Defence Committee: Pre-appointment hearing for the Armed Forces Commissioner

Committee hears from witnesses

The Defence Committee will conduct a pre-appointment hearing for the incoming Armed Forces Commissioner, a statutory independent role responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of military personnel. This scrutiny hearing allows MPs to question the nominee on their vision, competence, and approach to the role before formal appointment by the government.

The Armed Forces Commissioner is a crucial independent safeguard for service personnel across all three armed forces, handling complaints and advocating for their rights. Parliamentary pre-appointment scrutiny ensures public accountability and gives elected representatives the opportunity to assess whether the nominee is fit for this senior independent office.