Armed Forces pay decision 'may not be popular', Rishi Sunak says

Rishi Sunak has stressed that his decision on Armed Forces pay will be "responsible" and may not be popular in the short term.

This warning has come ahead of the Prime Minister receiving the public sector pay review bodies' recommendations, which are expected to be published before MPs depart for their summer recess on 20 July.

The PM told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "I have to make difficult decisions as Prime Minister. Everyone can see the context that we're in with inflation and interest rates."

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Mr Sunak went on to say: "When it comes to public sector pay I'm going to do what I think is affordable, what I think is responsible.

"Now that may not always be popular in the short term, but it's the right thing for the country."

Members of the military are waiting for the publication of the annual Armed Forces' Pay Review Body (AFPRB) – although the Government can and sometimes does reject its recommendations.

Each year, any recommendations for any increase in pay, if approved, are typically backdated to April that same year.

For Armed Forces Day 2023, the PM praised the "brilliant" UK military for their "phenomenal precision and professionalism," and added, "much of that service we do not see and often take for granted".

Casting further doubt on the amount of any pay increase for members of the Armed Forces, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury indicated, in a separate interview, that the Government could reject any of the independent review bodies' recommendations on public sector pay – which includes the military.

John Glen said ministers were aware of "the implications for inflation" when deciding whether workers should get pay rises.

He told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday show: "We haven't had all the pay review body reports in yet.

"As a matter of principle, pay review bodies are a very significant part of resolving the pay issues. But obviously, we've also got to take account of the effect on inflation.

"That would be irresponsible not to do that."

He added: "What the Government's got to do is take responsible decisions on public spending in the round.

"Pay is a significant element of that. And obviously, I'm very aware of the massive contribution that teachers, nurses and public sector workers make and we've got to get the right outcomes that are fair to them, but also aren't inflationary."

This comes as Britain's Armed Forces are examining ways to attract and retain new and next generations in the military after a series of recommendations were made in an independent review.

Recommendations included looking at how to get accommodation and allowances right – both home and overseas – and prioritising investment in single-living and service families accommodation to replace and upgrade the current stock.