Armed Forces Covenant: 1,634 sign up to back pledge to make UK 'best place in the world for veterans'
More than 1,600 organisations pledged their support to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022, according to a new report.
The Armed Forces Covenant and Veterans Annual Report, published by the Government, shows that 1,634 groups, businesses and organisations have signed up to the covenant.
The covenant's core goals are to improve the lives of service personnel and their families and include the Government's commitment to make the UK the "best place in the world to be a veteran by 2028".
The covenant is a pledge by those that sign to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community have the same access to Government and commercial services and products as any other citizen.
Signatories this year have included Leeds United FC and the Ocado Group.
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families Dr Andrew Murrison, said: "The annual report shows the covenant continuing to go from strength to strength.
"Partners across the UK have been working hard to support those who currently serve, have served and their families.
"So, it's a big thank you to all those organisations who have worked tirelessly to use the covenant and the nation's commitment to veterans as a springboard to improve the lived experiences of our Armed Forces community."
Since its inception, the covenant has gained nearly 10,000 signatures and, to date, every local authority in the country has signed it.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer said: "The Armed Forces Covenant is a key way in which organisations from across society can support our veterans.
"We've seen good progress this year, in particular in the areas of healthcare, with the inclusion of veterans' health in GP training.
"I look forward to building on these successes in 2023."
The Office for Veterans' Affairs published the Veterans' Strategy Action Plan 2022-24, setting out more than 60 commitments, with more than ÂŁ70m of additional funding from across Government to further improve the lives of the veteran community.
Five hundred and twenty-eight GP surgeries have been accredited as 'veteran-friendly', taking the total to 1,578.
It is the latest progress report from the Government's aim to fulfill its 2019 manifesto commitment to "further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law".
The report also details how support has extended right across the UK with the first Veterans Commissioner for Wales being appointed, ensuring every nation has an independent voice-championing veteran.
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