Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that over a three year period 2012-2014, 260 members of the armed forces tested positive for anabolic steroids as classified as Class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Of those, only a tiny number (10) were allowed to continue serving. That's seven a month being booted out for taking steroids.

Like all other parties except the SNP, Plaid Cymru's General Election manifesto doesn't say anything about representation for armed forces personnel. But Plaid has firmly supported representation in the past, suggesting that the party may again be prepared to support sensible representative arrangements.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Manifesto for the Westminster General Election 2015 supports a strong UK defence, with defence spending not falling below 2% of GDP, and argues that the next Strategic Defence and Security Review should ensure that our Armed Forces should be capable of undertaking multiple deployments, whether as part of a multinational force or on our own. It also says that the Military Covenant should be implemented fully "and in an equivalent manner" in all parts of the UK.

But what is the DUP policy on representation for armed forces personnel?

Further to our news about SNP and Lib Dem support for armed forces personnel representation, an analysis of the Labour Party record on this issue is being produced and will be posted here shortly. Readers will be aware of BAFF's political neutrality; more on that point below.