The Times, which in fairness has been going hard on every conceivable aspect of the 'Andrew' story, is now suggesting that the former Prince could now be deprived of the South Atlantic Medal awarded to those who served in the 1982 Falklands Campaign.

"Andrew could lose Falklands medal after being stripped of rank
Defence secretary John Healey says he will be guided by King’s decision as former prince may be forced to forfeit award from 1980s conflict"

The MOD has published a useful short video on what to expect to see on arrival at the Bulford Military Court Centre, whether as a witness, a party to proceedings, a board member or a member of the pubic wishing to attend proceedings.

Starmer: 'Potentially putting Britons in harm’s way is a huge responsibility – but we must be ready to do our bit for Europe'

A PDF copy of the Prime Minister's article just published by the Telegraph is available to logged-in members only at the link below.

With legislation for the establishment of an Armed Forces Commissioner making its way through the UK Parliament, it is interesting to note that the President of Ukraine has appointed Ms Olha Reshetylova to be the countrys' first Military Ombudsman, or 'President’s Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and their Families'.

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.

This is taken from BAFF's pre-election analysis of proposals in the various party manifestos about armed forces personnel and veterans. Quotes are from the Labour Party Manifesto 2024.

A Falklands veteran has called for a change in the law, after the disgraced former chief constable of Northamptonshire was found to have worn a medal (or replica of a medal) to which he was not entitled.

Tom Herring, the chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association, told the BBC that the UK should look at introducing laws similar to other countries where wearing a medal without the right to do so can be a criminal offence.

Until 2006 it would have been a criminal offence under Section 197 of the Army Act 1955: