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Reserve Forces and Cadets Act - Schedule 6
22 June 2026
Lead MP
Jeremy Corbyn
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Defence
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
Jeremy Corbyn raised concerns about reserve forces and cadets act - schedule 6 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I move that the clause be read a Second time. This amendment aims to enhance support for reserve forces and cadet organisations, recognising their significant contribution to community resilience and youth development programmes.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
The amendment seeks to improve the funding and organisational support for reserve forces and cadets, highlighting their vital role in community defence. It emphasises the need for better integration between military and civilian organisations.
Judith Cummins
Lab
Bradford South
Proposed several new clauses addressing veteran support, mental health services, accountability for war crimes by dual nationals serving in foreign armed forces, and ensuring transparency in defence spending. Emphasised the importance of data collection on veteran homelessness, suicide rates, unemployment trends, and improving mental health provisions for veterans.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Intervened to raise concerns about the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ireland, where reservists are predominantly employed. The extension of service periods poses difficulties for businesses needing these employees. He asked for a solution that would allow reservists to fulfill their military duties without causing disruption to civilian employment.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
Intervened to remind the Opposition spokesperson that new clause 1 aims to prevent entry of visiting forces from states with International Criminal Court arrest warrants, emphasising respect for international law.
Peter Fortune
Con
constituency unknown
Praised the work of the Royal British Legion in supporting military families and thanked the right hon. Friend for his efforts on behalf of defence forces.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked if it is important to bring forward legislation ensuring that every district and borough council in Northern Ireland adheres to the armed forces covenant rules as those on mainland.
Jayne Kirkham
Con
constituency unknown
Asked the Minister to confirm whether clause 2 covers unitary authorities, single foundation strategic authorities and borough councils outside outer London in terms of covenant duties.
Alex Baker
Con
Leyton and Wanstead
Acknowledged the work done by his hon. Friend on ensuring serving personnel are included in special educational needs reforms process, alongside the Royal British Legion.
Fred Thomas
Lab
constituency unknown
Asked a brief question but did not elaborate on his position.
Luke Akehurst
Con
constituency unknown
Asked the right hon. Gentleman to give way, presumably to ask further questions or provide additional support for the amendments being debated.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Mr Baker congratulated the Minister for her new role and discussed the importance of Armed Forces Day. He supported removing visa fees for non-UK veterans but would not support new clause 4 today, giving the Government time to deliver on commitments. He also emphasised the need for clearer guidance in implementing the armed forces covenant and accountability when it is not properly applied.
Calum Miller
LD
Bristol East
Emphasises the importance of supporting armed forces personnel through various measures such as housing improvements, medical record transfers upon discharge, and mental health oversight. Highlights issues with previous government's management of service personnel accommodation and calls for renewed commitment to improving conditions. Discusses the necessity of transparency in DIP publication and its impact on businesses in defence industry supply chains.
Fred Thomas
Con
Plymouth Moor View
Intervenes to highlight the importance of bomb disposal efforts in Plymouth, recognising the ongoing work to clear World War II unexploded ordnance. Supports the overall aim of improving support for military personnel.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
Cites an example from his constituency where housing conditions for a service member have improved under current government policies, agreeing with Miller's stance that there is progress but more work needed.
Ian Roome
Lab
Hove
Intervenes to emphasise the urgency of delivering the DIP before key summits and agrees with the need for transparency in its publication. Also stresses the importance of upgrading single living accommodation.
Helen Maguire
Lab
Epsom and Ewell
Supports the inclusion of a specific requirement for classifying domestic abuse offences in the Bill, advocating for clearer definitions to ensure effective protection.
not specified
Mr Shastri-Hurst places on record that serving on the Select Committee considering this legislation was a privilege. He argues for new clause 4 which seeks to ensure fair treatment of military families who face significant financial barriers when seeking indefinite leave to remain after years of loyal service to the country, emphasising that it is unfair and contrary to the armed forces covenant principle that those who serve should suffer no disadvantage. Shastri-Hurst supports new clauses 9 and 11 which address concerns about excessive legal scrutiny of military operations overseas, advocating for a system that recognises the unique circumstances in which operational personnel operate without risking second-guessing battlefield decisions years later.
