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Question
What steps are being taken to secure RAF bases after the Brize Norton incident, including perimeter fencing, military policing personnel, countermeasure technology? What progress has been made on testing directed energy weapons for drone interception and is this being replicated at overseas bases like Akrotiri?
Minister reply
Enhanced security measures include increased RAF patrols, improved physical security, a full security review ordered by the Defence Secretary. Testing of directed energy weapons continues to develop.
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Question
What is the financial cost and operational impact of the attack on Brize Norton? Will there be reallocations in task lines, how long will damaged aircraft be out of action?
Minister reply
The immediate operational impact has not been significant, but detailed information regarding costs and downtime will require further assessment.
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Question
What progress is made on catching perpetrators and ensuring robust legal responses? Who leads the security review and how quickly will it report?
Minister reply
Counter Terrorism Policing South East and Thames Valley police are investigating with a full security review ordered by the Defence Secretary, reporting urgently.
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Question
How is responsibility for base protection divided between RAF police, RAF regiment, military provost guard service and private contractors?
Minister reply
The security review will consider the division of responsibilities and provide recommendations.
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Question
The Government's response to the incidents in Qatar and its assessment of risks to US allies. Will UK jets be used only for protecting UK assets? What signals are being sent to Iran regarding the scope of the UK’s operations?
Minister reply
The Minister stated that UK military assets will protect UK interests, and he is committed to ensuring de-escalation through diplomatic channels. The Government works closely with allies to ensure clear communication about the limited nature of its protective operations.
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Question
Was notification given to the UK regarding potential escalation in attacks? What are plans for NATO summit and cooperation with European counterparts?
Minister reply
Further briefing is needed before providing an accurate update on notifications. The Government prioritises Euratlantic area security, focusing on Russia's threat while cooperating strategically with Europe.
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Question
Assessment of risk to US allies; confirmation that UK jets will protect only UK assets. Steps taken to signal UK’s limited operations against Iran. Confirmation if other bases in Cyprus were breached.
Minister reply
UK military assets are deployed for protecting UK interests, and clear communication with allies is maintained. Security breaches at Brize Norton raise concerns about base security.
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Question
Concerns regarding the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation; evidence showing peaceful protest activity wrongly categorized as national security threat.
Minister reply
Proscription decision was taken after considering all facts, both publicly and privately held. The Home Secretary's view is that it has crossed the threshold set out in the Terrorism Act 2000.
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Question
Downplaying of the seriousness of criminal damage and sabotage at RAF Brize Norton.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasised that security breaches are taken seriously, with ongoing investigations to ensure improvements in base security.
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Question
The MP asks about employing Ministry of Defence policemen better to protect critical national infrastructure and military bases. He suggests that warranted officers could do a job for the MOD that cannot be done by regional forces.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the expertise of the right hon. Member in this area and is willing to discuss the issue further.
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Luke Pollard
Con
Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Ministry of Defence
Question
Not applicable - This is part of the minister's statement.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that the review covers all military bases and he will return to the House to report progress.
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Question
The MP pays tribute to service personnel for their aid in Gaza and asks whether it was right to proscribe Palestine Action.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that the steps taken today by the Home Secretary are entirely consistent with the seriousness of Palestine Action's activities.
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Question
The MP expresses concern about security at military bases in his constituency due to under-investment and potential military intervention abroad.
Minister reply
The Minister clarifies that the UK's presence in the Middle East is for regional stability and counter-terrorism operations, which protect British streets from terrorism.
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Question
The MP pays tribute to Standing Joint Command and asks what force protection will look like for garrison towns.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of enhancing capabilities in UK homeland defence as outlined by the Strategic Defence Review.
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Question
The MP raises concerns about resource allocation and authorisation levels for potential saboteurs at RAF bases.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that no cuts have been made to the Military Police Guard Service since taking office, and a review is in progress to enhance security.
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Question
The MP addresses misogyny against women serving in the armed forces following incidents at RAF Brize Norton.
Minister reply
The Minister condemns any belittlement of senior officers based on gender and emphasises cross-party support for the armed forces.
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Question
The MP denounces attacks on a senior officer by Reform MPs, specifically highlighting an attack by Richard Tice.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the hon. Gentleman and calls for support of the armed forces and condemnation of unacceptable behaviour.
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Question
I am very surprised that the Home Secretary chose to put out a written statement rather than making an oral statement when we could have put to her some of these points about what exactly qualifies a group to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
Minister reply
The decision to proscribe has been made after considerable thought and legal process. There will be a full debate in the House in coming days, where Members can raise concerns.
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Question
I welcome the statement. I have two questions. First is on the situation overseas - are families being kept up to date about service personnel and force protection measures? Second, will there be fresh advice for families in military housing upgrades?
