Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (Report on Commissioner) 2025-06-03

03 June 2025 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Jayne Kirkham Lab/Co-op Truro and Falmouth

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Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jayne Kirkham raised concerns about royal fleet auxiliary (report on commissioner) 2025-06-03 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The motion seeks to establish a commissioner for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary to address welfare issues faced by RFA personnel and their families.
  • The RFA supports UK defence with various missions and faces challenges such as an ageing fleet and recruitment shortages.
  • The motion aims to ensure proper resourcing and protection for the RFA, with a focus on improving pay and terms for personnel.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jayne Kirkham Lab/Co-op Truro and Falmouth

The motion seeks to establish a commissioner for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) to address welfare issues faced by RFA personnel and their families. The RFA, founded in 1905, supports UK defence with various missions and faces challenges such as an ageing fleet, resource strain, and recruitment shortages. Recent deployments include anti-narcotics operations and humanitarian aid. Due to the unique nature of their service, RFA personnel do not receive the same level of protection and recognition as regular forces. The motion aims to ensure that the RFA is properly resourced and protected, with an emphasis on improving pay and terms for RFA personnel.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jayne Kirkham Lab/Co-op Truro and Falmouth

    The bill proposes appointing a commissioner to consider welfare issues faced by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel. It highlights challenges such as an ageing fleet, crew shortages, and resource strain. The RFA's unique nature often means they do not receive the same recognition or protection as regular forces, leading to issues like low pay, understaffed positions, and long sea tours.

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