Belfast City Council's Standards and Business Committee voted 10-9 to uphold its prior decision to adopt the Armed Forces Covenant. The vote defeated a Sinn Fein motion to rescind the March approval and send the matter to another committee or full council.

DUP councillor James Lawlor introduced the covenant to the committee. Lawlor serves as Belfast's armed forces champion and has advocated for council adoption since 2024.

The covenant provides pledges to assist veterans transitioning to civilian life. DUP, TUV and Alliance members combined to outvote Sinn Fein and other nationalists.

SDLP group leader Seamas de Faoite objected to the process. De Faoite stated the committee should not approve items without full council discussion.

Meeting chair Anthony Flynn of the Greens interrupted De Faoite during his remarks. Flynn noted the committee decides motion referrals, not policy substance.

Flynn directed members to raise concerns in appropriate forums. The committee proceeded to a final vote without further debate on the covenant referral.

Nationalists hold a narrow majority on the full council. Prior votes on the covenant had failed by one vote.