UPDATE 12 Dec: As predicted, the Bill Committee's deliberations have finished early, so the call for evidence is now closed. BAFF will continue to monitor progress and implementation of the Bill.

While we await the Chancellor's statement today (29 Jul 24) on the public finances - including public sector pay - it may be worth revisiting Commodore (retd) Steve Prest's articles on improving the offer for service personnel. He said

This is not all about money (although money is important) but rather the totality of the offer – in the jargon, the 'total reward framework'.

Alistair Carns MP has been appointed Minister for Veterans and People in the new Labour Government. This follows criticism by former minister Johnny Mercer of the PM's failure to appoint a dedicated Veterans Minister attending Cabinet, and 'disappointment' on the part of help for Heroes.

BAFF sends our best wishes to all previous Members of Parliament of any party who had served in HM Forces, and either retired or failed to win their contest at the recent General Election.

Following the General Election, Forces|Net have provided a list of new or returning MPs who have served in the armed forces. We've added one name, Angus MacDonald, whose election count was completed after publication of the Forces News article.

Mr MacDonald's election makes a total of 36 MPs, which - as Forces|Net say - is actually a reduction on the 2019 election, which saw 50 MPs with some armed forces background.