A new bill aiming to see the Armed Forces Covenant enshrined in law has been introduced to the House of Commons. The aim is to ensure armed forces personnel, veterans and their families are not disadvantaged by their service when accessing key public services. It will embed the Armed Forces Covenant into law by introducing a legal duty for relevant UK public bodies to have due regard to the principles of the Covenant, a pledge to ensure the UK Armed Forces community is treated fairly.
- The Armed Forces Bill will enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law and help prevent service personnel and veterans being disadvantaged when accessing services like healthcare, education and housing
- The Bill will improve the Service Justice System for our personnel wherever they are operating
- The Bill will also renew the Armed Forces Act 2006, following the Armed Forces Acts of 2011 and 2016
- The Bill will provide flexible working for Reserves and extend posthumous pardons for those convicted of abolished service offences.