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An Army veteran says he has been "deserted" by Sir Keir Starmer - after being REFUSED disability benefits over injuries suffered while working in Dubai. The grandad-of-four may never be able to walk again. Mark Houghton, who served in the British Armed Forces for 22 years, suffered a spinal injury in an e-scooter crash while in the United Arab Emirates. The dad has been receiving hospital treatment for multiple injuries - but has been cruelly denied PIP. He was told he is not eligible for the welfare benefit as he had been overseas for too long. READ MORE New 10mph speed limit in England 'for next six months' with drivers warned He told The Sun: “My dad served his country for 22 years. He did six tours of military zones and he got an MBE for recognition of service. But he feels like the government has abandoned him now.” Lawrence said: “He feels as though the system is broken. He’s paid taxes in Britain his entire life, including while he was abroad… “He’s now effectively got to self-fund for two years, which – for somebody who’s not working – is dire.” He added: “The thought and prospect of going into a social care home, just because he’s not entitled to PIP and isn’t able to fund his own way, it just feels like a punishment.” He said: “The law is the law and unless that changes, the DWP can’t go by exception… I think we’ve kind of accepted that it’s probably not going to help dad, because the law takes a long time to change. “But what I’m essentially doing is fighting for him to get some kind of justice and to help other people, because there are other people out there who are suffering with the same issue.” Jayne Murphy, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “Those using e-mopeds and e-scooters, whether at home or whilst on holiday, need to exercise caution as these vehicles are unfamiliar to other road users.” A DWP spokesperson said: “We are deeply thankful for Mr Houghton’s dedication to this country. Eligibility for Personal Independence Payment is dependent on being present in the UK for a specified period of time. “We recognise issues in the current system which is why we have launched a ministerial review of PIP, in co-production with disabled people and the organisations that represent them, to ensure it is fit and fair for the future.”
