Government wins Commons vote over plans for armed forces whistleblowing route

Armed forces minister Luke Pollard said the Government had proposed a ‘better amendment’ (Andrew Milligan/PA) - (PA Archive)

MPs have agreed to prolong a standoff with the Lords over plans to give the military welfare watchdog powers to respond to whistleblowers.

The Commons backed a Government amendment to the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill by 321 votes to 158, majority 163, which would allow the proposed armed forces commissioner to conceal the identity of personnel who raise welfare complaints.