Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 11 May 2026.

UK and France to host first meeting of Defence Ministers to advance the Strait of Hormuz multinational mission. This comes as HMS Dragon, one of the UK’s most capable warships, will forward deploy to the region.

• UK and France to host first meeting of Defence Ministers to advance the Strait of Hormuz multinational mission.

• HMS Dragon to deploy to the region, ensuring the UK has options to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow.

• The UK will outline its military contributions with further coordinated multinational commitments to be confirmed.

Under UK and French leadership, international partners are expected to use tomorrow’s meeting to discuss and outline their military contributions to the defensive mission to reopen and secure the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit.

The Defence Secretary John Healey MP will co-chair a meeting of over 40 nations, alongside his French counterpart, Minister Catherine Vautrin, for the multinational mission’s first Defence Minister’s meeting.  

This comes as HMS Dragon, one of the UK’s most capable warships, will forward deploy to the region, ensuring that the UK can contribute to a future multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard freedom of navigation when conditions permit. 

Tomorrow’s meeting builds on the significant progress made in the last few weeks by military planners from 44 nations, spanning every continent. The UK has consistently led the way, including hosting a meeting of military planners at the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters on the 22-23 April, which was critical in converging national perspectives into a multinational plan.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: 

The UK is leading this multinational, defensive mission because trade, energy, and economic security for working people here at home depend on it.

We are turning diplomatic agreement into practical military plans to restore confidence for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. When I co-chair this meeting of nations from around the world, our job will be to make sure we are not just talking, we are ready to act.

That is why I have directed HMS Dragon to the Middle East, so Britain is in position to support this mission the moment it is needed. This government will not stand by when instability drives up costs for British families and businesses. We will give people hope for the future by securing Britain and our national interests.

Tomorrow’s discussions follow the international summit convened by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron, as well as military planning sessions which brought together national perspectives and potential contributions into a coherent, multinational approach. The plan is strictly defensive and, once conditions allow, will focus on restoring confidence for commercial shipping along this critical trade route. 

HMS Dragon could play a key role in this mission. Equipped with the advanced Sea Viper air defence system, HMS Dragon will provide a credible contribution to a defensive, multinational mission. The ship’s forward presence will help strengthen confidence among commercial shippers, support mine-clearance efforts, and protect vessels once hostilities have ceased.

The deployment follows HMS Dragon’s completion of rigorous weapons and sensor testing at a NATO facility off Crete, where the ship’s company honed their skills, including live firing, in realistic, high threat conditions to ensure readiness for operations in the region. 

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting international shipping including to around a fifth of the world’s oil supply. This has driven up global energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and increased costs for households and businesses in the UK and around the world.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 May 2026.

An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

• Specialist Army team parachute from an RAF A400M onto remote island, with medical personnel in-tandem and oxygen supplies and medical equipment.
• Tristan da Cunha – Britian’s most remote overseas territory – is located deep in the South Atlantic, has no airstrip, and is normally only accessible by boat. 
• Drop comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Friday confirmed one suspected case of Hantavirus of a British national on Tristan da Cunha.

An Army specialist team has parachuted onto Tristan da Cunha to deliver critical medical support after it was confirmed that one British national on the island was suspected of contracting Hantavirus.

The team of six paratroopers and two military clinicians, all from 16 Air Assault Brigade, parachuted from an RAF A400M transport aircraft. Meanwhile, vital oxygen supplies and other medical aid were air dropped almost simultaneously onto the remote island. 

This operation is the first time the UK military has inserted medical personnel to provide humanitarian support via a parachute jump, demonstrating how the military can deploy at very short notice across the world on a range of tasks.

Tristan da Cunha, a group of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, is Britian’s most remote inhabited overseas territory. It is accessible only by boat, has no airstrip, and has a population of 221 inhabitants. 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“I am deeply grateful to the personnel across the Armed Forces and the RAF who acted at pace to get urgent medical support to Tristan da Cunha. This extraordinary operation reflects our unwavering commitment to the people of our Overseas Territories and to British nationals, wherever they are. The safety and well-being of all members of the British family is our number one priority.

“We will continue to work closely with international authorities and the Tristan da Cunha administration, keeping those affected informed and ensuring the right support is in place in the UK and across the Overseas Territories.”

With oxygen supplies on the island at a critical level, an airdrop with medical personnel was the only method of getting vital care to the patient in time. The operation will also ensure the resilience of wider healthcare on the island by supporting Tristan da Cunha’s two-person medical team.

The military team flew 6,788 km from RAF Brize Norton to Ascension Island. The aircraft then proceed to fly over 3,000 km to Tristan da Cunha, where the personnel parachuted onto the island. They were supported by an RAF Voyager aircraft to refuel the A400M mid-air.

