General Sir Peter Wall, the Chief of the General Staff, has said that the quality of military accommodation was “not up to standard” and cuts to pensions remains “one of the greatest concerns” in the Army.

Concerns over the Government’s defence plans mount with each passing day.

Labour has long argued that the pace and depth of defence cuts are corroding Forces’ morale and leaving capability shortfalls.

Savings must be found, but thousands are being sacked, there is insufficient help with retraining and continued uncertainty over future Army redundancies.

The Government must sit up and take note of these warnings from the most senior Army officer in the country, reflecting the real concern in the ranks.

Only yesterday we heard worries that Britain could not retake the Falklands. Whitehall meetings are no substitute for an aircraft carrier with aircraft.

The Government may have enshrined the Covenant in law but their actions call into question their commitment to Forces’ welfare, including on pensions and housing.