Military community to benefit as Starmer shores up the Armed Forces Covenant
The needs of the Armed Forces community will have to be legally considered by all government departments when making new policy, the Prime Minister has announced on Armed Forces Day.
More details of the legal protections being offered to military personnel, veterans and their families, including the bereaved, will be set out in due course.
These are expected to include initiatives such as extending travel benefits or flexible working for partners of serving personnel who are required to move as part for their role in the Armed Forces.
Sir Keir Starmer told BFBS Forces News: "It's very significant, because until now the policy that has to be taken into consideration for Armed Services and veterans is at a local level, and isn't limited to issues like housing.
"This expands it to all policy, where the Armed Forces must be taken into consideration - and veterans of course - and it's at the national level.
"It's also part of a wider package which is putting the Covenant into law.
"The Covenant, I think most people think is a good instrument. But its application is not uniform across the country and therefore by putting it in law it makes a big difference, gives it that special status.
"But also alongside that we will put into law an Armed Forces Commissioner, and that'll be a person specially appointed to support the Armed Forces and veterans, particularly in things that come under the Covenant.
"So this is to be seen as a pretty extensive package that I'm really pleased to be able to announce on Armed Forces Day."
The Prime Minister said the legislation would go through in the current parliamentary session and would therefore be part of a slightly bigger bill on the Armed Forces.
And he insisted: "It will be put into law. We've made a manifesto commitment on this. And, it's very important we've made a promise - and now we're delivering on that promise."
The new Armed Forces Covenant Legal Duty will ensure:
:: Fair access to services
This will ensure serving personnel, veterans and their families are not disadvantaged
:: Priority support for those most in need
This will provide additional help for those who have given the most, such as the injured or bereaved
:: Legal duty on public bodies
Local authorities, NHS bodies and schools must consider the needs of the Armed Forces community in their decision-making
:: Annual reporting
The Government is legally required to publish an annual report on Covenant delivery and progress
The announcement was welcomed by the Royal British Legion, with director general Mark Atkinson saying: "The Royal British Legion has been calling for a stronger Armed Forces Covenant for over a decade.
"Those who have served in the Armed Forces often face unique challenges, for example moving frequently during service can make it hard for families to receive consistent support from public services or for spouses and partners to build careers.
"Expanding the Covenant Legal Duty will help public services better respond to these challenges by ensuring the needs of the Armed Forces community are taken into account when making decisions.
"Currently the Covenant Legal Duty only applies to some areas of housing, education, and healthcare.
"We firmly welcome the decision to bring the Covenant fully into law to make sure all parts of government across the UK are working together and focused on providing the best possible support."
The extension of the Legal Duty will encompass all UK Government departments and devolved governments, and the following policy areas:
:: Housing
:: Education
:: Healthcare
:: Social care
:: Childcare
:: Employment and service in the Armed Forces
:: Personal taxation
:: Welfare benefits
:: Criminal justice
:: Immigration
:: Citizenship
:: Pensions
:: Service-related compensation
:: Transport
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