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RBL will be hosting a commemorative event marking the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC. The event will consist of a daytime service on Friday 22nd May 2026 at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark 15 years since the conclusion of Operation TELIC, the UK’s military campaign in Iraq (2003–2011).
I would also be grateful if you could share details of the event across your wider County network to ensure that those connected to Operation TELIC are aware of the opportunity to attend (they will also have to register their interest via the same link). If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
This commemorative event will bring together members of the serving and veteran communities who served during the Iraq War, families of those who served, including the bereaved and civilian contractors who supported British Forces and civil society in Iraq. It will be a moment to reflect, remember and recognise the service and sacrifice of all those involved.
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RBL has been busy working to ensure the Armed Forces Covenant is strengthened in the Armed Forces Bill, which has now been introduced in Parliament.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve, have served, and their families should not face disadvantage because of their service.
For over a decade, we’ve been calling for a stronger Covenant Duty
Those who have served in the Armed Forces often face unique challenges - for example, moving frequently during service can make it hard for families to receive consistent support from public services or for spouses and partners to build careers. This isn’t good enough.
As part of the Armed Forces Bill 2026, the Government will fulfil its manifesto pledge and legislate to extend the Armed Forces Covenant Duty to all UK Government departments and Devolved Governments, as well as a wide range of policies.
Now, we are calling on the Government to go further. We launched our Keep the Covenant Promise campaign report and an accompanying open letter to the Prime Minister at the end of September last year. Last month, RBL staff joined members of the Armed Forces community who have faced disadvantage to deliver the open letter to 10 Downing Street.
How you can help: You can sign up to our Campaigner Community to be kept up to date with this campaign as the Bill progresses through Parliament. We'll let you know how you can support our call on the Government to Keep the Covenant Promise.
Our call for a stronger Armed Forces Covenant continues. The Armed Forces Bill has now had its Second Reading in Parliament and the MPs who will sit on the Bill's Select Committee have been announced. This group of MPs will scrutinise the legislation in detail over the next few months.
Ahead of the Bill's next stage, we have been briefing MPs across Parliament to explain:
- How inconsistent delivery disadvantages members of the Armed Forces community
- The improvements that are needed to ensure the Covenant Duty delivers meaningful change
We're asking the Government to ensure that this Armed Forces Bill introduces a stronger Covenant Duty that is:
Delivered consistently: There must be clear guidance that sets consistent national standards of Covenant Duty delivery across the country
Backed by enough funding to support delivery: A dedicated programme with accessible tools and resources to ensure staff in organisations covered by the Duty fully understand its purpose
Properly measured so its impact is clear: This is crucial to achieve continued improvement of services and meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces community
