whose compensation awards were being challenged today welcomed a Government U-turn - but said it should never have tried to slash their sons' payouts in the first place.
Just a day after the Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth announced an urgent review of the compensation system and also promised that two injured soldiers whose compensation was being opposed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would get their full award.
Wounded Corporal Anthony Duncan's mum, said: "I don't think I have to tell you how I felt when I discovered the MoD was trying to reduce his money.
"The timing of this has been awful when soldiers are still out in Afghanistan. I am glad there has been a change of heart," she said.
The 'about-turn' will also mean that injured Royal Marine Matthew McWilliams, 24, could keep his cash.
Duncan was initially awarded £9,250 after he was shot in the leg in Iraq. McWilliams got £8,250 after fracturing a thigh in a military exercise.
But a tribunal increased Duncan's money to £46,000 and McWilliams's to £28,750 after both men suffered medical complications.
The MoD caused a public outcry on Tuesday when it took the case to the Court of Appeal, claiming their compensation should only cover their initial injuries.
The resulting 'review' of the system therefore has been roundly welcomed.
See: Cuts To Soldiers' Compensation Slammed
(BMcC/KMcA)
Just a day after the Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth announced an urgent review of the compensation system and also promised that two injured soldiers whose compensation was being opposed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) would get their full award.
Wounded Corporal Anthony Duncan's mum, said: "I don't think I have to tell you how I felt when I discovered the MoD was trying to reduce his money.
"The timing of this has been awful when soldiers are still out in Afghanistan. I am glad there has been a change of heart," she said.
The 'about-turn' will also mean that injured Royal Marine Matthew McWilliams, 24, could keep his cash.
Duncan was initially awarded £9,250 after he was shot in the leg in Iraq. McWilliams got £8,250 after fracturing a thigh in a military exercise.
But a tribunal increased Duncan's money to £46,000 and McWilliams's to £28,750 after both men suffered medical complications.
The MoD caused a public outcry on Tuesday when it took the case to the Court of Appeal, claiming their compensation should only cover their initial injuries.
The resulting 'review' of the system therefore has been roundly welcomed.
See: Cuts To Soldiers' Compensation Slammed
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.