AFC0080

Written evidence submitted by the Office of the Secretary of Wales

Thank you for your letter of the 26th of February regarding the Armed Forces Covenant inquiry and the potential impact of an extension of the Covenant legal duty to central government and devolved governments.

My department is engaging with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that the extension of the Covenant legal duty delivers for Wales. An important part of this, as reflected in the letter you received from the Minister for Veterans and People, is the engagement with the Welsh Government as the Covenant applies to devolved and reserved responsibilities in Wales.

I am very supportive of the Covenant, as it is important that the brave members of our Armed Forces and those that have served are not disadvantaged wherever they live in the UK including Wales.

Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP

Secretary of State for Wales

Ysgrifennydd Gwladol Cymru

14th March 2025