UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a call from the Royal British Legion to enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law and improve support for veterans.
As reported by The Independent, Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure from the Royal British Legion to make the Government’s veterans pledge legally binding.
Royal British Legion’s letter to Keir Starmer
The Royal British Legion, which organises the annual poppy appeal, has written to the Prime Minister to fulfil his pledge to place the Armed Forces Covenant on a statutory footing.
The open letter to Mr Starmer comes as the RBL prepares to speak to Labour members at the Liverpool conference.
Under the covenant, those who have served in the armed forces should not be placed at a disadvantage because of their service.
In its letter to the Prime Minister, the RBL said the covenant has “failed to deliver the meaningful difference it should.” They pressed the Government to take three steps to ensure the covenant works as it moves to enshrine it in law.
The RBL warned that the covenant should be applied uniformly, with guidance to ensure the same standards across the country. It argued that enough funding is needed to ensure the covenant can be delivered.
The charity said the covenant’s impact must be properly measured to improve services and meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces community.
Angela Kitching’s stance on veterans’ support at the Labour conference
Angela Kitching, RBL director of campaigns, policy and research, will speak at an event during Labour’s conference this weekend.
She stated, “It is deeply worrying that serving personnel, veterans and their families are being let down so badly by the country they sacrifice so much for.”
Ms Kitching said, “Every day, we see cases of veterans falling through the cracks of the systems meant to support them.”
She added, “The Royal British Legion welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to extend the Armed Forces Covenant, now we urge him to Keep the Covenant Promise and deliver real change for our Armed Forces community to stop the unfair treatment.”
Keir Starmer’s views on supporting the armed forces
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “Across the country and around the world, our service personnel and their families make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe and protect our freedom and our way of life.”
He said, “When I became Prime Minister, I made a promise to serve those who have served us. Through the new Armed Forces Covenant, we are delivering on that promise — ensuring our service personnel, veterans and their families are treated with the respect they deserve – that is our duty.”
Mr Starmer added, “Our Armed Forces Covenant will put our Armed Forces community at the very heart of government decision-making. Their courage, duty, and sacrifice are the foundation of our national values, and they deserve nothing less.”
Alistair Carmichael’s views on the covenant extension
Veterans and People Minister Alistair Carns MP stated, “Service life offers unique opportunities for personal growth and camaraderie, but it also demands exceptional sacrifices. Today, we’re taking bold action to ensure that those who serve our country receive the recognition and support they deserve by embedding these principles into law.”
He added, “Whether you serve in the regular or reserve forces, you and your families stand to benefit from the Covenant Legal Duty Extension and its principles as part of our government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.”
Mark Atkinson’s views on strengthening the Armed Forces Covenant
Mark Atkinson, Director General, Royal British Legion, “The Royal British Legion has been calling for a stronger Armed Forces Covenant for over a decade. Those 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 or for spouses and partners to build careers.”
He said, “Currently the Covenant Legal Duty only applies to some areas of housing, education, and healthcare. We firmly welcome the decision to bring the Covenant fully into law to make sure all parts of government across the UK are working together and focused on providing the best possible support for those who are serving, have served, their families and the bereaved.”
Key details about the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion was established in 1921 by merging four ex-servicemen’s groups to unite support for veterans. It aims to provide lifelong financial, social, and emotional support. This support is for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
The charity is known for the annual Poppy Appeal. This campaign also serves as a national symbol of remembrance for those who served and sacrificed.