Weather conditions at Tristan da Cunha can be exceptionally challenging, with average wind speeds often exceeding 25mph, presenting difficult conditions for the paratroopers. 

Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said:

“This was an extraordinary operation in incredibly challenging circumstances to get vital help to our citizens on Tristan da Cunha.

“I want to pay a huge tribute to our brave personnel for carrying out their task with the utmost professionalism and composure under pressure. 

“This is a real cross-government effort showing our determination to support our overseas territories and British nationals affected by the Hantavirus outbreak.”

Brig Ed Cartwright, Officer Commanding 16 Air Assault Brigade said:

“This was a joint effort with the Royal Air Force and highlights the speed, reach and utility of parachuting.

“The arrival of paratroopers, medical personnel and medical supplies from the sky has hopefully reassured the people of Tristan da Cunha.”

The mission comes as the UK government continues to work with international authorities to respond to the outbreak of Hantavirus from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

British nationals are being repatriated from the MV Hondius to the UK via a special chartered flight. None of the British citizens who are being repatriated have reported symptoms but are being closely monitored.

All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius are being isolated for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA is closely monitoring these individuals, with testing as required. 

Follow up is underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support. 

The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.

The risk to the general public remains very low.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 May 2026.

The Ministry of Defence will pay for Second World War veterans to attend commemorations in Europe this summer in partnership with the Royal British Legion.

Second World War veterans will travel overseas for commemorations of the Normandy Landings and the Battle of Arnhem, paid for by the Government.  

This commitment ensures that those who served can attend remembrance ceremonies in Europe, returning to sites of profound historical and personal importance. 

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will provide the funding to the Royal British Legion, which offers lifelong support and expert advice to the Armed Forces community including serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved.

The Royal British Legion will give the funding to charities such as The Spirit of Normandy Trust and The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to make the visits to commemorative events possible. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

VE Day reminds the nation of the importance of coming together to honour those who secured our freedom more than eight decades ago.

Standing at Utah Beach during previous D-Day commemorations, I was struck by the extraordinary courage of those who came ashore in 1944 – young men facing unimaginable danger to secure the freedoms we endure today.

While we can never repay the depth of their service, I am determined to ensure we honour our Second World War veterans and their extraordinary contribution to our freedom.

The funding follows the 2025 publication of a 10-year Veterans Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review, which commit to use a whole-of-society approach to defence and celebrate the contribution of veterans to the community and national security. The government is investing record levels in veterans, with Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the MOD rolling out a new £50m support system called VALOUR across the UK.  

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: 

We are delivering on our promise in our Veterans Strategy, providing visible support to the devoted veterans who have served in our Armed Forces.

This government is renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, and our actions are guided by the change that veterans want to see. 

I have seen firsthand how important these commemorations are to our veterans and am committed to supporting their continued attendance.

With the number of living Second World War veterans declining, the government recognises the importance of supporting them to pass on their legacy to future generations.  

The enduring relationship between the UK and its Armed Forces remains invaluable and must be protected. 

This essential defence funding enables veterans to return to the places where they served, honour those who did not come home, and reconnect with their shared history.  

From the beaches of Normandy to battlefields in Europe, these journeys are a vital act of remembrance. 

Richard Palusinski, Chairman, Spirit of Normandy Trust said: 

Over the many years that I have been taking veterans to Normandy for the annual D-Day commemorations I have come to understand that they make the trip each year not out of any sense of bravado, but to remember those who paid the ultimate price.   

As a small charity we have limited ability to raise the necessary funds to ensure a safe and meaningful pilgrimage for the veterans, particularly as they have reached a great age and their needs are more complex. The funding from the Office for Veterans Affairs is vital, enabling us to embark or the pilgrimages with confidence and give the veterans the opportunity to honour their friends.

Steve Baynes, the Royal British Legion’s Head of Grants, said:

The freedoms we enjoy today would not have been possible without the courage and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, and as the nation’s champion of Remembrance, the RBL is dedicated to ensuring their legacy is always remembered.

We’re proud to be working with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to ensure those who served can attend commemorative events across Europe, and delighted to be collaborating with the Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, whose long-standing experience in organising these deeply meaningful visits is invaluable.

This government remains committed to supporting veterans emotionally and financially as they continue to pay their respects through these annual pilgrimages.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 May 2026.

Victims of serious and sexual crimes to receive improved guidance and support in the Service Justice System.

Military personnel and civilians who experience sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking at the hands of serving members of the Armed Forces will receive stronger protections under the new Armed Forces Bill.

The Bill, which is being debated in Parliament today for its Second Reading, introduces a suite of measures to protect victims of serious and sexual offences within the Service Justice System. These include: 

• New protective orders to enable swifter action against perpetrators, reducing the risk of further harm to victims of inappropriate sexualised behaviours, domestic abuse, stalking and harassment. 
• Stronger guidance and support to help victims provide an informed view to prosecutors on whether they want their case tried in civilian courts or the military system. 
• The Bill will also give service police increased powers for investigations, including introducing new powers for Service police to authorise pre-charge custody. Currently only commanding officers can authorise pre-charge detention after arrest. This can create delays in the investigation process, prevention the preservation of evidence or risk further harm to victims and witnesses or to the suspect themselves. 

The Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, said:

Having served in the Army, I recognise the challenges victims can face when coming forward to report offences.

We will ensure there is nowhere to hide for those who commit sexual violence. This Bill will strengthen protections for victims of serious and sexual crime, ensuring they receive the support they need and have a choice in how their case is handled.

Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in our Armed Forces. Defence will play our part in delivering on this Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls, while recognising that abuse can affect anyone.

The new measures build on Defence’s efforts to ensure the Service Justice System champion a victim-centred approach.  

This includes a pioneering prevention programme introduced by the Government in November 2025 to tackle the issue of unacceptable sexual behaviour and harassment in our Armed Forces. New prevention teams will operate from military sites in North Yorkshire and Plymouth, delivering training interventions to tackle the cultural and behavioural root causes of unacceptable sexual behaviour.

The measure supports the Government’s mission to halve Violence Against Women and Girls within a decade, while recognising that abuse can happen to anyone regardless of gender.

It also follows the creation of the Victim Witness Care Unit (VCWU) in 2023, which provides independent, trauma-informed, end to end support to victims and witnesses of serious crime, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.

In the Service Justice System, adult rape-flagged investigations are dealt with in quicker time, as highlighted in figures from 2024. That year, investigations in the civilian system took 338 days, with 59% of victims withdrawing, but 148 days with a further 72 days until a charge is directed, in the Service Justice System with 24% of victims withdrawing.

Whilst conviction rates cannot be reliably compared, published data casts doubt on claims that the conviction rate is higher in the Crown Court.  The conviction rate in the Court Martial for adult rape-flagged cases (excluding guilty pleas), is 51% from 2022 to 2024 compared to 36% in the Crown Court in the financial years 2022/23 to 2025.

These data points – in combination with the strengthened measures introduced through the Bill – demonstrate that the Service Justice System delivers swifter justice for victims, helping more cases to reach quicker conclusion and ensuring victims’ confidence that this is a system that will support and protect them.

These measures sit alongside wider Armed Forces Bill provisions including the creation of a new Defence Housing Service and extending the Armed Forces Covenant across all areas of government. There are also new powers to deter, detect and defeat drone incursions over military sites.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 1 May 2026.

The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan.

• New Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers, produced by UK start-up Cambridge Aerospace, successfully tested in Jordan.
• Designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, Skyhammer will be supplied to the UK Armed Forces.
• Trial comes as Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard visits Kuwait and Jordan, meeting leaders and thanking UK Armed Forces who have supported partners in defending their skies from Iranian attacks prior to the ceasefire.

The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks following the successful testing of new British-built Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers in Jordan. 

The trial comes less than two weeks since the Ministry of Defence signed a multi-million-pound contract with UK veteran-led start-up Cambridge Aerospace to buy Skyhammer interceptor missiles for the UK Armed Forces. They have a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h and are designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones.

The interceptor missile was tested in Jordan in demanding desert conditions at one of Deep Element’s defence development facilities. Witnessing the trial, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP praised the new capability which demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at pace, learning lessons from the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.  

The trial came as the Minister visited Kuwait and Jordan for detailed discussions on regional security, the Strait of Hormuz and further defence cooperation. The Defence Minister recognised partners’ exceptional professionalism and resolve in the face of previous Iranian attacks, and their tireless work to protect civilian life and to safeguard foreign – including British – nationals.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said:

We are stepping up alongside UK industry to offer rapid support to our partners in the Middle East. 

This week’s successful trial of Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer interceptor missiles in Jordan is a perfect example of a UK start up innovating, with the backing of this government, to deliver cutting edge technology.

My visit to Kuwait and Jordan shows that the UK is standing by our long-term partners and delivering on our promise to provide support.

The multi-million-pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is boosting British business by creating over 50 new jobs and supporting 125 current jobs, making defence an engine for growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

Steven Barrett, CEO of Cambridge Aerospace, said:

We have proven that our interceptors are not only cost-effective but also highly capable and will be able to counter the rising threat posed by aerial attacks.

