Nia Griffith MP, Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary, responding to the findings of the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey, said:

“These findings are a damning indictment of the government’s policies towards our servicemen and women.

“Ministers talk a good game about supporting personnel, but poor pay and the ongoing threat of defence cuts mean that morale is now in freefall.

“Labour has called for the public sector pay cap imposed on public sector workers, including the armed forces, to be abandoned. Eight years of real terms pay cuts have put immense strain on personnel and their families. It is no wonder that satisfaction with pay continues to plummet and more and more personnel are choosing to leave the Forces early.

“Our armed Forces personnel are integral to our national security and they serve with great courage and professionalism. It is high time to recognise this properly and give them the fair pay rise that they deserve.”