Abject Poverty Forces British Soldiers to Take Loans to Buy Food

Capt Sasha · 05-12-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

A highly sensitive internal report into the state of the British Army has revealed that many soldiers are living in poverty. Some are so poor that they are unable to eat and are forced to rely on emergency food voucher schemes set up by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Some of Britain's most senior military figures reacted angrily yesterday to the revelations in the report, criticising the Government's treatment of its fighting forces. The disturbing findings outlined in the briefing team report written for Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff, include an admission that many junior officers are being forced to leave the Army because they simply cannot afford to stay on.

Exclusive report: Soldiers need loans to eat, report reveals - Home News, UK - The Independent

For a former imperial empire that today prides itself on its high GDP, that is a pretty sorry state of affairs. I feel sorry for these soldiers, perhaps the UK government should have spent money to improve the lives of its soldiers instead of wasting it on fighting illegal wars for Americans.

Nicole91 · 05-12-2008, 10:41 PM

Or wasting it on countries which have disasters, don't get me wrong I have nothing against tax payers money being spent on others less fortunate than ourselves, and would hope we would get the same in return if it was us, It's more wasted on people with benefits or so called benefits,war efforts and these Olympics, which might bleed us dry for a while, I can see it.

I agree sometimes we look after foreigners better than our own.

Trogdor_74 · 05-12-2008, 10:42 PM

I don't much like our government

They spend too much money on stupid things such as benefits and ridiculous schemes instead of actually caring for the people.
And they should stop interfering in wars which are none of our business.

Nicole91 · 05-12-2008, 10:47 PM

They need to sort out the NHS that's for sure

Understaffed and underfunded,however It's a lot better than others....

Trogdor_74 · 05-12-2008, 10:50 PM

Well at least it's "free". Although the government should spend on that instead of pointless wars, excessive benefits and schemes which waste money and don't lead to anything.

Tomski · 05-12-2008, 10:53 PM

It is truly disgusting how our service men and women are treated and it sickens me to think that people put their lives on the line for Queen and Country to fight in illegal and outright unjust (if the possibility for a just war exists) wars in despicable conditions for terrible pay.

Unfortunately it is not just the armed forces that suffer, it seems our government is unable to give anyone working in public services pay to meet the hugely increasing prices for necessities such as food.

Capt Sasha · 05-12-2008, 11:09 PM

I am glad that I am not a British, at least our soldiers didn't have to go through such impoverished conditions despite economic crisis of the post-Soviet 1990s. Rather than keep a large force that hits on pockets or fight unnecessary wars that eats on taxpayers' money, the British military should cut back towards a compact and highly efficient conventional force while building a strong nuclear deterrent. Keeps a country safe and soldiers well fed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole91

..... It's more wasted on people with benefits or so called benefits,war efforts and these Olympics.

I agree sometimes we look after foreigners better than our own.

If UK stops bribing poor countries in its sphere of influence with economic aids, US or China can quickly jump in and capture geopolitical support for themselves. Political influence on a global level can be pretty expensive, unless you are a Russian diplomat or Soviet strategist.....

BlockHead2111 · 05-14-2008, 12:27 AM

Oh yay... I'm joining in September...