Column: Standing with our Armed Forces, now and always
At this time of commemoration and celebration, and always, I thank all those who bravely serve our country.
Monthly column by Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire.
In June, as we mark the anniversary of the D-Day landings and later Armed Forces Week, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of our pride in and gratitude for those who serve in our Armed Forces. It is the ultimate public service. Their professionalism and bravery are rightly respected the world over, so it is vital we go further in ensuring that our service personnel, and their families, are protected, supported, and have a clear voice.
In Parliament we are currently seeing the passage of the Armed Forces Bill 2026, legislation which must be renewed every five years to approve the maintenance of our Armed Forces. Within this, I’m pleased to see the Labour Government introducing new measures to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve- enshrining the Armed Forces Covenant in law, establishing the Defence Housing Service, and improving the Service Justice System.
The first duty of any Government is to keep our country safe, and at the heart of this is protecting those who risk their lives to defend it. That’s why I’m proud to see these steps building on our existing work to fund a £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy (including bringing 36,000 military homes back into public ownership), to launch the nationwide VALOUR veteran support system, and to deliver the largest pay rise for Armed Forces personnel in 20 years.
We have also established the first National Cadets Week, set to take place in October, and will expand the number of Cadets by 30% by 2030. We have also committed £182 million for Defence Technical Excellence Colleges to strengthen the skills pipeline into defence industries and create opportunities for young people.
These steps will strengthen links between our Armed Forces and communities across the UK and go hand in hand with the work of local and volunteer organisations to support our Armed Forces community, including in Luton and across Bedfordshire. Just last month, the Luton branch of the Royal British Legion opened the RV Point Veterans and Families hub, which offers support to our local veteran community. Find out more here: https://rvpoint.co.uk/
At this time of commemoration and celebration, and always, I thank all those who bravely serve our country. I look forward to reaffirming our commitment to support them during Armed Forces Week and by continuing to back this Labour Government’s work.