Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention

Monday 1 June 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The nation's commitment to those who serve includes a 20% pay rise and free childcare for forces families.
  • Regulations have been changed to ease recruitment barriers for young people and introduce direct entry for cyber roles.
  • Amendments reflecting concerns about the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will be published before the next Committee stage in Parliament.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Sollom Lib Dem St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Defence
Context

The previous government left recruitment and retention in crisis, missing targets for years. Recruitment delays have led to a loss of potential recruits.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve recruitment and retention in the armed forces?

Answer from John Healey

We have renewed the nation's commitment to those who serve through a 20% pay rise, free childcare for forces families across the UK, and upgrades to forces housing. Armed forces numbers are growing due to changes in regulations, direct entry for cyber recruitment, and plans for tri-nation recruitment.

Partly answered

How: He Will Have Seen That We Have Changed The Regulations, We Have Introduced Direct Entry For Cyber Recruitment

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Q2 Ian Sollom Lib Dem St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

Recruitment delays have led to a large majority of young people interested in joining the forces going off to do other things.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer—[Interruption.] Recruitment to our forces has been beset by delays, leading many potential recruits to seek other opportunities. What specific measures are being taken to address these recruitment delays?

Answer from John Healey

We have changed regulations that often restricted recruitment and were barriers to young people joining, introduced direct entry for cyber recruitment, and are set to put in place a new contract next year for tri-nation recruitment.

Partly answered

How: Recruitment Delays Have Led To A Large Majority Of Them Going Off And Doing Other Things

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Q3 Fred Thomas Lab Plymouth Moor View
Defence
Context

The continuous attitude survey showed that morale was dropping year on year during the questioner's service. Since Labour came into government, morale and satisfaction have improved.

Question

In all the years I served as a regular in the military, the continuous attitude survey showed that morale was dropping year on year. Since Labour has come into government, morale has reversed; satisfaction with military homes has risen 12%. Can you explain why?

Answer from John Healey

Armed forces numbers are growing. Satisfaction with military homes has risen 12% in the last year, reflecting a turnaround in recruitment and on morale under this leadership.

Partly answered

How: Turning The Corner On Recruitment And On Morale

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Q4 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Defence Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

Special forces personnel are leaving due to concerns raised by the three special forces regimental associations regarding mistreatment of veterans.

Question

The serious problem of personnel leaving the special forces is partly due to the Government's facilitation of lawfare against their comrades who served in Northern Ireland. Can you explain your response to the three special forces regimental associations' warning that egregious mistreatment of veterans and infringement of rights has to end?

Answer from John Healey

We have had discussions with military leaders regarding their concerns, particularly with the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. We are set to make significant amendments that reflect their concerns.

Partly answered

How: I Simply Do Not Recognise The Right Hon Gentleman'S Description

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Q5 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Northern Ireland
Context

Government has been promising amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill but has not yet published them, causing concern among veterans.

Question

The Secretary of State said he did not recognise “my” description. It is not mine; it is from a statement by the three special forces regimental associations on 22 April. If we are to persuade people to continue serving in uniform, these concerns need addressing. When will amendments be published?

Answer from John Healey

The amendments will be published before the next stage of the Bill in Parliament, which is Committee stage in this House.

Partly answered

How: Will Be Before The Bill Is Due For Its Next Stage

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