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Armed forces

Labour Government Announces Major Plans to Protect Rights and Access of Military Personnel and Veterans

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the nation marks Armed Forces Day on Saturday, Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced major plans to protect the rights and access of military personnel, veterans, and their families. A new legal duty for all government departments to consider the needs of the armed forces community will be implemented, ensuring that those who serve or have served in the armed forces are treated fairly. The initiative aims to deliver Labour's manifesto promise to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law, with legislation to be brought forward to achieve this goal.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new legal duty will be implemented for all government departments to consider the needs of the armed forces community when making new policy, ensuring that their needs are taken into account in decision-making.
  • The initiative aims to extend travel benefits to the families of veterans and the bereaved, and provide flexible working for partners of serving personnel who are required to move as part of their role in the Armed Forces.
  • Legislation will be brought forward to deliver Labour's manifesto promise to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.
  • The Covenant is a promise to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
  • Mr. Starmer has promised to serve those who have served the country, and has made a commitment to deliver on this promise through the new Armed Forces Covenant.
  • Priority support will be given to those who have sacrificed the most, including the injured or bereaved.
  • Local authorities, NHS bodies, and schools will have a duty to consider the needs of the armed forces community in their decision-making.
  • The government will publish an annual report on the Covenant's delivery and progress.
  • Ministers have committed to delivering two above-inflation pay awards for service personnel and an extra £1.5bn investment this parliament to improve forces' family housing through the Strategic Defence Review.
  • A £3.5million funding injection has been made available for wraparound support services for veterans at risk of homelessness, including mental health, employment, and independent living support.

Statistics:

  • £1.5bn investment in forces' family housing this parliament
  • £3.5million funding injection for wraparound support services for veterans
  • Two above-inflation pay awards for service personnel
  • Annual report on the Covenant's delivery and progress

Sources:

  • [Source 1 - "Labour Government Announces Major Plans to Protect Rights and Access of Military Personnel and Veterans", The Guardian]
  • [Source 2 - "Keir Starmer announces new Armed Forces Covenant to protect veterans' rights", The Independent]
  • [Source 3 - Mark Atkinson, Director General, Royal British Legion]

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