Our new Armed Forces Commissioner will be more than a symbolic figure
4 min read
The search is underway for an independent champion of service personnel and their families.
The launch today (13 June) of the recruitment of the UK’s first Armed Forces Commissioner is a landmark moment for those who serve in uniform and their families.
Communities in Portsmouth, Fife and across the UK have strong connections and ties to our armed forces. That might be through a current or active military establishment, family, friends, veterans, the defence industry, or just knowing and understanding the critical role the armed forces play for our security and prosperity.
Sadly, the previous government failed our armed forces and their families. They created a culture where serving personnel felt distant and detached, as though part of their service was to suffer. To suffer poor housing and conditions, poor services and poor family circumstances. No member of our armed forces should ever feel that way. Society should, and does, value them for their service, for their sacrifice and their role in our communities.
This Labour government made a manifesto commitment to create an Armed Forces Commissioner, modelled on a similar position in Germany. That is what we have done. Promise made. Promise delivered.
A voice who will report directly to Parliament, can take up specific complaints in the same way as the Ombudsman does now, but will also investigate broader issues affecting serving members and their families, such as housing.
A person who will serve as a truly independent voice for service personnel and their families — someone outside the chain of command, empowered to listen, investigate, and advocate for those who too often go unheard.
Someone who has the power to visit military sites or investigate any matter which they believe affects the general welfare of members of our armed forces.
We were both heavily involved in the process of the Bill and proud to help shape the role to ensure it has real power and credibility.
This must be more than a symbolic figure. The Commissioner must build a system that is fair, transparent and worthy of the people who serve our country. A trusted advocate, someone who can challenge where necessary and push for change when needed.
In Portsmouth — home of the Royal Navy — armed forces life is part of the city’s DNA.
Amanda is the mother of a serving member of the Royal Navy and has other serving members of her family. The armed forces have always mattered to her, and since being elected, she has worked closely with service families and veterans. She knows how much an Armed Forces Commissioner could help them.
Fife in Scotland has a strong military heritage, with the RAF, the Army and the Navy all present across the Kingdom. During the process of the Bill, Graeme ensured that the Commissioner would have the same powers to support members of the armed forces in Scotland and other devolved administrations. The Commissioner will be able pto ublish reports relevant to devolved topics such as housing, health or education and will work with the Scottish Parliament to deliver the changes needed.
This new role is part of a wider agenda and commitment to our nation’s forces. The Labour government is already delivering on its commitments to our armed forces. They include a fully funded pay rise for service personnel (the largest in 20 years), new investment in military housing, and a clear plan to fully implement the Armed Forces Covenant across all parts of public life. Where no detriment truly means no detriment. These are real, tangible steps — not just pledges, but progress.
Recruitment for the Commissioner will begin imminently. We hope to see applications from strong, experienced candidates who understand the importance of independence, and who are committed to driving meaningful improvement for the armed forces community.
This marks a step change in openness and accountability. Members of all branches of our military can feel secure that they have a strong voice that is on their side and that of their family.
Amanda Martin is the Labour MP for Portsmouth North, and Graeme Downie is the Labour MP for Dunfermline & Dollar.
