Pay demands.

THE most junior ranks of the armed forces should get a pounds 6,000 pay rise to help boost morale, the Liberal Democrats said today.

Other privates and lance corporals should also get an average salary increase of at least pounds 3,000, with an extra pounds 1,000 for higher non-commissioned officer ranks, the party said.

Leader Nick Clegg said the measures would increase the "shameful" salary of the current lowest-paid recruits to pounds 22,680, and put them on an equal footing with police and fire recruits.

"Nobody can put a price on the sacrifices our troops make on our behalf, but it is clear to everyone pay levels are shamefully low for the lower ranks," he said.

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