Armed Forces Commissioner Bill 2025-01-21

We believe that it must go further. Delivering a fair deal for the armed forces community is not just morally right; it is a strategic imperative. Recruitment and retention challenges directly impact on national security. We cannot allow systemic neglect to erode the morale, trust and effectiveness of those who defend our nation.

Dhesi highlights concerns regarding amendment 5, which seeks to enshrine in law enhanced pre-appointment scrutiny by the Defence Committee. He explains that this process ensures quality decision-making and appointee legitimacy but does not replicate recruitment processes. Dhesi questions how the Government plans for the Defence Committee to exceed current scrutiny without procedural changes and seeks assurances on implementation planning if a negative committee opinion occurs, stressing the need to avoid halting service personnel support.

Martin questions whether the role of pre-appointment scrutiny is merely one of scrutiny or approval. He raises concerns about potential consequences if the committee decides against a candidate, emphasising that the Secretary of State should find an alternative approved by the Committee.

Supports amendment 2 tabled by his hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell due to its focus on ensuring equal treatment for minority groups within the armed forces, particularly highlighting the historical discrimination faced by Gurkhas.

Rises primarily to talk about amendment 2 tabled by the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell. He is concerned with the absence of disabled people from the list of minorities cited in the amendment and questions whether a prescriptive listing of minority groups might cause some to feel their concerns are less valued.

Supports making veterans commissioners on statutory basis similar to serving members of armed forces. He questions why there is not a parallel statutory provision for veterans and raises issues around the independence of Northern Ireland's part-time, term-appointed veterans commissioner.

Supports new clause 2 and advocates for an independent role for the Northern Ireland veterans commissioner to ensure proper representation and intervention in judicial reviews involving veterans' issues. He emphasises the need for independence without perceived oversight from the NIO.

Commends new clause 2 on relationship between Armed Forces Commissioner and veterans, highlighting concerns over previous Northern Ireland veterans commissioner's resignation due to constraints on independence imposed by the NIO.

Supports the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill, highlighting its significance in ensuring that armed forces personnel receive care and support. Emphasises the challenges faced by veterans in her constituency and supports the new commissioner's role in addressing grievances within a complaints process.

Supports the Bill, highlighting its potential to create positive change for military personnel. She discusses concerns about existing restrictions on advocacy and policy, advocating for an independent commissioner role as crucial for fostering a healthier culture in which service members can feel heard.

Supports amendment 8 of the Bill, emphasising the importance of maintaining the chain of command's responsibility over welfare. He expresses concern that the commissioner role could lead to unnecessary bureaucratic growth and potential undermining of authority.

Clarifies support for the bill's overall aim while expressing skepticism about specific aspects, particularly in relation to the scope of the Armed Forces Commissioner’s responsibilities as outlined by the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Lincoln Jopp).

Congratulates the Government on introducing the Bill and acknowledges cross-party support for it, expressing hope that any concerns raised will not undermine its positive intentions.

Supports improvements in service housing for better recruitment and retention. Argues that the commissioner's independence should not be compromised by unnecessary prescription.

Asked about amendment 10, expressing support for improvements in service housing but questioning its relevance to the bill's prescriptive approach.

Rejected amendments that would impose timelines or overly specify the commissioner’s role, arguing it could undermine independence and effectiveness. He emphasised flexibility and the need for constructive scrutiny rather than heavy-handed measures towards devolved administrations.

Welcomed the introduction of a commissioner, praising it as badly needed to improve welfare. Supported new clause 1 for Territorial Army volunteers facing rejection without explanation.

Supported the bill, highlighting its importance in providing independent oversight and advocating for service personnel's welfare. Emphasised the need for proactive examination of issues affecting military families and the system’s accountability.

The introduction of an Armed Forces Commissioner will provide a voice to members of the armed forces community who have been ignored for far too long. The current system is broken, and we must ensure that our servicemen and women are treated with respect.

Amendment 2 would ensure that the commissioner published annual reports to outline what was being done to support minority groups in the armed forces. The amendment aims to help achieve the target of women accounting for 30% of armed forces personnel recruited by 2030.

The Bill fulfils a manifesto commitment and represents a significant step forward in renewing our nation’s contract with those who serve us. Expanding the commissioner’s scope to include all applicants could overwhelm the office and detract from its core mission of supporting current service personnel and their families.

The Bill will provide a powerful voice for service personnel and their families, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed at the highest levels. However, it is important to note that the current Service Complaints Ombudsman has limited scope and cannot investigate informal complaints effectively. The new commissioner will have greater independence and discretion over what they investigate.

The Service Complaints Ombudsman's inability to recall details of upheld complaints against the ombudsman organisation itself highlights the need for improvements in the current system. The new commissioner will provide a more robust and independent mechanism to address grievances within the armed forces.

The hon. Member highlights issues around military pensions, death-in-service benefits, and concerns about the lack of data regarding veterans' attitudes towards service pension and winter fuel allowance restrictions. He raises an example of how proposed inheritance tax changes could affect a senior non-commissioned officer who is in a long-term relationship but not married.

The hon. Member intervenes to suggest that the right hon. Member's remarks are not within the scope of the Bill and should be moved on to areas with cross-party consensus.

The hon. Member asks the right hon. Member about the relevance of the Armed Forces Commissioner's oversight in specific examples, but does not provide further details beyond his intervention.

The MP covers three topics: the operation of the Continuity of Education Allowance, special educational needs provision, and maintenance of service family accommodation. He welcomes recent announcements regarding service housing but expresses a need for change in how it is managed post-Annington, proposing the formation of a dedicated forces housing association. The MP also discusses the impact of VAT increases on military families using CEA and highlights the importance of this issue for retention.

The Member commends the new veterans commissioner in Northern Ireland, highlighting the high number of veterans per head of population in Northern Ireland compared to other parts of the UK. She calls for the post to be fully funded and full-time due to the needs of veterans in her constituency.

In conclusion, the MP expresses hope that they have been a critical friend to the Bill, pressing the Government on death-in-service benefits and the continuity of education allowance. He suggests that if satisfactory answers are not received from the Minister, amendments might be pressed to a Division.

The Government’s intention to improve support for veterans and service personnel is clear. The commissioner's role includes independent decision-making on welfare matters, which should remain autonomous to maintain credibility. Amendments 7 and 8 were deemed unnecessary as the Bill already ensures sufficient provisions for the commissioner's independence and responsibilities. Amendment 3 aims at funding, ensuring adequate financial resources without specifying a fixed amount. There is also commitment to defining 'family' inclusively in secondary legislation. The Minister highlighted the importance of engaging with minority groups within service personnel, aiming for comprehensive coverage.

Acknowledges reassurance from the Government regarding definitions and inclusivity towards minorities in the armed forces family. She asks leave to withdraw a clause after receiving satisfactory responses.

Highlights the potential risks of including exhaustive lists in amendments concerning minority groups and emphasises the need for comprehensive coverage beyond specific categories. He also discusses inheritance tax exemptions for attributable deaths of active members, noting that it is a matter currently under consultation by the Treasury.

Congratulates contributors and acknowledges the Government's mandate but raises issues regarding tax measures on death in service and continuity of education allowance. Emphasises the need for monitoring these impacts through the Armed Forces Commissioner to ensure stability for military families.