Armed Forces Commissioner Bill

Matt Rodda Excerpts

Report stage
Tuesday 21st January 2025 Commons Chamber

Indeed, amendments 8 and 10, both in the name of the hon. Member for South Suffolk, appear contradictory, with amendment 8 seeking additional measures to cement independence from the Government, while amendment 10 would dilute that independence by adding unnecessary prescription. Moreover, we know that the issues the commissioner will seek to investigate will change and evolve over time, and I do not think it helpful to have that level of prescription in the Bill evermore, or until it is amended by primary legislation.

[Matt Rodda (Reading Central) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend is making an excellent point about both independence and the need for flexibility. Does he agree that the recently discovered serious problems with service housing might have been addressed better and sooner if there had been an independent figure whom service families as well as serving members of armed forces could approach?

[Graeme Downie]

My hon. Friend is entirely right. Housing issues are critical to ensuring that we recruit and retain the personnel we will require for the success that we want our armed forces to have.