We welcome the support of the UK Ministry of Defence as Cambridge Aerospace looks to protect the UK and its partners with high-performance, rapidly deployable air defence systems.

During the Minister’s visit, he met with Kuwait’s Minister of Defence, HE Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and other senior officials. He paid tribute to the efforts of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and UK personnel to protect civilians and critical national infrastructure in the region during Iran’s missile and drone campaign prior to the current ceasefire. The UK’s Rapid Sentry – a ground-based air defence missile system – and ORCUS system is operated by UK personnel in Kuwait, allowing them to detect drones early and take action.

Ahead of the Skyhammer trial in Jordan, the Minister met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Alhnaity. They discussed the strength of the UK-Jordan defence relationship, based on mutual respect and a common commitment to shared security in the region. Prior to the ceasefire, UK jets have flown defensive missions in the region, including over Jordan, to protect British interests and partners.

The first tranche of Skyhammer interceptor missiles and launchers will be delivered to the UK Armed Forces in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement. 

The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 13 April 2026.

New £50 million South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal expanding cutting-edge defence research to help defence companies and boost skills in a region that already supports 3,200 defence jobs.

• New Defence Growth Deal to boost skills, research and development and supply chains across South Yorkshire.  
• Investment will support hundreds of well-paid jobs and make defence an engine for growth.  
• Yorkshire and the Humber benefits from almost £1 billion a year in defence spending, supporting 3, 200 jobs.   

South Yorkshire will benefit from a £50 million investment to create highly-skilled jobs and strengthen UK national security.  

A new Defence Growth Deal, which Defence Minister Luke Pollard MP discussed with industry today at the University of Sheffield, will help defence companies and boost skills by expanding cutting-edge defence research in South Yorkshire.  

The targeted funding is part of the South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal and will catalyse growth across the region by boosting innovative R&D capacity and reinforcing the supply chains defence companies need to equip our Armed Forces. 

The region is already a defence industry hotbed, with 3,200 jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber directly supported by almost £1 billion of defence spending each year, driving defence as an engine for growth.  

Major facilities such as the MOD-owned Sheffield Forgemasters and BAE Systems’ advanced artillery factory complement defence SMEs, contributing to growth in the region and producing vital kit which keeps Britain safe now and in the future, such as howitzer gun barrels and steel for the Dreadnought-class next generation of submarines. 

Luke Pollard MP met with Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, which conducts crucial research to develop hi-tech innovative defence equipment of the future.  

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: 

This £50 million investment will mean South Yorkshire’s superb defence companies can develop innovative new technology, helping strengthen our Armed Forces and keep Britain safe in this new era of threat. 

With government, industry and academia – such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre – working hand in hand we are making sure this support is really targeted where it will have the biggest impact. 

Through this Defence Growth Deal our government is backing British, and backing South Yorkshire. We’re harnessing the proud industrial base in this area to make defence an engine for growth, delivering new jobs and skills for local people.

Today’s discussion included establishing a South Yorkshire Defence Board, deepening collaboration between the government, South Yorkshire’s mayoral authority, industry and academia, working hand-in-hand on making the Growth Deal as effective as possible while attracting long-term public and private investment.  

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: 

In an ever more dangerous world, South Yorkshire has a significant role to play in the defence and security of the United Kingdom and our allies. 

The £50 million Defence Growth Deal we have been awarded by the government doesn’t simply recognise the expertise and assets we have here today, it will help us to build the technologies and innovations of the future.

That Deal will mean we can continue making things, creating secure, well‑paid jobs, giving people across South Yorkshire the opportunity to stay near and go far. All while helping to keep the UK and our allies safe, secure and protected.

This £50 million boost directly responds to the Strategic Defence Review’s commitment to supporting the UK’s defence industry’s innovation, and will help make defence an engine for growth by powering investment and jobs across South Yorkshire. 

The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 10 April 2026.

Defence Secretary announces Cambridge Aerospace set to supply new interceptor missiles – known as ‘Skyhammer’ and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

• Defence Secretary announces Cambridge Aerospace set to supply new interceptor missiles and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.
• Interceptor missile known as ‘Skyhammer’ is designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, with the first deliveries in May.
• Comes as Defence Secretary opens the London Defence Conference, bringing together international leaders and policymakers from government, military, industry, academia.

The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks, as a veteran-founded British start-up is set to supply new interceptor missiles.  

Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced the Ministry of Defence intends to buy cutting-edge interceptor missiles, designed to counter Iranian Shahed-style attack drones, for the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

Subject to contract, the substantial first tranche of missiles and launchers will be delivered to the Ministry of Defence in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement. 

