Active Announced in the King's Speech on 13 May 2026. 21 of 241 events
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Armed Forces Bill

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.

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2026

3 events
6 Mar 2026 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any changes have been made to the job specifications for the Armed Forces Commissioner since 1 January 2026.

Why linked: Written Question on Armed Forces Commissioner job specifications (March 2026) - tracks covenant enforcement and accountability mechanisms during implementation

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any changes have been made to the job specifications for the Armed Forces Commissioner since 1 January 2026.

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3 Mar 2026 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to introduce the Defence Readiness Bill before May 2026.

Why linked: PQ of 3 March 2026 on plans for a Defence Readiness Bill before May 2026 — overlaps with Mark Francois NC17 on a Defence Readiness Plan and with the SDR 2025 readiness agenda.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to introduce the Defence Readiness Bill before May 2026.

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2025

15 events
19 Nov 2025 | Committee report linked direct

The Government should set out its timetable with key milestones for the defence readiness legislation in its response to this report, including its approach to pre-legislative scrutiny, and ensure that it has a strategy for engagement with Parliament and the UK public. Prior to the introduction of the legislation, we recommend that the Minister responsible for the Bill (the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) implement a regular programme of statements in the House with updates on th...

Why linked: Defence Committee report excerpt (November 2025) on defence readiness legislation timetable and pre-legislative scrutiny - direct oversight of Bill implementation milestones

The Government should set out its timetable with key milestones for the defence readiness legislation in its response to this report, including its approach to pre-legislative scrutiny, and ensure that it has a strategy for engagement with Parliament and the …

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5 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked direct

The Department confirmed that establishing an NDPB remained its preferred route forward. This would facilitate a streamlined organisation, simplify back-office functions and clarify accountabilities. The Department said that the next opportunity for the necessary legislation would be in the Armed Forces Bill, which it is obliged to update by the end of 2026.24

Why linked: PAC evidence on RFCA reform (NDPB route) — relevant to Clause 37 of the Bill on RFCA governance and the Lib Dem Am. 25 monitoring plan.

The Department confirmed that establishing an NDPB remained its preferred route forward. This would facilitate a streamlined organisation, simplify back-office functions and clarify accountabilities. The Department said that the next opportunity for the necessary legislation would be in the Armed …

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5 Sep 2025 | Committee report linked direct

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Defence (the Department) and the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (the Council) on their oversight and support of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs).1

Why linked: Parliamentary evidence on Reserve Forces and Cadets (Sept 2025) – relates to armed forces personnel welfare and support structures relevant to Covenant scope

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Defence (the Department) and the Council of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (the Council) on their oversight and support of the …

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15 Apr 2025 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the reforms will be subject to Parliamentary approval.

Why linked: Written Question on Defence Reform and Parliamentary scrutiny (April 2025, HCWS 573 reference) - directly tracks Bill implementation and statutory duty framework

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the reforms will be subject to Parliamentary approval.

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10 Apr 2025 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 39045 on Armed Forces Covenant: Business, what the requirements are to pass the Covenant Test.

Why linked: Written question of 10 April 2025 on the Armed Forces Covenant: Business — PQ scrutiny directly within the Bill's Covenant scope.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 39045 on Armed Forces Covenant: Business, what the requirements are to pass the Covenant Test.

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10 Apr 2025 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 39047 on Armed Forces Covenant, if he will provide a summary of the meeting of 19 March 2025.

Why linked: Written Question on Armed Forces Covenant meeting (April 2025) - tracks covenant implementation governance and stakeholder engagement

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 39047 on Armed Forces Covenant, if he will provide a summary of the meeting of 19 March 2025.

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8 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked direct

The Armed Forces Covenant is a solemn commitment by our whole society to recognise the courage and dedication of our Armed Forces. While progress has been made since the Covenant was introduced, it is still not consistently implemented and as a result our society is falling short of that commitment far too often. The upcoming Armed Forces Bill is an opportunity to renew and reinforce the nation’s promise to those who serve, but this is only part of the change that needs to occur. Understandin...

Why linked: Defence Committee HC 572 narrative paragraph on the Covenant as a 'solemn commitment' — quoting the substantive conclusion that underpins the Bill's Covenant expansion.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a solemn commitment by our whole society to recognise the courage and dedication of our Armed Forces. While progress has been made since the Covenant was introduced, it is still not consistently implemented and as …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
8 Apr 2025 | Written evidence linked direct

Assuming precedent is followed, a Select Committee will be appointed to consider the Armed Forces Bill, with the opportunity to hear oral evidence before considering the Bill line by line. We recommend that the Government allow time for that Committee to hear from a broad range of organisations with an interest in the Armed Forces Covenant, as well as on other issues that may be within the scope of the Bill. (Recommendation, Paragraph 6) The Covenant today

Why linked: Defence Committee written evidence that a Select Committee should be appointed to consider the Bill.

