Armed Forces Covenant (Implementation) (United Kingdom) Bill

Key Points

• Codifies the Armed Forces Covenant into law to promote consistent implementation.
• Requires public bodies and government departments to have due regard to Covenant commitments in policy-making and services for service personnel, veterans and their families.
• Establishes reporting and accountability mechanisms to monitor Covenant progress.
• Aims to improve support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in areas commonly affected by Covenant commitments (e.g. housing, healthcare, education and employment).
• Outlines the next steps for Parliament’s scrutiny, including committee examination and passage through the Lords before becoming law.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. It will proceed to committee scrutiny and further readings in both Houses as part of the normal passage to becoming law.