Like so many people across Britain, Labour has deep respect for the serving men and women of our Armed Forces.

Theirs is the ultimate public service.

As the country prepares to commemorate 80 years since the D-Day landings, I’m delighted Keir Starmer is announcing today that Labour in Government will pass new legislation for our Armed Forces communities.

Labour’s plan for veterans, armed forces personnel, and their families:

1. New Armed Forces Commissioner: Holding the government to account with a strong independent champion for our serving forces and their families by legislating for an Armed Forces Commissioner in the first King’s Speech.

2. New Armed Forces Covenant: Ensuring everyone who serves or has served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect by bringing the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

Labour’s new laws are the first stage in our plan to improve everyday life for serving personnel and their families, and our veterans. We will work closely to develop the final legislation with veterans and service charities.

With this new legislation, we can begin to right the wrongs for everyday Forces life with a new independent champion, a legal guarantee of fair treatment and ensuring our veterans are properly respected.

Announcing the plan, Keir Starmer said:

“The ultimate service is that of our armed forces personnel and veterans. Britain owes a huge debt of gratitude for all they have given our country.

“My changed Labour Party, once again a party of service, will repay that commitment with a new package of support for veterans, service personnel and their families. We will establish a new Armed Forces Commissioner and enshrine a new Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.”