ARMED FORCES COVENANT ADOPTED BY BELFAST CITY COUNCIL
I was delighted to receive a call from the Veterans Champion for Belfast City Council, Cllr James Lawlor to inform me that the council had formally adapted the Armed Forces Covenant.
Coming so soon after the positive vote in Stormont last November, this news will be very welcome.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly. It is not, as some claim, about preferential treatment, but rather making sure there is no disadvantage as a result of service.
Any political party, who believes in equality, and who wants to see an end to discrimination, could not object to the principles of the covenant. It is important for society in Northern Ireland that members of the Armed Forces and veterans receive the recognition that they deserve.
I want to pay tribute to Cllr James Lawlor, as the Armed Forces and Veterans Champion in Belfast City Council, for his tireless work to achieve this positive vote.
David Johnstone
NI Veterans Commissioner
Information provided by HIVE NI