Armed Forces Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about the reserve forces; to make provision about visiting forces; to make provision about the Ministry of Defence Police; to make provision about the defence functions of the Oil and Pipelines Agency; to make provision about the protection of military remains; and for connected purposes.

Progress through Parliament

What 3rd reading means, and what happens next

Third reading is the final debate and vote in this House on the bill in its final form. Amendments are limited or not permitted.

The bill passes to the other House, which repeats the whole process. If it has already been through both, it moves towards Royal Assent.

Read the full guide to this stage: What happens at third reading of a bill

Questions about the Armed Forces Bill

What stage is the Armed Forces Bill at?

The Armed Forces Bill is currently at 3rd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Armed Forces Bill become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Armed Forces Bill is currently at 3rd reading.

What happens next to the Armed Forces Bill?

The bill passes to the other House, which repeats the whole process. If it has already been through both, it moves towards Royal Assent.

Who sponsored the Armed Forces Bill?

The Armed Forces Bill was sponsored by John Healey.

When was the Armed Forces Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 15 January 2026, at first reading.

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