Linda Gilroy MP today (7 Sep 2009) met with Defence Minister Kevan Jones MP, accompanied by representatives of the British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF).

They discussed ways in which BAFF can engage with the Ministry of Defence.

The British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF) was launched in 2006 as a staff association, seeking to represent all ranks and services of the British armed forces. It is not a trade union, but seeks to provide a voice on matters affecting personnel such as accommodation, welfare, pensions and healthcare.

It has modelled itself on similar military organisations in other countries which have official government recognition and points to the Police Federation of England Wales as a similar example.

Linda Gilroy said

“I became interested in the potential for a formal staff association when I was taking part in the Defence Select Committee’s investigation into recruitment and retention. Such an organisation could make an important contribution to morale and operational effectiveness by providing a means by which service personnel can be engaged more directly with the decision making process”

“Today’s meeting was very useful. The Minister was clearly interested to learn more about BAFF and the advantages it could offer. Further discussions are now planned about how such an organisation could be developed in the UK”.

Linda Gilroy MP (Plymouth Sutton) is a member of the House of Commons Select Committee on Defence and the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.