Mum fights for free armed forces post

From the archive, first published Friday 23rd Mar 2007.

The Government has given its strongest hint yet that a free postal system for armed forces on active service could be introduced after lobbying from a Bingley mum.

Karen Webster, whose son served with the Desert Rats in Iraq, has repeatedly called on the Government to re-introduce a free postal system similar to the one it ran at the beginning of the Gulf War.

The service, which originated as a morale booster for troops in Iraq, came to an end in 2004 although as a concession the Government allows free post in the run-up to Christmas.

And now Commons leader Jack Straw has hinted the move could to re-introduced after being pressed during House of Commons question time by Shipley MP Philip Davies.

Mr Davies called for a debate on support given to the armed forces and their families and told MPs about Mrs Webster's organisation Support Our Soldiers.

He said: "I am sure that the Leader of the House understands that if post were constantly to-ing and fro-ing that would provide a good boost to soldiers' morale and reassure family members back home.

"This issue is of great importance to our soldiers, who risk their lives each day in the service of this country, and to their families, so may we have a debate on it?

Usually Mr Straw dismisses request from backbenchers over debates citing lack of parliamentary time.

However, he urged Mr Davies to speak out on Monday during Defence questions and raise the "constructive suggestion" with Defence Secretary Des Browne next month when there will be a defence debate.

Mr Straw added: "All of us who have family or friends serving in the armed forces are well aware of the pressures on the families, especially when their loved ones are abroad on active service."

Mrs Webster runs a website which provides support for the country's serving men and women and their families at home by practical means, including care packages and writing to deployed personnel.

She said: "I am determined to keep fighting for this. The argument for it is developing and I will continue lobbying the Government - and I think something could happen."

And even though her son Nicky has now left the armed forces and is self-employed Mrs Webster wants to fights for other families.

For a small shoebox size parcel to the Gulf it costs about £7.50 and Mrs Webster said some families cannot afford to pay that out as often as they would like or at all.

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