Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Independent Armed Forces Commissioner

Monday 18 November 2024 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 7 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill will have its Second Reading later on the same day, aiming to enhance parliamentary oversight and address welfare issues for service personnel.
  • The Armed Forces Bill will implement the Government's commitment to try murder, manslaughter, and rape cases in civilian courts.
  • The Armed Forces Commissioner will have the ability to visit serving personnel, both in the UK and abroad, to gather information and address challenges faced by deployed troops.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Defence Veterans
Context

The question arises from efforts to establish an independent commissioner for the armed forces.

Question

What progress has been made on establishing an independent armed forces commissioner?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill is a landmark piece of legislation. Second Reading will be later today, aiming to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve with an independent champion improving parliamentary oversight and addressing welfare issues.

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Q2 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Justice & Courts Defence
Context

The question stems from concerns about the handling of serious crimes like rape within military jurisdiction.

Question

Will he revisit recommendations to move murder, manslaughter, and rape cases from service to civilian courts?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Government committed during opposition that murder, manslaughter, and rape cases would be tried in civilian courts. The Armed Forces Bill will provide an opportunity to implement this change.

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Q3 Sarah Russell Lab Congleton
Defence Veterans
Context

The question concerns the relationship between the Armed Forces Commissioner and service charities.

Question

How will the Armed Forces Commissioner work with small charities like Listening Out Loud Foundation?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The commissioner will have new relationships with service charities and organisations. The Minister would be happy to meet and visit Listening Out Loud Foundation soon.

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Q4 Sally Jameson Labour (Co-op) Doncaster Central
Defence Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question arises from a desire for stronger scrutiny of issues faced by armed forces members.

Question

Will the Minister ensure that the Armed Forces Commissioner can challenge Ministers to improve parliamentary oversight?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Government is committed to an independent figure championing armed forces, improving scrutiny, morale, and operational capability. The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a key step in renewing the contract between the nation and those who serve.

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Q5 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Mental Health Veterans
Context

The question comes from research on suicide prevention for military families.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill can deliver better support for military families going through difficult times?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for bereaved families and have discretion to investigate welfare matters, enhancing support and addressing concerns raised by serving personnel's families.

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Q6 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Defence Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The question involves the scope and extent of the commissioner's investigative powers.

Question

Will the Armed Forces Commissioner be allowed to visit troops deployed on operations, question them, and seize documents?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Bill includes powers for the commissioner to visit serving personnel, with UK visits unannounced. Overseas visits will be co-ordinated with the Department, allowing the commissioner to hear about challenges faced by deployed troops.

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Q7 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The question pertains to the scope and responsibilities of the commissioner regarding Northern Ireland.

Question

Will every council and person needing help receive the same responsibility and power from the independent Armed Forces Commissioner?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The commissioner's responsibilities cover service welfare matters across the UK, including when deployed abroad. Recommendations will be published directly to Parliament ensuring impartiality and allowing scrutiny from all parts of the House.

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