The Armed Forces Bill will deliver on the government’s manifesto promise to extend the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty to every area of government and Devolved Governments, placing the Armed Forces community at the heart of policy and decision making.

What does this mean for people?

This will ensure that all government departments must consider the needs of the Armed Forces community when shaping policy. Decisions on childcare, education and training, employment, health and social care, housing, social security benefits, personal taxation, criminal justice, transport, pensions, immigration and citizenship, will take the unique challenges of Service life into account.

It gives serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families a meaningful voice and delivers on the Government’s pledge to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

Hear how this will strengthen support for our Armed Forces communities from Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP in this video.

What is the Armed Forces Covenant?

Since its inception in 2011, the Covenant has stood as a national promise: those who serve or have served, and their families – including the bereaved – should be treated fairly, with special provision for those who have sacrificed the most. The new legal duty is a transformative step in fulfilling that promise.

Look out for further updates as the bill progresses through Parliament. For more information on the Covenant and how it can support you, visit the Covenant website.