We are calling for a stronger Armed Forces Covenant Duty
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that those who serve, or have served, and their families, including the bereaved, should not face disadvantage because of their service.
Following a campaign led by the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland, the Armed Forces Covenant was introduced in the UK in 2011.
We spent the next decade campaigning for a stronger Covenant, culminating in the publication of a comprehensive independent report reflecting on the Covenant’s impact on the wellbeing of serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
The Armed Forces community faces unique challenges
People who have served in the Armed Forces often face unique challenges. For example:
- Moving frequently during service can make it hard for families to receive consistent support from public services like healthcare and education, or for spouses to build careers.
- Veterans can struggle to navigate complicated systems to access pensions or benefits.
- Those serving in the Armed Forces who were born outside the UK may face additional barriers when it comes to immigration.
Armed Forces Bill 2026
The Armed Forces Bill 2026 has been introduced into Parliament.
Every 5 years, The Government must renew the Armed Forces Act (2006) to ensure the continuation of the UK military. The Bill also gives The Government the opportunity to update legislation relating to how we support the Armed Forces community, which provides us with an opportunity to make the case for a stronger Armed Forces Covenant.
In the 2024 General Election Manifesto, The Government committed to bringing the Armed Forces Covenant ‘fully into law’, ensuring a comprehensive and consistent approach to supporting the Armed Forces community. This commitment will be fulfilled as part of the Armed Forces Bill 2026.
We welcome The Government’s plan to fulfill its manifesto pledge to extend the Armed Forces Covenant Duty to bring UK and Devolved Governments, as well as a wider range of policy areas, within scope.
The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland are calling on the Government to Keep the Covenant Promise
We are calling on the Government to ensure that this Armed Forces Bill introduces a stronger Covenant Duty that is:
- Delivered consistently: There must be clear guidance that sets consistent national standards of Covenant Duty delivery across the country.
- Funded adequately and sustainably to support delivery: A dedicated programme with accessible tools and resources to ensure staff in organisations covered by the Duty fully understand its purpose.
- Robustly measured so its impact is clear: This is crucial to achieve continued improvement of services and meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces community.
We launched our Keep the Covenant Promise report campaign report and an accompanying open letter to the Prime Minister at the end of September 2025.
Ahead of the Bill being introduced to Parliament, RBL staff joined members of the Armed Forces community who have faced disadvantage to deliver the open letter to 10 Downing Street.
RBL staff and the Armed Forces Community are pictured outside 10 Downing Street holding a box containing petition signatures
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Become a campaignerOur call for a stronger Armed Forces Covenant continues
The Bill is still at an early stage in its passage through Parliament.
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How you can you help?
We want to hear about your experiences with the Armed Forces Covenant. If it has helped you, or if you think it should have helped you but has not, please get in touch and tell us about your experience.
Share your story at [email protected]