Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean welcomes plans for independent Armed Forces Commissioner

Legislation to establish an independent Armed Forces Commissioner has been welcomed by Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean.

Defence Secretary John Healey said that the Government was committed “to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve”.

The commissioner will have powers to access information and defence sites, including visiting sites in the UK unannounced.

They will have the power to proactively investigate issues, make recommendations, and set out those recommendations in reports which will be laid before Parliament.

Mr Dean said: “They will be a strong, independent voice for our forces community in Hertford and Stortford, committed to improving service life.

“Under the previous Conservative Government, morale hit a record low, and we were left facing a recruitment and retention crisis in our forces. This Government is putting people at the heart of our defence plans.”