pledges today (Saturday 29
June) that his changed Labour Party "will be a government of
service, for those who serve' confirming that Labour will
“always ensure that those who defend our country have their
voices heard at the highest level" with Labour's new Armed Forces
Commissioner.
The Labour leader and Shadow Defence Secretary will mark Armed Forces Day by
joining a veterans' coffee morning in the South East of England,
where the pair will pay tribute to the entire Armed Forces
community and outline how the next Labour government will
demonstrate that tribute through action.
Starmer will announce new powers for Labour's planned Armed
Forces Commissioner to enable them to act as a strong champion
for our forces and their families to improve everyday service
life.
will use Armed Forces Day to
announce new powers for the Commissioner, including the ability
to investigate and report on issues which affect the lives of
service personnel and their ability to serve – such as
sub-standard housing, faulty kit, and poor discharge support.
Provision will also be made for the right to visit and
inspect Ministry of Defence sites without needing prior approval
from the Defence Secretary.
These powers will allow the Commissioner to take an unvarnished
look at the issues affecting our forces personnel and their
families – without fear or favour.
will also confirm that the new
Armed Forces Commissioner will be independent, outside the chain
of command and report to Parliament not to ministers.
Armed Forces Day was established by the last Labour government as
a time to celebrate the country's pride in our Armed Forces
personnel, veterans, and those who support them.
, Leader of the Labour
Party, said:
“Labour is deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans,
and their families for the contribution they make to our country.
Theirs is the ultimate public service - and their professionalism
and bravery is rightly respected across the world.
“As we mark Armed Forces Day, I am proud to say that if we
are privileged to serve, my Labour government will
demonstrate our respect and thanks, in action for our forces
communities. We will legislate in our first year for an
Armed Forces Commissioner to act as a strong champion for our
forces and their families. The Commissioner will help to renew
the moral contract with those who serve our nation, and the
families who support them.
“This changed Labour Party will always back our forces. We'll
always ensure that those who defend our country have their voices
heard at the highest level.”
, Labour's Shadow Defence
Secretary, said:
“The first duty of any Government is to keep the nation safe and
protect its citizens.
“Our new independent Armed Forces Commissioner will have the
powers to investigate and report on things which affect the
everyday lives of those who serve – such as substandard housing,
faulty kit or poor support ahead of discharge. We will look after
our forces, just as they look after us”.
Ends
Notes:
Labour has now selected 14 ex-military personnel who will stand
for the party as PPCs. This is the largest number in modern
history. They include:
-
is a former Parachute
Regiment Soldier and is standing for Labour in Southend East
and Rochford.
-
is a British Army veteran
and is standing in North East Derbyshire.
-
is a British Army veteran and
is standing for Labour in Dover and Deal.
-
is a Falklands veteran and is
standing for Labour in Wells and Mendip Hills.
-
is a Royal Navy veteran
and is standing for Labour in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber.
-
is a Royal Marines veteran
and is standing for Labour in Plymouth Moor View.
