While the ADEFDROMIL and Matelly judgements by the European Court of Human Rights (2014) refer to the right of armed forces personnel to join a trade union, the issue is the right of military personnel to join a properly constituted representative professional association, whether registered as a trade union or not.

We recognise that while the judgements are very welcome to BAFF, others will view them (or try to portray them) as providing more reason to limit or remove the application of the ECHR.

In the same week as the Justice Secretary announces manifesto proposals to quit the European Court of Human Rights or disregard its rulings, there has been a dramatic new development in the ECHR position on the right of military personnel to form or join a trade union or representative military association.

In the last party conference season before the General Election on 7 May 2015, political parties have been setting out their proposals affecting armed forces personnel and veterans. In alphabetical order, to be updated as the conference season progresses:

The Government has published the directions issued by the Treasury to the Chairman of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body for the latest pay review round. Similar letters, signed by Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander MP, went to the other public sector pay review bodies. Points in the letter include: