I am pleased to lay before Parliament today the Service Complaints Ombudsman for the Armed Forces Annual Report for 2024 on the fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of the Service Complaints system.

This report is published by Mariette Hughes and covers the operation of the Service Complaints system and the work of her office in her fourth year as the Ombudsman.

The findings of the Report will now be considered fully by Ministry of Defence, and a formal response to the Ombudsman will follow once that work is complete.

The Government’s commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces to come forward to raise complaints, and improve the way they are dealt with, is unwavering. That is why the Government is establishing the new independent Armed Forces Commissioner, who will have the power to investigate any issues raised directly by Serving personnel and their families.