The UK’s first ever independent Armed Forces Commissioner, a voice to champion service personnel and their families, is one step closer to reality this week after it passed its third reading in the House of Commons.

Establishing the Armed Forces Commissioner role was a Labour manifesto commitment and is a central part of the new Government’s plans to renew the nation’s contract with those who bravely serve.

The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for personnel and their families to raise service issues affecting their lives, from kit, to housing, to childcare. They will have proper powers to investigate issues affecting service life, make recommendations, and report to Parliament, and will have access to personnel, information, and to defence sites.

Welcoming the Bill’s passage through the Commons, Douglas Alexander MP said:

“The first duty of any Government is to keep our country safe, and at the heart of our security are the men and women who risk their lives for our nation. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces – theirs is the ultimate form of public service – and their professionalism and bravery are rightly respected the world over.

“The establishment of a new independent Armed Forces Commissioner is a vital change for our brave service personnel and can’t come soon enough. The Bill will make a positive difference to the lives of service personnel and their families from East Lothian and I was pleased to see it pass this week. 

“This Labour Government is on a mission to raise military morale. This Bill is just one step of many to right the wrongs of the last 14 years and ensure that our armed forces personnel know just how much they are valued.

“People will always be at the heart of our defence plans. Those who make great sacrifices to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad will always be championed under a Labour Government.”