Let our brave troops home for Christmas

THE contribution of the Armed Forces to the battle against Covid cannot be overstated. The Army helped to set up the Louisa Jordan hospital in Glasgow, and played a vital role in testing.

So it’s enormously disappointing to learn that thousands among their ranks face spending Christmas away from loved ones. Instead, many will be confined to barracks by Covid regulations – a miserable end to a tough year.

Yet f or students there’s a greater likelihood of family reunions, with 30minute tests promised to enable a safe return home.

For now, there’s no indication that the same privilege will be extended to our armed services. But it can’t be beyond the wit of ministers to organise mass testing of soldiers, and members of the RAF and Navy, to allow them a brief festive break.

Yes, it’s vital that there’s no let-up in efforts to contain Covid, and it’s true that coronavirus won’t stop circulating simply because it’s Christmas.

But it seems that the same strict rules won’t be enforced south of the Border, where an exemption will apply for the Armed Forces.

The system as it stands risks creating an unhelpful disparity that will be widely regarded as unfair and illogical – and would be bound to reduce morale.

Last night the Scottish Government claimed its rules were clear – a view not shared by the MoD.

Covid has caused upheaval and uncertainty for all of us. But we owe a huge debt to the Armed Forces, whose dedication deserves our deepest respect – and demands a remedy for this injustice.