Armed Forces Bill

Baroness Dacres of Lewisham Excerpts

2nd reading
Monday 6th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Dacres of Lewisham (Lab)]

My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Thomas of Gresford. I take this opportunity to thank all those who serve and have served, and their families. This Bill is about more than just military law; it is about the promise we make to those who serve our country and their families that their service and sacrifice will be recognised, not only while they serve but long after their military service has ended. Our Armed Forces do not serve alone. Their families also make sacrifices in support of that service.

I welcome this Bill, in particular the measures to strengthen the Armed Forces covenant. My own experiences have shown me why these issues matter so deeply. Earlier in my career, while working at JP Morgan Chase, I had the privilege of managing a colleague who had served in the Royal Engineers. He brought with him not only highly transferable skills but also professionalism, teamwork, a good sense of humour and a can-do attitude that benefited everyone around him. His military experience enriched our workplace and demonstrated the enormous value that veterans can bring to employers across every sector.

My work as a councillor gave me a different perspective. I helped a veteran who was experiencing serious housing difficulties in the private rented sector. Despite those challenges, he continued working as a bus driver, supporting his family—including a severely disabled child—while completing a law degree and then a master’s in law. Today, he is a practising solicitor. His journey demonstrates the grit, determination and resilience that so many who have served continue to show in civilian life. It also reinforced my belief that our duty to those who serve does not end when military service ends. Veterans leave the Armed Forces with the qualities to continue making significant contributions to our communities and our country. They deserve our gratitude and continued support, and the opportunity to fulfil their potential in civilian life.

For that reason, one issue that particularly resonates with me is ensuring that the Armed Forces covenant is delivered consistently across every local authority and public service, as well as in the private sector. The promise we make to those who serve should not depend on where they happen to live. The covenant must not be simply a statement of intent or a legal obligation; it must become a practical reality in every community across the United Kingdom.

We should also do more to support veterans as they transition to civilian life. Veterans bring a wealth of expertise and transferable skills that strengthen our workplaces, public services and economy. We should encourage employers and organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors to recognise the qualities that veterans bring and the value their skills and expertise can add to their organisations.

Many people have little direct experience of military service or the Armed Forces community. That makes it all the more important that we strengthen public understanding of the contributions made by our Armed Forces. Greater awareness helps foster respect for those who serve and encourages future generations to consider a career in the Armed Forces. Supporting our Armed Forces and supporting veterans are not separate responsibilities: one flows naturally from the other. If we are to honour the priorities and promises embodied in the Armed Forces covenant, we must ensure it is reflected not only in legislation but in the everyday experiences of those who serve and those who have served, and their families.

I therefore ask my noble friend the Minister: what further steps will the Government take to ensure that the Armed Forces covenant is delivered consistently across the country? How will that consistency will be measured? What more can be done to support veterans into employment and encourage employers and organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors to recognise the qualities that veterans bring and the value their skills and experience can add to their organisations?