Sir John adds that the current cut-off point for awarding medals - five years after the operations have ended - should stay in place.

BBC: Military medals system 'needs rapid re-think'

Millions of current pensioners, and those who qualify before the cut-off date, will continue to receive their entitlement under the current system.

BBC: Flat-rate state pension 'expected to start in 2017'

MoD may duly sell its land and spend the proceeds, only to find that Treasury officials cite the extra spending as an excuse to cut more off its current budget.

ECONOMIST: State assets