Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made with the implementation of the Armed Forces Covenant throughout all parts of the UK.

The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority and provides support to the Armed Forces community across the UK, ensuring that they are treated fairly. This commitment was strengthened in November 2022 with the introduction of a new statutory Covenant Duty. This places a duty of due regard on specific public bodies to ensure they consider the Covenant principles when conducting certain of their functions in healthcare, housing, and education, with the aim of improving outcomes for the Armed Forces community.

In addition, over 11,000 organisations have signed pledges in support of the Covenant to the wider benefit of the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Covenant applies equally across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Good progress is being made in delivery of the Covenant in Northern Ireland, though its unique historical and political circumstances mean that delivery of the Covenant has to be approached in a different way to the rest of the UK. The Armed Forces Community in Northern Ireland is currently supported through 38 (Irish) Brigade, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Veterans' Support Office. These organisations work with government departments, local councils, and the third sector to ensure that serving personnel and veterans, and their families, get the support they need.