Dover and Deal maintain a profound and enduring connection with Britain's military heritage, stretching from their frontline positions during major conflicts to their ongoing role in housing and supporting those who have served their country. For these communities, supporting the men and women in uniform has always been a tangible, lived reality rather than an abstract political notion.
A Constituency Built on Service
With just over 5,700 veterans residing within the constituency, and having served personally, I understand that the Armed Forces form an integral part of the social fabric that binds our communities together. This is precisely why the new Armed Forces Bill carries such significance. It represents far more than a mere parliamentary footnote; it constitutes a practical declaration of values that will resonate directly on our streets and within our housing estates.
The Labour government was elected with a clear mandate to revitalise the nation's covenant with those who serve. For an extended period, that covenant had been allowed to deteriorate and weaken. The Armed Forces Bill is specifically designed to restore it to firm foundations, delivering enhanced housing, more robust support systems, improved legal protections, and a renewed emphasis on military readiness during a period of escalating global threats.
Transforming Military Housing as a Priority
Housing stands at the very core of this renewal programme. Any resident who has conversed with local service families will be familiar with the profound frustration caused by substandard living conditions and protracted repair delays. The legislation establishes a groundbreaking, publicly owned Defence Housing Service that prioritises forces families, supported by an ambitious nine-billion-pound, decade-long strategy to construct, renovate, and repair military homes.
This initiative will see ninety percent of service accommodation modernised to superior standards, finally breaking the persistent cycle of temporary fixes and systemic neglect. Initial focus will be directed towards the 211 military homes located in Dover and Deal, before progressing to identify surplus defence land that can be utilised to accelerate housebuilding programmes. Service personnel and veterans will receive priority status in these developments, while simultaneously addressing broader local housing requirements and stimulating economic growth across the region.
Correcting Past Housing Failures
This substantial housing commitment builds upon a crucial rectification of previous errors. In recent weeks, thousands of forces family homes have been returned to public ownership, reversing a flawed privatisation scheme that proved costly for taxpayers. The resultant financial savings are now being reinvested precisely where they are most needed: directly into improving homes and living conditions for serving personnel and their families.
Extending the Armed Forces Covenant
However, physical infrastructure represents only one aspect of this comprehensive package. The Bill also fulfils a key pledge to extend the Armed Forces Covenant across every government department. This means that social care provision, employment support services, and public service delivery will now carry a legal obligation to consider the distinctive circumstances associated with military life.
For veterans and service families within our community, this should translate into fairer treatment, reduced bureaucratic obstacles, and more effectively coordinated support networks that genuinely understand their unique needs and challenges.
Strengthening Protections for Personnel
The legislation further reinforces protections for those who serve. Service personnel deserve to perform their duties with dignity and respect, while maintaining confidence in a justice system that functions effectively on their behalf. The Bill enhances support mechanisms for victims, strengthens investigative capabilities, and improves the capacity of service courts to address serious offences, including cases of sexual and violent crime.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Finally, the Bill adopts a forward-looking perspective. In an era characterised by growing international instability, national preparedness assumes critical importance. By expanding and modernising the reserve forces system, retaining experienced personnel for extended periods, and introducing greater flexibility regarding service commitments, the legislation ensures Britain remains better prepared for emerging threats without compromising the trust of those who serve.
A Decisive Break from Past Shortcomings
Collectively, these measures represent a decisive departure from the failures of previous administrations. For communities like ours in Dover and Deal, they send an unequivocal message: support for the Armed Forces transcends political slogans, becoming instead a concrete promise substantiated by meaningful action. Drawing from my personal service experience, ongoing dialogue with local veterans, and deep understanding of these issues, I feel immense pride in this legislation and the tangible benefits it will deliver for my constituency and its military communities.
