MP calls for fairness for military widows

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for a change in the armed forces pensions' scheme, so that military widows no longer lose their pension entitlement if they re-marry.

Under the rules found in the 1975 Armed Forces Pension Scheme, armed forces widows or widowers lose their armed forces pension entitlement if they either re-marry or cohabit with a new partner. Up to 400 widows and widowers have had their pensions seized in the last year as a result of this rule.

Tim has signed a parliamentary motion calling on the government to change the policy in this area. Tim has given his support to this campaign, which is being led by the Forces Pension Society and is backed by the Royal British Legion.

Tim said "Military spouses make huge sacrifices, often spending months apart from their partner, raising a family alone, all the while knowing their partner is in a dangerous location serving our country. It is therefore cruel and unfair that those who become widows and widowers are forced to make a choice between love and the financial security they receive from their military pension."

"I am delighted to be supporting this campaign with the Royal British Legion and I hope that together we can change the law and right this wrong."