Veterans: Access to housing
This briefing provides an overview of the housing support available to veterans across the UK.
Constituency data: UK armed forces veterans, 2021 census
Find out how many UK armed forces veterans live in constituencies in Great Britain, based on census data.
Support and Services
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Support for Veterans: Policy overview
An overview of the evolution of veterans’ policy in the UK since 2010.
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Veterans: Access to health services
This briefing paper details the healthcare support available to armed forces veterans in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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The Armed Forces Covenant and status in law
The Armed Forces Covenant is a statement of the moral obligation which exists between the nation, the Government the armed forces.
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Nationality and immigration requirements for the UK's armed forces
This briefing paper outlines the nationality requirements for non-British citizens wishing to join the UK's armed forces. It explores the immigration requirements for non-British personnel and family members of British armed forces personnel, as they apply during service and upon discharge, and related topical issues.
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The service complaints system
The service complaints system enables serving and former personnel to complain about and seek redress on matters relating to their service.
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Support for UK veterans
This briefing paper details the support available to armed forces veterans in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This briefing is no longer being updated.
Pensions and compensation
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Armed Forces Pension Scheme
The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is an occupational pension scheme open to most members of the armed forces. This briefing explains the legislative background to the schemes, the benefits for each pension scheme and covers current issues such as the McCloud remedy.
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The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme compensates for injury, illness or death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005.
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War widows' pensions
Looks at changes in the rules about remarriage and cohabitation for war widows and widowers' pensions
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The campaign for Gurkha pensions
This briefing paper looks at campaign for improved pension rights Gurkhas with service before July 1997
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Nuclear Test Veterans
This briefing provides background information on nuclear weapons tests, the Government’s recognition of nuclear test veterans and current and previous legal action in this area. There will be a Westminster Hall debate on nuclear test veterans and medical records on 28 November 2023.
Commemoration and service records
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How to access military Service records
Constituents may contact a Member of Parliament seeking advice on how to access military service records. This briefing provides guidance on what information is available, and how to access it.
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Maintaining and funding war memorials
There are estimated to be over 100,000 war memorials in the UK. This paper collates some useful resources for individuals seeking information on funding, maintenance and other war memorial related questions.
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Inequalities in commemorating war dead: CWGC and Government response
The Secretary of State for Defence and Chair of the CWGC, Ben Wallace, apologised on behalf of the CWGC and the Government of the time and today.
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D-Day 80: Commemorations for the 80th anniversary
The 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings – also known as D-Day – were on 6 June 2024.
Medallic recognition
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British military medals and how to apply
This paper outlines the eligibility criteria and process to apply for a military medal, as well as background information on some of the medals that may still be applied for.
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Medal Campaigns
Examines the process by which campaign medals are instituted, the rules governing the acceptance and wearing of foreign medals, and some of the medal campaigns that are currently underway. Summarises the findings of the interim Military Medals Review.
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Nuclear Test Veterans
This briefing provides background information on nuclear weapons tests, the Government’s recognition of nuclear test veterans and current and previous legal action in this area. There will be a Westminster Hall debate on nuclear test veterans and medical records on 28 November 2023.
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'Stolen Valour': An international comparison
Stolen valour involves falsely claiming military service, rank or medallic recognition with the intent to deceive. It could even involve stealing someone else’s identity.
Relevant legislation
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The Armed Forces Covenant and status in law
The Armed Forces Covenant is a statement of the moral obligation which exists between the nation, the Government the armed forces.
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Investigation of Former Armed Forces Personnel Who Served in Northern Ireland
The investigation of former British soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles” is receiving a significant amount of media and parliamentary attention as a result of ongoing court cases and the Government's new proposals for dealing with legacy issues in Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill 2022-2023
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill would end Troubles-related legal proceedings and give conditional immunity to those cooperating with investigations by a new independent commission
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Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-21
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.
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Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-2021: Lords amendments
The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-2021 was introduced in the House of Commons in March 2020. It was introduced in the House Lords unamended in November 2020. The Lords made a number of amendments and now the Bill is in a period of ping pong. The Commons will consider the latest Lords amendments on 27 April 2021. This paper has been updated accordingly.
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Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill: Progress of the Bill
Third Reading of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees Bill is scheduled for 24 March 2023. The Bill has Government support and would widen the Committees statutory functions.
Historical recognition and commemoration
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'D-Day 75' Commemorations
This paper outlines the commemorations planned to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, which falls on 6 June 2019.
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Heroes Return 2 Scheme
The Heroes Return 2 Scheme was launched by the Big Lottery Fund on 1 April 2009. Under this scheme funding will be provided for veterans, spouses, widows and carers wishing to return to those places where they fought during the Second World War and mark any relevant anniversaries in 2009 and 2010. This note sets out the principles of the scheme, eligibility and how to apply for funding.
