Armed Forces and Veterans Legislation

Regulations governing military personnel, veterans support, service benefits, and armed forces administration.

The Armed Forces (Court Martial) (Amendment) Rules 2025

Published: Wed 19th Feb 25

These rules amend the Armed Forces (Court Martial) Rules 2009, specifying the required rank of the president of a court martial board relative to the defendant's rank.

If the defendant is an officer of rank OF-6 or above, the president must also be OF-6 or above.

For defendants of rank OF-5 or below, the president must hold a superior rank.

The rules define OF-5 and OF-6 ranks, clarifying the president's required rank according to the defendant's, and further ensuring fairness and maintaining chain of command within the court martial system.

The changes came into effect on February 20, 2025, and apply to England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and British overseas territories (excluding Gibraltar).

The Education (Student Fees, Awards and Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The regulations modify multiple aspects of student financial support in England, updating payment rates and loan amounts for the 2025/26 academic year.

Key changes include introducing lower fees for foundation years, extending support to bereaved partners of Gurkha and Hong Kong military unit veterans, enhancing disabled student allowances, and revising overseas territory definitions.

The amendments affect various existing regulations including student support, postgraduate loans, and fee limit conditions.

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Wed 12th Feb 25

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2006 Order governing service pensions.

Key changes include updated rates for pensions, gratuities, and allowances for armed forces members disabled or killed in service before April 6, 2005.

The Order also modifies eligibility for mobility supplements, including those receiving the higher rate of the mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance, and simplifies the eligibility criteria.

The amendments take effect in March and April 2025, extending across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.