Cameron confirms military covenant will become law

The government is planning to write into law for the first time the principles of the military covenant, the prime minister has confirmed.

David Cameron said he was "delighted" by the move and added: "It raises the whole status, as a country, of what we do for our armed forces, because they do so much for us."

Full details will be announced on Monday by Defence Secretary Liam Fox and BBC News understands that other measures to improve soldiers' welfare in areas such as health, housing and education for forces' children will also be outlined.