This innovation demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at pace – learning lessons from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to deliver cost-effective air defence solutions for the UK and its partners.   

Cambridge Aerospace’s new missile, known as ‘Skyhammer’, has a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h. The deal will further boost British business by creating over 50 new jobs and supporting 125 current jobs at Cambridge Aerospace, making defence an engine for growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary opens the London Defence Conference, speaking to policymakers, industry and academia on a new era for defence and the importance of warfighting readiness.   

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

We are applying the approach for UK support to Ukraine and accelerating contracts with the most innovative British businesses to rapidly expand support to Gulf partners and equip our own forces with anti-drone tech. 

Our government backing for Cambridge Aerospace is a prime case of a veteran-founded UK defence start-up scaling at pace to deliver new interceptor missiles within weeks for our Armed Forced and Gulf partners, and good jobs and security here in the UK.

CEO of Cambridge Aerospace Steven Barrett said:  

With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively. Skyhammer was designed to do exactly that – bringing affordable mass to protect our skies. We welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting UK air defence with scalable, sovereign solutions.

The multi-million pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is set to include integration, technical support and end user training.   

This initiative builds on last month’s roundtable event in London which saw representatives from 13 key UK-based defence companies meeting Gulf ambassadors and defence attachés to explore new industry support for regional allies.  

The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.   

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 5 April 2026.

The UK’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner has been appointed by the Defence Secretary John Healey MP.

The UK’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner – Former Air Commodore Polly Miller-Perkins CBE – has been appointed by the Defence Secretary John Healey MP. 

The appointment delivers on the government’s key manifesto commitment to give serving personnel and their families an independent voice to improve service life.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is a new statutory office that is an independent champion and direct point of contact for personnel and their families. Polly has unprecedented powers to investigate welfare issues and raise concerns that impact service life, including equipment, housing, and unacceptable behaviours. The office was up and running and Polly was in post on Monday 30 March 2026.

Appointing an Armed Forces Commissioner was a lead defence manifesto commitment by this Government to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: 

Our Armed Forces are at the heart of our nation’s security. With demands on defence rising, from the conflict in the Middle East to growing Russian aggression, we are asking more of our military, and it is right that we continue to step up our support for them and their families.

I am proud that we legislated in our first year of government to create this new Commissioner role, with powers to challenge Ministers and military leaders and to report directly to Parliament. 

Polly brings deep experience of service life and exceptional leadership as this country’s first ever Armed Forces Commissioner, she will be the independent champion and direct point of contact that our Armed Forces and their families deserve. Our message to the Armed Forces community is clear: this government is on your side.

Armed Forces Commissioner, Polly Miller-Perkins CBE, said:

As the first Armed Forces Commissioner, I am deeply honoured to take on a role dedicated to championing the lived experience of our Service personnel and their families. Throughout my career in Defence, education and public service, I have been fortunate to lead teams in some of the most challenging and rewarding environments across the UK and overseas. Those experiences have shaped my belief that people are at the heart of everything we do — and that when we truly listen to them, we strengthen and improve the systems that support them.

Ultimately, my purpose as Commissioner is simple: to ensure the lived experience of those who serve is understood, valued and continuously improved. I will work tirelessly with Serving communities across all Services to understand personal experiences and ensure concerns reach the people who can deliver real and lasting change.

Commissioner Miller-Perkins will be able to visit UK Defence sites unannounced, commission reports, and will report directly to Parliament to hold the Government to account. Personnel and their families will be able to contact the Commissioner about issues affecting them, with the Commissioner empowered to investigate these concerns, seek relevant information from the Ministry of Defence, and make recommendations for improvement.

She will be able to investigate individual welfare concerns, undertake thematic reviews into systemic issues affecting service life, and report findings directly to Parliament – strengthening transparency and public understanding of welfare matters across Defence.

Former RAF Air Commodore Polly Perkins served for over 30 years in the Royal Air Force, specialising in logistics and holding senior leadership roles including Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, British Forces Cyprus. She deployed on operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan and worked with NATO partners to improve multinational logistics. She holds an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London and was awarded a CBE for her service.

The decision to appoint a commissioner was inspired and modelled on the Commissioner for the Armed Forces in Germany. They have been received positively by German personnel. 

The Interim Commissioner will carry out all the functions of the Commissioner and a permanent appointment is due to be made in the coming months through an open competition. 

The Armed Forces Commissioner role came into law under the Armed Forces Commissioner Act on 3 September 2025. They will take responsibility for the existing Service Complaints Ombudsman and will ensure there is no break in that service.