The King's Speech 2026 defence bill to renew and reform the service justice framework and place the Armed Forces Covenant on a statutory footing.
Committee (1st Day) 15:51:00 Scottish l egislative c onsent granted, Northern Ireland and Welsh l egislative c onsent sought . Relevant document: 7th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee . Clause 1: Duration of Armed Forces Act 2006 Clause 1 …
Committee (1st Day) (Continued) 20:12:00 Schedule 3: Protection from domestic abuse and stalking Amendment 21 Moved by 21: Schedule 3, page 98, line 40, at end insert— “Part 1AService Stalking Protection Notices1A In Part 3 of AFA 2006 (power of …
Second Reading 16:05:00 Moved by Lord Coaker: That the Bill be now read a second time. Scottish legislative consent granted, Northern Ireland and Welsh legislative consent sought . The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Coaker) (Lab): My Lords. …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces; Originated in the Commons.
First Reading 15:21:00 The Bill was brought from the Commons, read a first time and ordered to be printed.
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces;
Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Committee New Clause 1 Visiting forces: ICC arrest warrants and war crimes “(1) The Secretary of State must not issue an authorisation permitting members of a visiting force to enter or remain in …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces;
Bill, not amended in the Select Committee, c onsidered in Committee [Relevant documents: First special report of the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill of Session 2024-26, Armed Forces Bill 2026, HC 1712, and the Government response, Session 2026-27, …
Why linked: King's Speech 2026 background briefing notes - essential source document defining the legislative agenda including the Armed Forces Bill and its scope
Read the briefing notes on the announcements made in the 2026 King’s Speech.
Why linked: The King's Speech 2026 and official briefing notes announce the Armed Forces Bill as part of the government's legislative programme.
The King's Speech 2026 defence bill to renew and reform the service justice framework and place the Armed Forces Covenant on a statutory footing.
Why linked: Ministry of Defence Police (Vetting) Regulations 2026 — operationalises the MDP framework named in thread scope.
These Regulations make provision for the vetting of Ministry of Defence Police (“MDP”) officers. They require every MDP officer to hold and maintain vetting clearance. They also establish a procedure for withdrawing vetting clearance where there is evidence that an …
Why linked: Filled the "Service complaints procedures and redress mechanisms" gap via web research
A guide for Ministry of Defence (MOD) service and civilian personnel on the application of policy for service complaints.
Why linked: Armed Forces Commissioner (Family Definition) Regulations 2026 — operationalises the Commissioner regime alongside the Bill.
These Regulations make provision in connection with the Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025 (c. 23) (“AFCA 25”). The AFCA 25 amended the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) (“AFA 06”) to establish a new office of Armed Forces Commissioner. The …
Why linked: MoD Public Body Review of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (March 2026) — delivery context for Clause 2.
The Ministry of Defence has undertaken a review of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Why linked: Matched expansion phrase: Protection of Military Remains Act 1986
This Order designates vessels and controlled sites for protection under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (“the Act”).
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces;
Why linked: The Royal Air Force Terms of Service (Amendment) Regulations 2026—statutory instrument made under Armed Forces Act 2006 directly implementing service justice framework reform.
These Regulations are made under the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) and amend the Royal Air Force Terms of Service Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/650).
Why linked: MoD impact assessments accompanying the Bill (2 March 2026).
Impact assessments of the Armed Forces Bill 2026.
Why linked: MoD Votes A 2026-27 — directly referenced by Lib Dem NC5 which would require an Armed Forces Retention Strategy to be laid alongside the annual Votes A paper.
MOD Votes A seeking parliamentary authority for the maximum numbers of personnel to be maintained for service with the UK Armed Forces.
Second Reading [Relevant documents: Fourth Report of the Defence Committee, The Armed Forces Covenant, HC 572, and the Government response, HC 1034; o ral evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 18 March 2025, on Women in the Armed Forces …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces;
Why linked: Armed Forces Commissioner (Service Complaints Investigations) Regulations 2026 — interlocks with Bill's service justice reforms.
The Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025 (c. 23) (“AFCA 25”) amended the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) (“AFA 06”) to introduce a new office of Armed Forces Commissioner. The Armed Forces Commissioner will also exercise the functions of the …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces;
Why linked: Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2025 — statutory s.343A baseline for Clause 2.
Sets out major achievements of the Armed Forces Covenant and highlights remaining challenges and new commitments.
Why linked: Continuation Order 2025 (SI 2025/1096) — sets the hard 14 December 2026 sunset that the Bill must beat.
Section 382 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”) provides that the 2006 Act will expire at the end of one year beginning with the day on which the Armed Forces Act 2021 (“the 2021 Act”) was passed, …
Why linked: Filled the "Defence White Papers or strategic reviews that contextualise force structure changes" gap via web research
A root-and-branch review of UK Defence.
