Overview

• Ministers are formally considering extending the Veterans Railcard to family members so they can use the one-third train fare discount independently of veterans.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed plans to impose a statutory ‘due regard’ duty on all government departments to factor armed forces community needs into policymaking.
• Defence Secretary John Healey has pledged an additional £1.5 billion for service family housing alongside the largest pay rise for military personnel in over 20 years.
• Officials aim to embed these obligations in the next five-year Armed Forces Bill, converting the Covenant from a voluntary pledge into a legally enforceable duty.
• The Ministry of Defence will open bids next week for up to £50,000 in funding per local authority to host the 2026 Armed Forces Day national event.