WE WILL REMEMBER THEM - BURT

9.19.00pm GMT Fri 9th Nov 2007

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt today attended the school's re-dedication ceremony for the Roll of Honour at Pershore High School. A list of names of ex-pupils from the school who died during the Second World War were read out by Head Teacher, Clive Corbett.

Richard said:

"It is often hard for children to fully imagine the sacrifices that have been made in the defence of our way of life.

"That's why I'm pleased that this memorial will remind them that we owe a particular debt to those who placed, and continue to place their lives at risk to defend the great British values of freedom, democracy and tolerance.

"I hope everyone in Worcestershire and across the country will pause to remember the victims from all wars on Sunday, and look to the future in the hope of real and lasting peace in our time.

"I hope too that this memorial will encourage the pupils of Pershore High School to cherish the values and virtues for which so many have fought and still fight.

"And yet today, young soldiers receiving little more than £12,000 a year after tax are paying private insurance premiums of up to £1,000 to make up for inadequate government compensation. Worse still: increasing deaths and injuries are leading insurance companies to nearly double current premiums to be paid by those directed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Service personnel, ex-Service personnel and their dependants do not always get the standard of health care they are entitled to receive, and bereaved families lack critical support.

"The Royal British Legion is calling on the Government to 'Honour the Covenant' to provide a life-long duty of care to those making a unique commitment to their country.

"Readers can learn about the Covenant and sign up to it by visiting www.royalbritishlegion.org.uk

"I passionately believe this is the least deserved by those who have paid a heavy price defending the freedoms and values we still enjoy.