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Question
Will the Minister outline later on what can be done to recruit more Territorial Army soldiers? Will there be flexibility with employers and jobs and courses that people can do to enlarge the numbers of cadets?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Jim Shannon's service and notes progress in addressing the retention and recruitment crisis. He mentions making it easier for people to join the reserves, whether full time, part time or in their spare time, as a key part of this effort.
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Question
Will he reflect on the importance of the work of celebrating the armed forces in the communities that physically embrace their headquarters, camps and residences, to sustain that connection between the non-uniformed civilian population and those who protect them on a daily basis?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Kit Malthouse for his attendance at an Armed Forces Day event. He emphasises the importance of connecting military bases with local communities, highlighting the economic benefits and opportunities provided by defence-related jobs.
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Question
We should also remember that there are so many servicemen and women overseas who are doing difficult work, sometimes in harm’s way. On Armed Forces Day, we must remember all those serving officers and soldiers as well.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks John Slinger for his remarks, noting the cross-party support for UK forces' efforts to project power, influence, stabilise regions and de-escalate tensions overseas.
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Question
I apologise for not being in the Chamber when the Minister referred to my constituency earlier. This weekend we will host the national Armed Forces Day event, which will be fantastic.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Melanie Onn for her work in hosting the first of the renewed national day events in Cleethorpes and looks forward to the events taking place this weekend.
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Question
Does the Minister recognise that the UK’s armed forces are a visible manifestation of the philosophy and values that underpin the country? If society does not value the armed forces, would he concede that it might be because we have consistently failed to defend the principles and values that underpin our society?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges Sir James Cleverly's point about defending principles and values but does not provide a specific response in the given context.
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Question
Does the Minister agree that supporting our armed forces goes beyond just equipment and includes ensuring their families are valued?
Minister reply
Absolutely, my hon. Friend is right to highlight this. Supporting service personnel and their families through improved housing and financial support is crucial.
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Question
Will the Minister acknowledge that negotiations for buying back military homes started under a previous Conservative Government?
Minister reply
Indeed, but it was completed by our Labour Government. We are now investing in these homes to improve living conditions.
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Question
Has the Minister seen proposals for a ringfenced armed forces housing association to provide better accommodation?
Minister reply
We plan to publish our defence housing strategy later this year, which will address such issues comprehensively.
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Question
How is the financial consequence of implementing the armed forces covenant distributed?
Minister reply
We are putting the covenant fully into law to ensure all areas embrace it. We will share best practices from local councils during debates.
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Question
Could the Minister update us on work being done to waive visa fees for families and dependants of Commonwealth service personnel?
Minister reply
The Ministry recently published a statement on improving recruitment from the Commonwealth. We are in dialogue with the Home Secretary's officials, and progress will be announced soon.
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Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that this Government's delivery of an above-inflation pay rise for service personnel is helpful? This, coupled with last year’s 6% increase, represents a cumulative award since July 2024.
Minister reply
Yes, the strategic defence review talks about a whole-of-society approach. Ensuring that our people are paid well and live in decent homes is essential for building resilience and improving how our nation is defended.
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Question
Female veterans are more than 10% less likely to be employed compared to male veterans. Do we need to put more support into helping female veterans find the right employment after their service?
Minister reply
I agree that we should do everything we can to help all veterans, whatever their gender, to find good employment after their service.
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Question
The shadow Minister acknowledges the powerful words from Kipling mentioned by Mr Francois. The debate between the Minister for Armed Forces and the shadow Minister has been cordial, continuing a conversation started earlier this week on recruitment issues in the north-east.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the statement made by Chris McDonald and agrees that despite differences over certain policies like the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans under the Human Rights Act 1998, there is agreement on valuing the work of the armed forces family.
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Question
Would he accept that the actions of the Royal Military Police attached to fighting units are a direct reflection of the Army and our national character in upholding the rule of law even in warfare?
Minister reply
I would; indeed, policing puts individuals in a difficult and unique position. That is also true for the civilian police force but I think there is a particular additional burden on members of the Royal Military Police.
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Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that inclusion comes from being part of an institution and helps to change it from within, so that we do not put in place impediments to armed forces recruitment on campuses today?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for his service and his continued advocacy in this place for the armed forces. He spoke powerfully, and I agree with him.
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Question
It is a great privilege to speak today to mark Armed Forces Day 2025—a moment for our country to show its deep and enduring gratitude to all the men and women who serve and have served in our armed forces. Their service underpins our national security, our values and our way of life.
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Question
It is an honour to speak today ahead of Armed Forces Day—a day not just of pageantry, as the hon. Member for Mansfield (Steve Yemm) said, but of principle. I congratulate the Government on reinstating the pageantry as well—it is a good thing.