Alan Strickland
Lab
Easington
Mr Strickland supports the amendments but emphasises strong leadership, clear accountability and proper resourcing as critical factors. He mentions that organisational culture must be one of delivery and care for residents to succeed. Furthermore, he notes that there should be a focus on improving satisfaction among service personnel without needing specific objectives set by Parliament.
Danny Kruger
Con
Wells
Supports extension of armed forces covenant, expanding reservist recall, improving housing for veterans and families. Concerned about new quango but supports dedicated housing association proposal from opposition. Advocates for inclusion of funding in the defence investment plan and derogation from ECHR.
Intervened to argue that the strategic defence review (SDR) provides a clear strategy, noting that recommendations not requiring financial investment have been implemented. Suggested the hon. Member should read the SDR.
Intervened to assert that the name of the strategic defence review (SDR) implies it is about strategy, challenging the hon. Gentleman's assertion that it lacks a clear vision.
Intervened to clarify that strategy encompasses ways, ends, and means, with plans being part of the 'ways'.
Questioned whether Mr. Kruger's concept of a European defence force differs from that of a European army.
Suggested that funding and capability are key issues, not new alliances or frameworks. Clarified that the strategic defence review (SDR) is part of a grand strategy set by the leader of the country.
Barrow and Furness
Ms. Scrogham opposes new clause 10, arguing that it focuses too much on timeframes rather than properly funding the defence investment plan for long-term security. She highlights the adverse effects of inconsistent funding on her constituency's submarine-building industry and emphasises the importance of a credible, long-term commitment to defence funding. Ms. Scrogham also argues against the hollowing out of armed forces due to underinvestment, citing risks such as emboldened adversaries and increased conflict likelihood.
Mr. Anderson interjected, agreeing with Ms. Scrogham's points about defence being underfunded both by the previous government and the current one, referencing 30 years of underfunding as cited by a former Defence Secretary. He emphasises that correct funding for the DIP is crucial to avoid negative impacts on constituencies like Barrow and Furness with its shipbuilding and submarine capability.
Intervened briefly to question whether it is fair to scrutinize a newly appointed Minister who has only been in the job for seven days.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Mr. Sammy Wilson argues that new clause 9 is essential to protect soldiers from historical revisionism and ensure their sacrifices are recognised properly. He also supports amendment 1, which would extend covenant provisions to local authorities in Northern Ireland, and criticises any oversight or deliberate exclusion by the Government as a potential political manoeuvre.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Mid Ulster
Ms. Carla Lockhart intervenes to support Mr. Wilson's argument, suggesting that excluding local authorities in Northern Ireland from the covenant provisions appears like a concession to Sinn Féin and their anti-covenant stance.
Newport West
Asked for clarification on whether local authority refers to borough councils, unitary single foundation authorities and strategic foundation authorities in the context of covenant duties.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Acknowledged that new clause 4 had been redrafted but questioned whether there were any issues with the current drafting aside from it being primary legislation. He sought assurance on secondary legislative changes to implement the measures.
Calum Miller
Con
Bicester and Woodstock
Asked for a commitment that the Government would report within six months of the Bill’s enactment on delays caused by the delay in publishing the defence investment plan and their impact.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Pressed for a commitment that the Government would not have reduced the £9.2 billion over 10 years promised to achieve Defence Housing Service objectives.
Alistair Carns
Con
Birmingham Selly Oak
Asked if the Minister could set out the impact of the covenant, Defence Housing Service and Op Valour on recruitment, retention and morale across the armed forces over the past year or two.
Stuart Anderson
Con
Morpeth
Raised concerns about veterans facing six-month waits for war pensions applications increasing to 18 months, questioning if this was acceptable and whether the Minister was aware of this situation.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Asked for clarification or further information on a statement regarding veterans' care services.
The Bill contains welcome reforms, such as extending the armed forces covenant duty into Whitehall and giving victims greater confidence in the service justice system. However, more funding details are needed to understand how pledges will be funded.
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