PM 'shocked' about lack of payment for Daniel Wade's baby (From Warrington Guardian)

PM 'shocked' about lack of payment for Daniel Wade's baby

8:27am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

PRIME Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons he was 'shocked' to hear that the MOD won't pay out paternity to the daughter of a fallen soldier.

Pte Daniel Wade was killed in Afghanistan in March along with colleagues when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

But David Mowat, Warrington South MP, told Wednesday's Prime Minister's Question time that his girlfriend Emma Hickman was still waiting for paternity.

The daughter Lexie-Mai was born in June.

Mr Mowat said: "The Army will not accept paternity without evidence; nor will it release the DNA without a court order. As a consequence, Lexie-Mai receives nothing. Will the Prime Minister help to expedite this case? Will he also require that the Army routinely holds DNA, as happens in other countries, such as the United States?”

Mr Cameron pledged to sort the problem and said it was a ‘dreadful’ situation.

He added: “I was as shocked as he was when I found out about this case.

“I will do everything I can to try to expedite—as he says—a conclusion to it.

“I am sure that the sincere condolences of everyone in this House go to Private Wade’s family.

“This is an absolutely dreadful situation and it cannot be allowed to continue.

“The Ministry of Defence is aware of it, and it raises some complicated legal issues, but the reaction from colleagues around the House when my hon. Friend said what he said shows that we have to move quickly and get this sorted.”