Benefit Entitlements: War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Excerpts

Wednesday 14th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Josh Babarinde]

I completely agree. No one should be penalised for serving their country, although that is effectively what happens under the current system. I will come to some of the other benefits that the hon. Gentleman refers to shortly.

[Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab)]

I thank the hon. Member for his dedication, and for his commitment to this issue. The Defence Committee last year published its report into the armed forces covenant. We looked at this issue in detail and heard harrowing testimony from many of our veterans and their families about the disadvantage they experienced as a result of their service—despite their sacrifices. Does he agree that at the next armed forces compensation scheme review, Ministers need to look into this issue in detail and take remedial action? Those who have made enormous sacrifices or have been willing to lay down their lives should be treated with the dignity and respect that we as a society owe them.

[Josh Babarinde]

I agree with the Chair of the Defence Committee, who I know has worked on this issue for some time. I think his suggestion needs to be done sooner than the next armed forces compensation scheme review. We also need to remember that the war pensions scheme, from before that system—before 2003—needs to be looked at. I hope the Minister will be able to give us some commitments to that effect later, and I will spell them out specifically.