Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Military staff to qualify for IVF

Lewis Smith
Tuesday 17 May 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The military covenant will include a guarantee of three cycles of IVF treatment for personnel who need it, the Defence Secretary Liam Fox announced yesterday.

The measure was one of a package unveiled by Dr Fox as the Government sought to enshrine the principles of the covenant in law. Other measures include a veterans' card that will allow access to discounts and privileges, council tax relief for overseas personnel to rise from 25 to 50 per cent, and a fund of £3m a year to support state schools with significant numbers of service children.

Up to £30m will also be made available over the next four years to support local joint projects between service or veterans' groups and the wider community.

Labour welcomed the move, saying ministers were "doing the right thing for entirely the wrong reason".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in