EVERY day, ministers urge us to "support our troops". Why, then, have they just announced proposals to cut benefits to men and women injured while serving in the armed forces?

Under the new plan, ex-service personnel will no longer be entitled to war disablement pensions. Instead, they will have to apply for compensation, which they may be refused if there is felt to be "insufficient proof".

I understand that the Royal British Legion has already expressed concern that

many (possibly up to 60 per cent) are likely to miss out who would qualify under the present system.

Sadly this is all too typical of the attitude of our "patriotic" politicians to service people; singing their praises at time of war, abandoning them and refusing them support when they need it later on.

I urge everyone (on whatever side of the war debate) to write to your MP and protest against these disgraceful cuts.

Ben Drake,

Danum Road,

Fulford,

York.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, April 04, 2003