Appointment to serve the Defence Select Committee for the Armed Forces Bill

Never would I have thought that all those years ago when I was serving, that I would one day be appointed to serve in another way — in Parliament — helping shape conclusions and recommendations to Government on behalf of the selfless lads and lasses who bravely and proudly put their lives in their hands when they go to work.

I’m honoured to have been appointed to sit on the Select Committee scrutinising the new Armed Forces Bill, especially because it's a Bill I care deeply about. It matters profoundly to me because I understand first-hand what is at stake, and it’s a responsibility I will take extremely seriously.

The Bill provides the legal foundation for our Armed Forces and the military justice system that underpins the chain of command. The scope of the Bill is wide-ranging:

• It includes important new measures strengthens the Armed Forces Covenant by placing it more fully into law and extending duties across central government and public bodies so that service personnel, veterans and their families are properly considered in policy decisions.

• It establishes a new Defence Housing Service to improve the quality and supply of military accommodation and support service communities.

• It modernises the Service Justice System — including stronger powers and protections around serious offences, better support for victims, and closer alignment with civilian justice measures.

• It updates the rules around Reserve Forces to improve readiness, enable more flexible movement between regulars and reserves, and expand recall arrangements in times of national need.

• It introduces new powers to help protect military sites from emerging threats such as hostile drone activity.

The committee will take evidence from experts and stakeholders, question ministers, examine the Bill line by line, and put forward formal recommendations to Government. Given my experience, I feel I have a great deal to contribute — and throughout this work, the welfare, effectiveness and dignity of our service personnel and their families will be at the forefront of my mind.

The responsibility is heavy, but it is also very special to me. I’m proud to play a part in shaping the future of our Armed Forces.