Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces: 2025 Annual Report

Louise Sandher-Jones Excerpts

Thursday 14th May 2026 Written Statements

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)]

I am pleased to lay before Parliament today the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the armed forces annual report for 2025 on the fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of the service complaints system.

This report is published by Mariette Hughes and covers the operation of the service complaints system and the work of her office in her fifth and final year as the ombudsman.

The findings of the report will now be considered fully by the Ministry of Defence, and a formal response to the new Armed Forces Commissioner will follow once that work is complete.

Our armed forces are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, it is right that we continue to step up our support for them and their families.

That is why we have created the new independent Armed Forces Commissioner role, who will have the power to investigate any issues raised directly by serving personnel and their families, to challenge Ministers and military leaders and to report directly to Parliament.

The Government commitment to supporting members of the armed forces and their families to come forward to raise issues, and improve the way they are dealt with, is unwavering.

Attachments can be viewed online at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2026-05-14/hcws1568

[HCWS1568]