AFC0075

Written evidence submitted by the Northern Ireland Office

Thank you for your letter dated 26th February 2025 regarding the Defence Committee inquiry into the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome this proposal in principle, and the positive impact that this could have on helping ensure that Armed Forces personnel and their families are not subject to disadvantage when accessing services.

As you will be aware, Northern Ireland’s unique historical, political and legal context continues to be a significant factor in shaping the nature of local support provisions, as well as the willingness of veterans and armed forces personnel to engage with those services. We know, for example, that a key issue for veterans and service personnel living in Northern Ireland is that they often do not reveal their background for fear of being identified. Work is ongoing to try to address that, but it remains a challenge. Bespoke arrangements for the delivery of the Covenant, Armed Forces and veterans’ issues are accordingly in place but continue to evolve.

I wanted to flag that under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, public authorities carrying out functions relating to Northern Ireland public bodies are required to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity and good relations. The extension of the Armed Forces Covenant legal duty will need to be carefully considered by each public body which falls within the planned scope of the extension of the Armed Forces Covenant.

The same would apply to the Northern Ireland Executive and so it will be important for relevant departments and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland to be included in the consultation process for this. Engagement with these organisations in Northern Ireland must be mindful of its unique context and history. We are willing to help where we can - including through engagement with the Ministry of Defence, the NI Veterans Commissioner - who has a keen interest in this issue - and others. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to assist with.

THE RT HON HILARY BENN MP

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

19th March 2025