Armed Forces Commissioner Bill

Debate between Judith Cummins and Dave Doogan

2nd reading
Monday 18th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Dave Doogan]

Yes. What’s not to like? I am very happy to support that.

I have two questions that I hope the Minister will address in his summing up. Will the commissioner have the power to investigate the challenges faced by serving personnel within the nuclear enterprise, or will personnel in this service have to continue to suffer in secret?

Scotland, as usual, is out in front with our veterans commissioner, so what learnings will the UK commissioner for serving personnel be able to take from their Scottish counterpart? How does the Minister envisage the commissioners working together? Moreover, given that Wales and Northern Ireland also have veterans commissioners, and that the commissioner proposed by the Bill will not have responsibility for veterans across the United Kingdom, what is the timeframe for veterans in England to enjoy the same benefits as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Judith Cummins)]

I call Alison Hume to make her maiden speech.