Eastbourne MP secures backing of more than 100 MPs in fight for injured veterans

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde has united more than 100 MPs from 11 political parties in a major campaign calling on the Government to end what he describes as the unfair treatment of military veterans who receive compensation for injuries sustained while serving their country.

In a letter sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Monday 26 October, the Liberal Democrat MP is demanding changes to the way military compensation is treated when calculating Pension Credit, arguing that injured veterans are being financially penalised for their service.

The letter has secured more than 103 signatures from MPs across the political spectrum, adding significant parliamentary support to Mr Babarinde's campaign for what he calls Pauline's Law.

The proposed change is named in memory of Pauline Cole, a former Staff Sergeant and Eastbourne resident who sustained injuries while serving in Aden.

Despite being awarded military compensation for those injuries, Pauline saw her weekly Pension Credit reduced from £77 to just £11 because the payments were treated as income when her entitlement was calculated.

Mr Babarinde argues that the system creates an injustice for veterans who have suffered injuries in the line of duty, particularly when compared with how certain civilian compensation payments are treated.

Under current rules, the first £10 a week of War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments is disregarded when calculating Pension Credit, but the remaining amount is generally taken into account.

The Eastbourne MP wants the Government to go further and ensure that compensation awarded for military injuries does not reduce veterans' entitlement to means-tested support.

Pauline Cole passed away late last year, but her case remains at the centre of the campaign.

Mr Babarinde has pledged to continue fighting for changes in her memory, saying no other injured veteran should experience the same financial consequences.

The MP has raised the issue eight times in Parliament, including directly with the Prime Minister and during an adjournment debate.

He has also introduced the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme (Report) Bill, which seeks a parliamentary review of the potential benefits of disregarding military compensation when calculating Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits.

The latest intervention comes ahead of the upcoming Budget, with Mr Babarinde urging the Chancellor to use the opportunity to address the issue.

In a statement, Mr Babarinde said: “I want the Government to use the upcoming Budget to right this wrong and ensure that our veterans are never financially penalised for serving our country.

“I am hugely grateful to all the MPs from across 11 political parties who have backed this campaign. Their support demonstrates the strength of feeling across Parliament that this injustice must end.

“I am determined to continue Pauline’s fight for justice and deliver the change she deserved, so that no other veteran has to face the same unfair treatment.”

The Government has previously defended the existing system, explaining that Pension Credit is designed to top up the incomes of pensioners on low incomes and that most forms of income must therefore be considered when determining entitlement.

During a Commons exchange in March, Treasury Minister Torsten Bell acknowledged the arguments raised by Mr Babarinde but said the Government's approach reflected a balance between recognising military service and maintaining consistency across the welfare system.

He also highlighted the existing £10 weekly disregard for military compensation and the different treatment of lump-sum personal injury payments.

However, Mr Babarinde believes the current arrangements continue to disadvantage veterans who have already made significant sacrifices through their military service.

With cross-party backing now exceeding 100 MPs, the Eastbourne MP hopes the growing pressure will encourage the Government to reconsider the rules.

For Mr Babarinde, the campaign remains a personal commitment to honouring Pauline Cole's memory and securing changes that could benefit other injured veterans across the country.

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