Minister reply
Force protection measures include drawing down non-essential personnel and investing £1.5 billion extra in military housing to ensure homes are fit for heroes.
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Question
Does the Minister recognise the risk implicit in proscribing as terrorist organisations protest groups calling out war?
Minister reply
This is not a protest group but people who have undertaken severe criminal damage to military assets. The decision has been taken seriously considering national security.
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Question
I join Members from across the House in condemning the appalling attack at Brize Norton. Will there be a review of military base protection for defence manufacturers?
Minister reply
Regular conversations happen between MOD, Home Office, police forces and those in our defence supply chain to keep them abreast of developments and concerns.
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Question
Could I invite the Minister to find a way to confidentially ensure that MPs across the House who have military bases in their constituencies are advised as to whether those installations pass the test of security?
Minister reply
The review looks at applying lessons from what happened at RAF Brize Norton. Force protection for personnel and families is a priority, and further measures will be announced in due course.
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Question
Given the recent disrespectful incident at RAF Brize Norton, can the Minister confirm whether wider action is being taken to review and strengthen security across all our military bases?
Minister reply
The review looks not just at what happened at RAF Brize Norton but at the application of that lesson across the defence estate. Force protection of personnel both home and abroad is a priority.
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Question
On the proscription of Palestine Action, there are recent examples of juries finding defendants not guilty based on necessity defence, does the Minister agree that the use of the Terrorism Act in this case sets a dangerous and worrying precedent?
Minister reply
The precedent was set by Palestine Action when it breached an RAF base and vandalised Royal Air Force planes. This poses a direct threat to our national security.
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Question
Will wider action be taken to review security across all military bases in light of the incident?
Minister reply
Yes, a comprehensive review will be undertaken by the Defence Secretary to assess the situation at RAF Brize Norton and apply lessons learned to other military installations both domestically and overseas.
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Question
Does the Minister agree that actions by Palestine Action are not legitimate protest but domestic terrorism?
Minister reply
Yes, I agree that such actions cross the line into domestic terrorism as per provisions in the Terrorism Act 2000. We will take appropriate measures to address these threats.
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Question
What is the Government's position on the illegal activities of Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza?
Minister reply
While this statement focuses on security issues within the UK, we strongly condemn actions that violate international law and need a restoration of ceasefire and aid delivery to Palestinian people.
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Question
Does the Government support US actions in Iran?
Minister reply
The UK shares the same long-term ambition with the US to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
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Question
Will there be additional security measures at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate?
Minister reply
We will consider taking measures possibly across all military installations, including training establishments like the one in Harrogate. The Minister for Veterans would welcome a further conversation regarding this matter.
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Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Has the Minister considered his own position after the incident?
Minister reply
My focus is on ensuring protection of our people. This involves addressing serious issues related to national security, not seeking soundbites.
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Question
What assurances can be given that RAF Brize Norton and other defence facilities will have their defences strengthened?
Minister reply
Immediate steps are being taken to secure the base further, but I would be happy to meet with local representatives like the hon. Gentleman to discuss specifics.
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Question
How can we protect aircraft at civilian airports such as Prestwick from potential charges of war crimes?
Minister reply
Civil-military cooperation is a model we may develop further, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law. UK military operates strictly within these standards.
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Question
Will the review include reassessment of security measures at Northern Ireland bases and utilisation of Aldergrove?
Minister reply
We are reviewing security changes across the defence estate, including in Northern Ireland. Further conversations about specific needs can be had.
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Question
Will the Government prioritise protection of UK from extremist threats?
Minister reply
We welcome the announcement today as a step towards protecting the UK, including tributes to armed forces staff for their service.
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Question
Can you offer reassurance to local cadet forces and about security at Dhekelia and our other sites on Cyprus, as well as ensuring that all personnel are properly briefed and secured?
Minister reply
Local cadets can be assured of ongoing work to enhance security. Regarding Dhekelia in Cyprus, the Government is enhancing force protection measures to ensure the safety of all UK personnel.
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Question
We have seen cross-party support for our armed forces and it is essential that we look not only at protecting them but also from the risk of Iranian retaliation. What further measures are being considered?
Minister reply
Further force protection measures will be implemented as part of the strategic defence review to ensure the safety of all personnel, including those in Cyprus.
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Question
What steps are being taken to prevent a repeat of the terrorism at Brize Norton and ensure there is not a repeat in Aldergrove or any other military base with British personnel here or abroad?
Minister reply
The Government will take necessary security measures to protect our armed forces from threats such as those that occurred at Brize Norton, ensuring safety for all bases both domestically and internationally.