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Armed Forces Bill

A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces; to make provision about the Ministry of Defence Police; to make provision about the defence functions of the Oil and Pipelines Agency; to make provision about the protection of military remains; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

John HealeyLabour (Co-op)

Last Updated

27 January 2026

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill, sponsored by Labour MP John Healey, continues the Armed Forces Act 2006 and updates related laws. It creates and amends provisions about reserve forces, visiting forces, the Ministry of Defence Police, and the defence functions of the Oil and Pipelines Agency, and includes measures to protect military remains and other connected purposes. It is currently being considered in the House of Commons at Select Committee stage.

Key Points

  • Updates and extends the Armed Forces Act 2006 and related legislation.
  • Adds provisions for reserve forces and visiting forces.
  • Covers the Ministry of Defence Police and the defence functions of the Oil and Pipelines Agency.
  • Includes measures to protect military remains.
  • Is under Commons scrutiny at Select Committee stage with accompanying explanatory material and human rights considerations.

Progress

The bill is at the Commons Select Committee stage. After this stage, it would typically proceed to Committee of the Whole House report, then third reading in the Commons, before moving to the Lords.

Voting

Across recorded divisions, Labour (and other opposition parties) generally supported the bill, while Conservative MPs largely opposed. Other groups showed mixed or cross-party support, with Reform UK opposed. Sinn Féin and the Speaker did not vote in these divisions.

Who is affected?

Serving armed forces personnelReservists and their familiesVeterans and former service personnelCivil staff of the Ministry of Defence and the MoD PoliceVisiting forces and foreign military personnel in the UKOrganisations involved in protecting and preserving military remainsStaff of the Oil and Pipelines Agency involved in defence functionsDefence contractors and suppliers connected to the Armed Forces Act provisions

Generated 21 February 2026

How Parties Are Voting

Based on 8 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye

Social Democratic & Labour PartyGenerally For
4 / 0
IndependentGenerally For
18 / 1
Liberal DemocratGenerally For
72 / 5
Democratic Unionist PartyGenerally For
30 / 3
Scottish National PartyGenerally For
36 / 5
Labour (Co-op)Generally For
887 / 133
Plaid CymruGenerally For
12 / 2
Your PartyGenerally For
6 / 1
ConservativeGenerally Against
75 / 535
Reform UKGenerally Against
3 / 30
Sinn FéinMixed
0 / 0
SpeakerMixed
0 / 0

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Armed Forces Bill

15 Jan 2026

MPs considered the Bill at Second Reading on Monday 26 January 2026 and agreed to commit the Bill to a Select Committee. The Select Committee shall report the Bill to the House on or before 30 April 2026. On report from the Select Committee, the Bill shall be re-committed to a Committee of the whole House.

Documents (8)

Armed Forces Bill 2024-26
Briefing papersCommons
21 Jan 2026
Bill 367 2024-26 (as introduced)
BillCommons
15 Jan 2026
Bill 367 EN 2024-26
Explanatory NotesCommons
15 Jan 2026
Bill 367 EN 2024-26 - large print
Explanatory NotesCommons
15 Jan 2026
Bill 367 2024-26 (as introduced) - large print
BillCommons
15 Jan 2026
Memorandum from the Ministry of Defence
Delegated Powers MemorandumCommons
15 Jan 2026
Memorandum by the Ministry of Defence
Human rights memorandumCommons
15 Jan 2026
Bill 367 2024-26 (as introduced) - xml download
BillCommons
15 Jan 2026

Parliamentary Votes (8)