The Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill

I am now a member of the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill. Here's more about the work the committee does.

The Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill was launched this week. The committee exists to scrutinise the Armed Forces Bill 2019-21.

The Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill 2021 may go through the Bill formally, clause by clause, and make amendments. It may also take formal oral and written evidence and make visits. As well as reporting the Bill to the House of Commons, the select committee may make a Special Report to the House of its findings and recommendations. 

What is the Armed Forces Bill?
The Armed Forces Bill  (Bill 244) was introduced in the House of Commons on 26 January 2021. The main purpose of the Bill is to renew the Armed Forces Act 2006, which provides the legal basis for the existence of the Armed Forces as disciplined bodies. Without renewal, the 2006 Act will expire at the end of 2021.

The Bill also:

• Amends the service justice system - The Government commissioned an independent review of the service justice system in 2017 to inform the Bill. The Bill enacts several of the recommendations of the review.
• Introduces a new Service Police Complaints Commissioner - The Bill creates a new independent body to oversee complaints about the Service Police.
• Enshrines a legal duty to have due regard to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant - The Bill requires specified public bodies to have due regard to the principles of the Covenant in the areas of housing, education and healthcare. Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant here

What does the Select Committee do?
The Select Committee will undertake the job of scrutinising the Armed Forces Bill, as well as providing an opportunity for Parliament to take a broader look at the some of the issues our Armed Forces face.

The Committee will work intensively, within the space of a couple of months, to explore not only the Bill itself, but also the current imperatives, such as the efficacy of support available for service personnel, veterans and families as well as the structures in place that both safeguard and ensure accountability.

The first three evidence sessions took place yesterday (4th March), and I was able to ask a question on statutory guidance.

The Committee welcomes written evidence submission on all the provisions within the Bill as well as any notable omissions and additionally on the state of Armed Forces pay.

Evidence submissions will be accepted until midday on Sunday 21 March. Written evidence can be submitted here. Please note that the committee will not hear individual cases.

Support and advice
If you are/have been a member of the Armed Forces, or are a family member, and need support or advice, the following organisations could help:

• ​The Royal British Legion
• SSAFA
• Help for Heroes
• Veterans Wales (Swansea Bay University Health Board contacts)
• Swansea Council's Councillor Champion for the Armed Forces - Cllr.Wendy.Lewis@swansea.gov.uk