Bereaved Armed Forces Families

Bereaved Armed Forces families need the next government to:

• Fund an independent legal advice service to provide bereaved Armed Forces families with support and guidance through the inquest process.
• Introduce an Independent Advisory Committee on Military Deaths to provide advice, review recommendations from coroners and to give families a voice.
• Introduce mandatory training in Armed Forces policies and procedures to better equip coroners to investigate operational or training related Armed Forces deaths.
• Give the Service Complaints Commissioner additional powers to investigate complaints made by bereaved Armed Forces families.
• Create specialist bereavement counselling services for Armed Forces families, including parents and children.

"Callum was the love of my life, but I lost him in Afghanistan over a year ago. His Regiment was there for me through the most difficult times, but I feel there were things missing which could have helped me. The inquest process was so daunting, and some legal advice would have made all the difference. Nothing will bring Callum back, but things can be done to help bereaved families like mine."

The stories contained in this manifesto are for illustrative purposes only and are based on issues and experiences that the Legion is aware of through its work.