Royal British Legion has called on the UK Government to strengthen its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, urging ministers to ensure the forthcoming legislation delivers on its original promise to service personnel, veterans and their families.
The organisation has launched a new report as part of its Keep the Covenant Promise campaign, following a pledge from the Government to bring the Covenant “fully into law” through the Armed Forces Bill in 2026. The proposed legislation will extend the Covenant Duty across all public areas and levels of government.
While the Legion welcomed this commitment, it has warned that the Government must go further to ensure the duty is applied consistently across the UK, backed by adequate funding and properly measured to ensure its impact is felt on the ground.
Call for clearer standards, funding and accountability
The Legion has set out three key areas it believes must be addressed to strengthen the Covenant Duty:
- Consistent delivery: Clear national guidance is needed to ensure the Covenant Duty is applied uniformly across all regions and public services.
- Adequate funding: A dedicated programme with tools and resources is required so that staff in relevant organisations fully understand and can deliver the Covenant’s aims.
- Measurable impact: Robust monitoring is essential to track outcomes and ensure services continue to meet the evolving needs of the Armed Forces community.
Understanding the Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in society. It is intended to ensure they are not disadvantaged in accessing public services and support.
Introduced in 2011 following a campaign by the Legion and Poppyscotland, the Covenant was given legal force in 2022 through the introduction of the Covenant Duty. This duty currently requires local authorities and certain public bodies to take the Covenant into account in healthcare, education and housing.
However, significant gaps remain. Areas such as social care, compensation and employment are not currently covered, and those moving between council areas or devolved nations often face difficulties accessing or transferring services.
Awareness of the Covenant remains low
A survey conducted by YouGov in August 2025 for the Legion found that 67% of people in the UK had never heard of the Armed Forces Covenant. Only 15% said they had heard of it and knew something about it.
Campaigners argue that without stronger legal duties and consistent application, the Covenant cannot deliver meaningful, lasting support for the Armed Forces community.
Next steps for Government
The Legion is urging the Government to use the 2026 Bill to address these gaps and ensure the Covenant delivers on its original promise.
The organisation’s Keep the Covenant Promise campaign calls for legislation that not only enshrines the Covenant Duty in law but ensures it is fully funded, measured and applied consistently across the country.
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