Why linked: The Armed Forces (Discharge and Transfer to the Reserve Forces) (Amendment) Regulations 2025—statutory instrument under Armed Forces Act 2006 addressing reserve forces and discharge procedures within bill scope.
These Regulations are made under the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) and amend the Armed Forces (Discharge and Transfer to the Reserve Forces) (No. 2) Regulations 2009 (“the 2009 Regulations”) (S.I. 2009/1091).
Why linked: PPN 008: Armed Forces Covenant guidance (Feb 2025) – implementation guidance for public bodies and suppliers on Covenant duties; relevant to statutory duties framework
This PPN provides information on how government suppliers can help support veterans and service spouses and partners.
Why linked: Armed Forces Covenant annual report 2024 (gov.uk policy paper) – official annual statement on Covenant performance and commitments prior to Bill introduction
Sets out major achievements of the Armed Forces Covenant and highlights remaining challenges and new commitments.
Why linked: The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Continuation) Order 2024—statutory instrument continuing the 2006 Act, directly relevant to the statutory basis of the bill and ongoing legislative framework.
Section 382 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”) provides that the 2006 Act will expire at the end of one year beginning with the day on which the Armed Forces Act 2021 (“the 2021 Act”) was passed, …
Why linked: The Army and Royal Air Force (Terms of Service) (Amendment) Regulations 2024—statutory instrument under Armed Forces Act 2006 amending service terms relevant to service justice framework.
These Regulations are made under the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) and amend the Army Terms of Service Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3382) (“the Army Regulations”) and the Royal Air Force Terms of Service Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/650) (“the Royal …
Why linked: The Court Martial Appeal Court (Amendment) Rules 2024—statutory instrument amending court martial appeal procedures, directly relevant to service justice system reform.
These Rules amend the Court Martial Appeal Court Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/2657) (the “CMAC Rules”), so that they apply to appeals against review of sentence under section 304D(8) or (9) (review of sentence following offer of assistance) or section 304E(7) …
Why linked: The Costs in the Court Martial Appeal Court (Amendment) Regulations 2024—statutory instrument amending court martial costs procedures, relevant to service justice framework.
These Regulations amend the Costs in the Court Martial Appeal Court Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1805) (the “2012 Regulations”) so that they apply to appeals against a review of sentence under section 304D or 304E of the Armed Forces Act 2006 …
Why linked: The Armed Forces (Court Martial) (Amendment) Rules 2024—statutory instrument amending court martial rules, directly relevant to service justice system reform.
These Rules amend the Armed Forces (Court Martial) Rules 2009 (S.I. 2009/2041). The Rules make provision in respect of sentence review proceedings for a service offence further to section 304D (review of sentence following offer of assistance) and section 304E …
Why linked: The Armed Forces (Civilians Subject to Service Discipline) (Amendment) Order 2024—statutory instrument under Armed Forces Act 2006 relevant to service justice discipline scope.
Under the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“the Act”) certain persons may, for the purposes of the Act, be “civilians subject to service discipline”. Whether a person is a civilian subject to service discipline depends in some cases partly on whether …
Why linked: The Armed Forces (Appeals Against Review of Sentence) Regulations 2024—statutory instrument establishing appeals procedures for sentence review, core to service justice framework reform.
These Regulations make provision for procedures to be followed before the Court Martial Appeal Court in the case of appeals against review of sentence under sections 304D (review of sentence following offer of assistance) and 304E (review of sentence following …
Why linked: Ministry of Defence Police Conduct and Appeals Tribunals Amendment Regulations 2024 - statutory instrument concerning service justice framework and MoD Police disciplinary procedures, relevant to service justice system reform
These Regulations amend the Ministry of Defence Police Conduct Regulations and the modifications to those Regulations set out in Schedules 1 and 2 to the Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1087) (“the 2020 …
Why linked: The Service Police (Complaints etc.) Regulations 2023—statutory framework for Service Police Complaints Commissioner, directly relevant to oversight of service justice system.
These Regulations provide the statutory framework and detailed rules in accordance with which the Service Police Complaints Commissioner (“the Commissioner”), established under section 365BA of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), has oversight of service police conduct and …
Why linked: The Armed Forces (Driving Disqualification Orders) Regulations 2023—statutory instrument under Armed Forces Act 2006 extending court martial sentencing powers, relevant to service justice reform.
Section 15 of the Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35) amended the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) so as to extend the punishments available to the Court Martial and Service Civilian Court (“the service courts”) to enable those courts …
Why linked: Filled the "Armed Forces Covenant implementation guidance and statutory duty framework" gap via web research
The Armed Forces Covenant Duty is a legal obligation on certain public bodies to pay due regard to the Covenant principles when exercising certain functions.
