Armed Forces Commissioner Bill: Final Stages

The Commons considered the Lords amendments to the Bill on 3 June 2025. The Government’s manifesto committed to strengthening support for Armed Forces communities by establishing an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life, after the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey has showed a fall in morale in the UK Armed Forces over the last decade and has also indicated systemic challenges in terms of retaining personnel. The Commissioner will consider, investigate and make recommendations to address welfare issues faced by serving personnel and their families during the course of their service life.

The Commons agreed with Lords Amendment 1, and disagreed with Lords Amendment 2 (Ayes 319, Noes 180) and Lords Amendment 3 (Ayes 315, Noes 184). 

A Government amendment in lieu of Lords Amendments 2 and 3 was passed with the following result: Ayes 329, Noes 101. 

The Lords considered the Commons amendments on 11 June 2025, and a date is yet to be announced for another Commons consideration of the Lords amendments.