New Armed Forces Bill passed in Parliament

The Ministry of Defence has delivered new legislation to ensure Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families are better supported when accessing key public services.

The Armed Forces Act, which gained Royal Assent in Parliament, enshrines the Armed Forces Covenant in law for the first time to help prevent service personnel and veterans being disadvantaged when accessing essential services like healthcare, education and housing.

The Armed Forces Act will also deliver a series of improvements to the Service Justice System, ensuring personnel have a clear, fair and effective route to justice wherever they are operating.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Today is a significant day for the military community which for the first time has seen the Armed Forces Covenant enshrined in law. The Armed Forces Act places a legal obligation on public bodies to consider the welfare of service personnel and veterans alike, giving them improved access to crucial services that we all rely on every day. It will also strengthen the Service Justice System - an integral part of the Armed Forces and support the unique role of our people who operate globally.”