Defence committee

Amanda Martin Excerpts

Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bailey]

I will. As someone who was impacted thus myself, this is something I am aware of, and I will take it back to the Defence Committee for a response.

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

As the MP for Portsmouth North and for the families and friends of those who currently serve and have served, I understand the sacrifices that they are making. The Committee will know that one of the main reasons for service personnel leaving the armed forces is the impact on their families. Does my hon. Friend agree with me and with the Naval Children’s Charity that the opportunity for children to receive priority in-year school admissions to secure a school place and the timely transfer of education and healthcare plans when relocating between local authorities would be welcome additions to the armed forces covenant?

[Mr Bailey]

My hon. Friend is a great champion for the Royal Navy community in her constituency, and she raises an apposite question that goes to the heart of an area where the armed forces covenant has been overlooked, which is education. I am sure that the Minister for Veterans and People will take this on as part of his deliberations.