The Government presented the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill on 18 March 2020, thereby meeting its 100-day self imposed deadline. Second Reading has been scheduled for 23 September 2020. Aspects of the Bill are already generating controversy.
Documents to download
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The Armed Forces Covenant (191 KB, PDF)
The Armed Forces Covenant is a statement of the moral obligation which exists between the nation, the Government and the Armed Forces. It was published in May 2011 and its core principles were enshrined in law, for the first time, in the Armed Forces Act 2011. It applies to all three services.
The Covenant articulates the view that the nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces Community in return for the sacrifices they make.
The Armed Forces Act requires the Secretary of State for Defence to report to Parliament each year. The Government has made a series of commitments to the Armed Forces Community to fulfil the core principles of the Covenant – no disadvantage and special consideration. The first annual report was published on 6 December 2012. It summarises progress to date and makes further commitments.
Documents to download
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The Armed Forces Covenant (191 KB, PDF)
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The government has announced it will not proceed with plans to introduce a new combat compensation scheme for armed forces personnel and veterans. This paper briefly explains the original proposals, concerns raised and the government's announcement.
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This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
