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Armed Forces Commissioner Bill centre of Lords debate

6 March 2025

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Members of the House of Lords debated the main objectives of the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill at second reading on Wednesday 5 March.

The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill aims to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner, and abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discuss the main topics in the bill and draw attention to specific concerns or areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed.

Members speaking

Lord Coaker (Labour), Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government. 

Contributing members included:

  • Lord Beamish (Labour), former vice president for NATO Parliamentary Assembly
  • Baroness Goldie (Conservative), former Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence
  • Baroness Smith of Newnham (Liberal Democrat), Liberal Democrat spokesperson for defence
  • Lord Stirrup (Crossbench), former Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force.

Catch up

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 19 March.

Image: Adobe Stock

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