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Armed Forces Bill - Sitting 2

24 March 2026

Proposing MP
Clive Efford Lab
Eltham
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the introduction of new clauses to the Armed Forces Bill aimed at enhancing support for veterans' mental health and promoting their interests in England. The statement discusses the need for a dedicated veterans commissioner for England to represent the majority of UK veterans and improve support services. Mike Martin is speaking in support of new clause 2, which aims to establish a veterans’ mental health oversight officer. The MPs are discussing the support provided for veterans through mental and physical health initiatives like Operation Courage and Operation Restore. The statement discusses the establishment of Head Valour and Valour centres to improve support for veterans in the UK.

Action Requested

Clause 2 establishes a statutory duty for public bodies across the UK to have due regard to the principles of the armed forces covenant, including removing disadvantage faced by servicepeople. Clause 6 mandates the appointment of a National Veterans' Commissioner for England within 12 months to promote veterans' interests and monitor the effectiveness of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Key Facts

  • The new clause establishes a Veterans’ Mental Health Oversight Officer.
  • The Secretary of State must appoint a National Veterans’ Commissioner for England within 12 months of the passing of the Act.
  • The Commissioner will act independently to promote veterans' interests, monitor public policy effects on veterans, and make recommendations to improve support.
  • The existing commissioners represent only 15% of UK veterans.
  • A national veterans commissioner was intended but never appointed after a campaign by the Royal British Legion in May 2024.
  • Op Valour is a £50 million Government-led programme for veteran support across the UK, initiated last year.
  • New clause 6 proposes appointing an England-based veterans commissioner within 12 months of Act passage.
  • The proposed commissioner's functions include promoting veteran interests and reviewing public policy impacts on them.
  • The role of the veterans’ mental health oversight officer is proposed in new clause 2.
  • Mental health diagnoses among active duty personnel increased by 40% between 2019 and 2023, with anxiety and PTSD diagnoses doubling.
  • In 2023, mental health disorders accounted for more days in hospital beds for service personnel than physical problems.
  • Up to 36,000 veterans have been supported through Operation Courage and Operation Restore.
  • Suicide rates for veterans under the age of 25 are four times higher than for civilians in the same age group.
  • 52% of veterans have had a mental health problem compared with 45% in the general population.
  • A third of veterans reported feeling loneliness, compared to just 7% of the civilian population.
  • Veterans experience PTSD at twice the rate of the civilian population.
  • Head Valour is set to be established within the next month or two.
  • More than 700 existing veteran support centres across the UK are being standardised and provided with long-term government funding.
  • The programme aims to ensure veterans receive appropriate mental health care without having to navigate multiple charities.
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