The Royal British Legion is asking candidates from all parties to sign up to its manifesto ahead of the coming election campaign. Nick Clegg, along with the other two party leaders, has signed up to the Legion’s pledge, meeting recently with its Director General; while defence spokesman Nick Harvey has spoken at Legion fringe events.

The Legion has been keeping a tally of the proportion of MPs from each of the parties who have signed up to its manifesto – and as they comment, “Lib Dem MPs are setting the pace!”

As of 22nd March, the Lib Dems were in the lead with 79% of MPs. 64% of Conservative MPs and 50% of Labour MPs have pledged. (Click on the graph to see a larger version).

They write:

The Legion is very grateful for every single pledge, so let’s do our bit and get behind them! If you’re an MP or candidate (the Legion will be publicising candidate pledge numbers shortly), you can pledge to do your bit here. And if you’re a humble activist you can chivvy your MP or candidates here.

Here is the Legion’s manifesto

For Service Personnel and their families

* Improve and keep the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme under continual review
* Stop breaches of harmony guidelines (deployment rates) in order to reduce family separation and breakdown

For bereaved Armed Forces families

* Provide bereaved Armed Forces families with independent legal advice during inquests
* Introduce an Independent Advisory Committee on Military Deaths

For veterans and their families

* Make NHS priority treatment work for veterans with injuries caused by Service in the Armed Forces
* Tackle poverty among older veterans and widows