Belfast City Council Vote on Armed Forces Covenant
4 June 2025
It was extremely disappointing to hear that Belfast City Council voted 29-28 to ensure that the Armed Forces Covenant is not implemented. It is unacceptable that in 2025, political parties actively vote in favour of discrimination and inequality.
We need to be clear, the Armed Forces Covenant is not about giving military personnel special or favourable treatment, but only that they should not be disadvantaged. Any political party that claims to believe in equality and who say they are opposed to discrimination should have no objection to this.
Actions speak louder than words and while Sinn Fein and the SDLP often speak about equality and discrimination, on Monday night they voted to ensure a section of their own citizens be denied equality. I think they should explain their actions.
The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioners’ Office will continue to work to ensure those that wore the uniform are treated fairly and do not experience disadvantage.