The Armed Forces Covenant - Commons Library Standard Note

Published 04 January 2013 | Standard notes SN06519

Authors: Louisa Brooke-Holland, Claire Taylor

Topic: Armed forces, Armed forces welfare, Defence policy, Veterans

The Armed Forces Covenant is a statement of the moral obligation which exists between the nation, the Government and the Armed Forces. It was published in May 2011 and its core principles were enshrined in law, for the first time, in the Armed Forces Act 2011. It applies to all three services.

The Covenant articulates the view that the nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces Community in return for the sacrifices they make.

The Armed Forces Act requires the Secretary of State for Defence to report to Parliament each year. The Government has made a series of commitments to the Armed Forces Community to fulfil the core principles of the Covenant – no disadvantage and special consideration. The first annual report was published on 6 December 2012. It summarises progress to date and makes further commitments.

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