The Royal British Legion (RBL) is urging politicians from all parties to take meaningful action to improve support for the Armed Forces community in Wales.

Ahead of the May Senedd elections, the RBL has launched its manifesto, which highlights areas where serving personnel, veterans and their families continue to face disadvantage.

Key to the manifesto is the Armed Forces Covenant; a promise that those who serve, or have served, and their families should face no disadvantage because of their service.

The RBL is calling on the Welsh Government to strengthen its commitment to honouring the Covenant by ensuring it is backed with appropriate funding, clear guidance and regular evaluation across all public services. Fair access to healthcare is a key issue for the Armed Forces community.

With families relocating frequently, a routine part of military life, they can find it harder to register for access to basic services such as GPs and dentists. The RBL believes the next Welsh Government should introduce practical steps to improve accessibility to healthcare for military families.

The manifesto also calls for fair treatment around military compensation awarded to those who are injured or bereaved through service. In Wales these payments are often treated as income by means tested assessments.

The RBL maintains that this practice disadvantages the people these compensation payments are designed to support.

Children growing up in the Armed Forces community also face unique challenges due to the nature of military life. Extended periods of separation from a parent or frequent school moves can cause significant disruption to, and impact on, their education.

The RBL is calling for greater acknowledgement of these challenges and provision of greater support to help children from military families thrive.

John Williams, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at the Royal British Legion said:“The 2026 election is an important opportunity for the Senedd to prioritise the needs of the Armed Forces community.

This manifesto focuses on the issues we believe to be of greatest importance, as well as setting out in detail how the next Welsh Government can take them forward.

The manifesto has been informed by evidence and lived experience, and we hope that by working with all parties we can ensure that the unique contribution of the whole Armed Forces community is given the recognition it deserves.”