The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, will today [26 February] rally industry and military leaders, urging businesses to bolster support for the Reserve Forces.
The Armed Forces Covenant Dinner, held at Mansion House following the Prime Minister’s defence funding announcement, will unite senior figures from government and the Armed Forces alongside C-suite leaders from Barclays and other FTSE 100 companies.
The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress Florence King—a serving Army Reservist—will advocate for the Reserve Forces, urging City institutions to strengthen support to boost retention and recruitment. They will also call for employers to make it easier for their employees to serve as volunteer instructors for cadet units.
Against a backdrop of rising global tensions and ahead of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review, the Armed Forces Covenant Dinner reaffirms the mayoralty’s commitment to the Reserve and Cadet Forces.
The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, will say (please check against delivery):
“All of us here know that we rely on our Armed Forces to protect the very assets that make the City a global financial powerhouse.
“From the freedom of the seas that ensures global trade, to the freedom of the skies that facilitates movement across borders, our security infrastructure underpins everything we do.
“The financial services sector, in particular, thrives on secure communications and flows of data – which are safeguarded by our military.
“It’s also clear that stronger Reserve Forces will be an essential element of our future capabilities.
“My plea to City businesses is threefold. If you’ve not yet done so, sign the Armed Forces Covenant as a matter of urgency. Grant your teams time to serve as instructors with Cadet units. And for those of you lucky enough to have Reservists in your business, do whatever you can to allow them to stay serving.
“Employers supporting those who serve, and have served, is imperative for the security of our country.”
The Lady Mayoress, Florence King, a Lance Bombardier, serving in 106 Regiment, Royal Artillery, will say (please check against delivery):
“The life of a reservist is time poor, rewarding, fractured, fulfilling. We wear many hats and represent many identities; students, accountants, lawyers, engineers – we are as diverse as the skills this country needs to protect it.
“They bring with them and share the skills and knowledge needed to be effective. I am lucky to have served with soldiers who take what they learn in their day jobs and share that with their fellow soldiers to enrich their understanding of the task at hand.
“Working for an organisation that has signed the Armed Forces Covenant makes a measurable difference to our lives. Because of the support of your businesses, this country’s regular forces can count on the extraordinary men and women who give up their early mornings, late nights and weekends. Thank you.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said:
“The Armed Forces community is not just an asset to our nation’s security, it is an asset to our economy and society. Businesses that support our Veterans, Reservists, and military families don’t just do ‘the right thing’, they gain a workforce of highly skilled, adaptable, and values-driven individuals. These individuals bring leadership, resilience, and innovation, strengthening teams and driving success across industries.
“As we face an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, the partnership between Defence and employers has never been more important. The Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme are not just commitments, they are investments in our collective resilience and prosperity. I urge all businesses, whether large or small, to join us in this mission, signing the Covenant, recognising the value of service, and unlocking the full potential of those who serve, have served, and support our Armed Forces.”
Barclays Group Chief Operating Officer, Alistair Currie, said:
“Barclays does not consider supporting the UK Armed Forces community as just “the right thing to do”. Over the years, Barclays has benefitted enormously from the contribution of the thousands of Veterans, Reservists and military spouses and partners we have employed in many different roles across our organisation.
“Our military-connected colleagues establish themselves quickly, perform to a high level, advance their careers well and bring with them a sense of loyalty that sees them stay with us for longer.
“They are a force multiplier, and Barclays is simply a better business because of their contribution.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Lord Mayor of London Alastair King is the chair of the City Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (City RFCA) maintaining and promoting the centuries-old link between the mayoralty, the Corporation with the Reserve Forces and Cadets.
The Corporation will be launching the latest of our City Belonging Projects – a programme to celebrate the remarkable communities which make up the . We will launch Veterans in the Square Mile City Belonging Network on Monday 3 March 2025. This is for both Armed Forces Veterans who work in the City, but also those who serve in the reserves. For more information and updates, visit: https://belongingproject.city/veterans
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.
';
