Armed Forces Commissioner Bill

Debate between Bayo Alaba and Caroline Nokes

Consideration of Lords amendments
Tuesday 3rd June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bayo Alaba (Southend East and Rochford) (Lab)]

In Southend and Rochford I have had the pleasure of meeting many veterans and service people, men and women, who keep our country safe. An Armed Forces Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for those serving and their families, and will have direct authority to investigate welfare complaints from housing to kit to issues affecting family life. As a former soldier myself, I know that losing a lot of kit happened often, but I digress. This role comes alongside record amounts of funding for the armed forces and housing, so I am sure that colleagues across the House are extremely proud—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

Order. The hon. Member really ought not to be making a mini-speech. Perhaps he is drawing his comments to a close.

[Mr Alaba]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am sure colleagues across the House are extremely proud of our armed forces. Does the Minister agree that this Bill is an opportunity for us to show a united Chamber in support of our armed forces and that colleagues should support it?