In a speech given to the Conservative Party conference in October, Universities Minister David Willetts promised that annual scholarships will be on offer to the sons and daughters of Armed Forces personnel killed on active service – enough to cover university tuition fees and rent, as well as any extra books and equipment needed. Around 100 Service children are expected to take advantage of this offer each year, which is open to those at or near university age, who have had a parent killed on active duty for the Armed Forces since 1990.

He commented that ‘There is one group of families to whom we have a special debt: the brave men and women who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. We promised in opposition that the children of Servicemen and women killed in the last 20 years on active duty should have access to education scholarships. That is one small way of recognising the ultimate sacrifice that they [Service personnel] have made. I can confirm … that my Department will set aside funding for new higher education scholarships for the children of deceased Servicemen and women. And we plan to go further. It is wrong that so many people, on leaving the Armed Forces, should face hard times. Liam Fox and I will honour our debt to them. That is why I can also confirm that my Department will continue funding Service leavers to get new qualifications. And we plan to offer an enhanced scheme that covers more ex-Service personnel. Quite simply, it is the right thing to do.’