Scrap visa fees for Armed Forces veterans, urge Liberal Democrats. In Armed Forces Week "meaningful support not empty words" needed for those prepared to risk their lives in the service of this country.

The Liberal Democrats in Parliament have called on the Government to scrap visa fees for all foreign veterans and currently serving personnel in the UK Armed Forces.

Liberal Democrats' Spokesperson for Defence Jamie Stone MP tabled a cross-party amendment to the Armed Forces Bill, which reached committee stage in the House of Commons today, calling for visa fees to be waived for any current or previously serving members of the UK armed forces and their families.

Jamie Stone MP commented: "Most especially in Armed Forces Week, we must provide meaningful support - not more empty words - for service personnel and their families.

"Foreign and Commonwealth citizens have a proud legacy of serving our country in the Armed Forces. Excessive application fees have prevented many brave veterans from taking up their right to settle in the UK with their families.

"They risk their lives in the service of our country. They deserve better.

"The Government has a choice: they continue taking veterans for granted, or they can support my amendment to the Armed Forces Bill, which would scrap fees for service leavers and their families immediately."

ENDS