Why linked: Armed Forces (Covenant) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022/1135) — the operationalising SI that brought the Covenant Legal Duty into force; the predecessor instrument the Bill's expanded Duty builds on.
These Regulations make provision under Part 16A of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“the Act”) in relation to the armed forces covenant.
Why linked: Filled the "Armed Forces Covenant implementation guidance and statutory duty framework" gap via web research
The statutory instrument that formally brought the Armed Forces Covenant Duty statutory guidance into force and defined 'relevant family members' for the purposes of the Legal Duty. It operationalises the duty framework created by the Armed Forces Act 2021 by …
Commons Reasons 15:19:00 Motion A Moved by Baroness Goldie: That this House do not insist on its Amendment 1B, to which the Commons have disagreed for their Reason 1C. 1C : Because a presumption in favour of the offences in …
Returned from the Commons The Bill was returned from the Commons with reasons. House adjourned at 11.07 pm.
[Relevant Documents: Special Report of the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, Session 2019-21, “ The Armed Forces Bill ” , HC 1281, and the Government Response, Statement of 22 June, Official Report, HCWS109; Second Report of the Defence …
Commons Reasons 16:00:00 Motion A Moved by Baroness Goldie: That this House do not insist on its Amendment 1, to which the Commons have disagreed for their Reason 1A. 1A : Because a presumption in favour of the offences in …
Returned from the Commons The Bill was returned from the Commons with reasons and amendments. House adjourned at 11.03 pm.
Consideration of Lords amendments Clause 7 Concurrent jurisdiction 19:39:00 The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Leo Docherty): I beg to move, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 1. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): With this it will …
Third Reading 15:31:00 Motion Moved by Baroness Goldie: That the Bill do now pass. The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Goldie) (Con): My Lords, it has been a great pleasure to lead the Bill through this House. It …
Report 15:25:00 Clause 3: Nomination of Circuit judge to sit as judge advocate Amendment 1 Moved by 1: Clause 3, page 2, line 6, after “judge” insert “licensed by the Lord Chief Justice to try murder, manslaughter and rape offences” …
Order of Consideration Motion 15:42:00 Moved by Baroness Goldie: That the amendments for the Report stage be marshalled and considered in the following order: Clauses 1 and 2, Schedule 1, Clauses 3 to 9, Schedule 2, Clause 10, Schedule 3, …
Committee (3rd Day) 15:45:00 Amendment 51 Moved by 51: After Clause 18, insert the following new Clause— “Armed Forces Federation (1) The Armed Forces Act 2006 is amended as follows.(2) After section 333, insert—“333A Armed Forces Federation(1) There shall be …
Committee (2nd Day) 15:45:00 Clause 10 agreed. Schedule 3 agreed. Clause 11: Service police: complaints, misconduct etc Amendment 38 Moved by 38: Clause 11, page 22, line 33, leave out “and service police forces,” and insert “, service police forces …
Committee (1st Day) 16:15:00 The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Baroness Watkins of Tavistock) (CB): My Lords, Members are encouraged to leave some distance between themselves and others and to wear a face covering when not speaking. If there is a …
Order of Consideration Motion 16:02:00 Moved by The Earl of Courtown: That it be an instruction to the Grand Committee to which the Armed Forces Bill has been committed that they consider the bill in the following order: Clauses 1 …
Why linked: Official MoD guidance booklet summarizing the Armed Forces Bill 2021 background and content
Guidance booklet explaining the background and content of the Armed Forces Bill 2021.
Second Reading 15:17:00 Moved by Baroness Goldie: That the Bill be now read a second time. The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Goldie) (Con): My Lords, it is a privilege to be speaking to the Armed Forces Bill …
First Reading A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about service in the reserve forces; to make provision about pardons for certain abolished …
[Relevant document: Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, Special Report of Session 2019-21: The Armed Forces Bill, HC 1281.] Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee New Clause 1 Duty of care to service personnel ‘(1) …
[Relevant document: Special Report of the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill of Session 2019-21, The Armed Forces Bill, HC 1281. ] Considered in Committee . Not amended in Select Committee. [Dame Eleanor Laing in the Chair ] 14:21:00 …
Ordered, That Dr Andrew Murrison be discharged from the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill and Sarah Dines be added. —(Bill Wiggin, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.)
[Relevant documents: Oral evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 13 October 2020, on the work of the Service Complaints Ombudsman, HC 881; Oral evidence taken before the Defence Committee on 1 December 2020 and Third Report of the Defence …
Why linked: Filled the "Service justice reform consultation responses and impact assessments" gap via web research
In 2017, the Ministry of Defence commissioned a review of the Service Justice System in preparation for the next Armed Forces Bill.
Why linked: Defence Reform Act HL Bill 60 2013-14 from Commons - Lords consideration version