Armed Forces Bill

Debate between Baroness Antrobus and Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie

3rd reading
Tuesday 27th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie (Con)]

My Lords, I am delighted that the Bill has reached this stage and I pay tribute to the noble Baroness, Lady Antrobus, for stepping in magnificently at the last minute. Personally, I am disappointed that the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is not within the Armed Forces covenant, but I thank the Minister, the noble Lord, Lord Coaker, and officials for engaging. I thank the noble Lord for his letter to me of 1 October and request that a copy of it be put in the Library, because it commits to a review of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s status within the Civil Service and Sponsored Reserves arrangements, which will be implemented in 2027.

[Baroness Antrobus (Lab)]

I thank noble Lords for their extremely kind comments. To address the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Fraser, I will ensure that the letter regarding the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is put in the Library. I will pass on the kind words for my noble friend the Minister, but he should be back very soon so noble Lords across the House will be able to engage with him. As I have said before, I am very happy to see the noble Baroness, Lady Goldie, back. Obviously, I am concerned that the noble Baroness, Lady Smith of Newnham, is not here, and I fear that I will be next.

Let us press on with passing the Bill. I am very grateful for the co-operation of the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Craig of Radley. It was rather last minute, but he has been exceptionally collaborative and helpful, up to and including this morning, and the Government have committed to implementation by the end of September 2027.