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Question
The Minister mentioned funding for training new recruits, but I have heard concerns from veterans in my constituency about a lack of funding for general training. What specific plans does the Government have to address this issue?
Minister reply
We recognise the importance of ensuring all levels of training receive adequate support. In response to these concerns, we are reviewing our budget allocation and will be providing additional funds specifically towards general training programmes.
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Question
The Minister also mentioned the importance of industry collaboration in supporting military needs. Can you provide more detail on how this cooperation is being fostered and what specific initiatives are currently underway?
Minister reply
We have established several partnerships with leading industries to develop innovative solutions for our armed forces. These include the development of new protective materials, as well as ongoing research into advanced technologies that will enhance operational capabilities.
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No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
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Question
Honours and pays tribute to the armed forces, veterans, families, and the sacrifices they make.
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Question
Pays special tribute to Jack Dark, a remarkable local hero from his constituency and last surviving member of the Pathfinder squadron.
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Question
Honours VE Day commemorations in Portsmouth and pays tribute to John Jenkins, one of their veterans.
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Question
Welcomes the Minister’s opening speech and honours North Devon's veterans and armed forces community.
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Question
Honours RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit for their bravery and pays tribute to the men and women currently protecting the country.
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Question
Discussed the recruitment crisis in armed forces, highlighted a personal case of a constituent who had been accepted into the Intelligence Corps but still had not received a start date after 16 months.
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Question
Expressed gratitude for those serving in armed forces, highlighted the need for more support for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and advocated for strengthening the armed forces covenant.
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Question
In a bipartisan spirit, Mr. Francois seeks to relay an apology for his colleagues' absence due to overseas defence-related business.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges and accepts the explanation provided by Mr. Francois.
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Question
Mr. Pollard expresses appreciation for the bipartisan nature of the debate in supporting armed forces members and highlights support for improvements in transitioning from military life to civilian roles.
Minister reply
The Minister appreciates Mr. Pollard's comments on the positive nature of the debate and reiterates the Government’s commitment to implementing all 62 recommendations from Lord George Robertson's report, with further announcements expected.
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Francois
Conservative Party
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
Will the Minister convey to his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office that we do not want to throw our Northern Ireland veterans to the wolves, given the significant support for the petition.
Minister reply
I will certainly pass on the message regarding the importance of supporting Northern Ireland veterans and ensuring they are not overlooked.
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Luke Pollard
Labour Party
Constituency: Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
Question
The Minister might recall that I said in my remarks that at noon today the Northern Ireland veterans petition had just over 145,000 signatures. What is being done to address this issue?
Minister reply
We understand the significance of the petition and will ensure all relevant departments are informed about its importance.
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Question
The Minister thanked me for my speech on Armed Forces Day, expressing pride in the event's return. Can you provide more details on how the national event will be supported?
Minister reply
Armed Forces Day is a pivotal moment to celebrate and support our armed forces. We are committed to ensuring that the event receives the necessary resources and attention.
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Question
The Minister mentioned HMS Spey and RAF Lossiemouth. How will resilience spending support these bases?
Minister reply
Resilience spending aims to bolster homeland defence by funding initiatives that enhance the security of our bases and communities, such as those at RAF Lossiemouth.
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Question
The Minister waved off HMS Prince of Wales. What impact will the carrier strike group have in the Indo-Pacific?
Minister reply
HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ships play a crucial role in upholding international rules-based order, supporting our allies, and contributing to regional stability.
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Question
The Minister mentioned Jack Dark's 102nd birthday. How will the Department ensure that veterans from World War II are given due recognition?
Minister reply
We are committed to capturing and retelling the stories of veterans from World War II, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten.
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Question
The Minister thanked me for mentioning Norman Ashford, a D-day veteran. How will we ensure that all such veterans receive appropriate recognition?
Minister reply
Ensuring that our veterans are valued and supported is a priority. We will continue to capture their stories and provide them with the care they deserve.
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Question
The Minister mentioned RAF photographic reconnaissance aircraft. What progress has been made on addressing issues raised by campaigners?
Minister reply
Progress is being made, and the campaign group's efforts have contributed to positive developments. We will continue to support recognition of the bravery of those involved.
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Question
The Minister discussed time of flight issues in recruitment. Can he provide more details on plans to reduce this time?
Minister reply
We are committed to reducing the time of flight, aiming for a process that is efficient and attracts more young people to serve their nation.
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Question
The Minister mentioned that there is something not right regarding Northern Ireland veterans and needs to be resolved. Does the Minister agree with the Secretary of State’s comments on remedying the failure of the legacy Act?
Minister reply
I entirely agree—there is something that is not right, and it needs to be resolved. We need to find a solution to this issue that can provide peace of mind as well as the ability to address community concerns.