Assuming precedent is followed, a Select Committee will be appointed to consider the Armed Forces Bill, with the opportunity to hear oral evidence before considering the Bill line by line. We recommend that the Government allow time for that Committee …

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8 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked direct

The Government should extend the application of the Armed Forces Covenant so that all Government departments and the devolved administrations are required to give due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. As the current duty of ‘due regard’ is inconsistently interpreted, the extended duty must be accompanied by clear guidance so that the duty is clearly understood and is not treated as a tick-box exercise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 29)

Why linked: Defence Committee recommendation to extend the Covenant to all Whitehall departments and devolved administrations.

The Government should extend the application of the Armed Forces Covenant so that all Government departments and the devolved administrations are required to give due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. As the current duty of ‘due …

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8 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked direct

Alongside its plans to legislate for an expanded Covenant Legal Duty, the Government should develop a strategy for making sure the Covenant is fully and consistently applied and recognised by signatories and by those subject to the Legal Duty across the UK, including in the Devolved Administrations. Actions as part of this strategy could include establishing clear and demanding standards and mechanisms for accountability, improving guidance to those delivering services, and facilitating knowl...

Why linked: Defence Committee recommendation that the Government develop a strategy for consistent Covenant application.

Alongside its plans to legislate for an expanded Covenant Legal Duty, the Government should develop a strategy for making sure the Covenant is fully and consistently applied and recognised by signatories and by those subject to the Legal Duty across …

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8 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked direct

Implementation of the Covenant Legal Duty varies considerably across the UK. In some places the Legal Duty has resulted in the creation of new policies and initiatives that have tangibly improved the lives of the forces community; in others the Duty appears to have changed very little. As a result, people’s experiences of the Covenant are very different depending on where they live, which services or organisations they interact with and which individual member of staff in an organisation they...

Why linked: Defence Committee evidence on patchy implementation of the existing Covenant Legal Duty.

Implementation of the Covenant Legal Duty varies considerably across the UK. In some places the Legal Duty has resulted in the creation of new policies and initiatives that have tangibly improved the lives of the forces community; in others the …

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8 Apr 2025 | Committee report linked direct

The evidence we received shows that where the Covenant is working well it is improving outcomes for service personnel, their families and veterans and is removing some of the disadvantages people face as a result of military service. However, this was not the experience of everyone who responded to our inquiry. We heard many examples where the Covenant was not working as designed, resulting in people who have served being financially disadvantaged, unable to access medical care, or unable to ...

Why linked: Defence Committee evidence text identifying where the Covenant is working well — feeds Clause 2 debate.

The evidence we received shows that where the Covenant is working well it is improving outcomes for service personnel, their families and veterans and is removing some of the disadvantages people face as a result of military service. However, this …

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1 Apr 2025 | Written question Department for Education linked direct

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty as it applies to schools; and whether they plan to update the school admissions code (1) to give priority to children of Service families, and (2) to pr

Why linked: Lords written question of 1 April 2025 on the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty as it applies to schools — direct PQ scrutiny on the scope of the Duty being expanded by the Bill.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty as it applies to schools; and whether they plan to update the school admissions code (1) to give priority to children of Service …

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3 Mar 2025 | Written question Cabinet Office linked direct

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to prioritise businesses that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant when tendering public sector contracts.

Why linked: Written question of 3 March 2025 on prioritising Covenant signatories in procurement — links Covenant Duty to procurement scope.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to prioritise businesses that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant when tendering public sector contracts.

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2024

2 events
13 Dec 2024 | Written evidence Defence Committee linked direct

The Armed Forces Covenant

Why linked: Defence Committee inquiry call: The Armed Forces Covenant (December 2024) — the inquiry that produced HC 572 and underpins Clause 2 of the Bill.

This inquiry will examine the Armed Forces Covenant, the UK’s commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are supported and treated fairly. The inquiry will explore whether the Covenant is working, examine areas where serving or former …

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20 Mar 2024 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of service personnel from the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force will participate in joint exercises in (i) 2024, (ii) 2025 and (iii) 2026.

Why linked: Written question on service personnel participation in judicial processes — directly relevant to service justice framework reform scope

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of service personnel from the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force will participate in joint exercises in (i) 2024, (ii) 2025 and …

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2022

1 event
8 Dec 2022 | Written question Ministry of Defence linked direct

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Retained EU Law Bill, what plans he has to (a) revoke (b) replace and (c) retain the Criminal Justice (Armed Forces Code of Practice for Victims of Crime) Regulations 2015.

Why linked: Written question on Criminal Justice (Armed Forces) provisions and Retained EU Law Bill - directly relevant to service justice framework reform, a key pillar of the Armed Forces Bill

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Retained EU Law Bill, what plans he has to (a) revoke (b) replace and (c) retain the Criminal Justice (Armed Forces Code of Practice for Victims of Crime) …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK