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Ms. Nusrat Ghani introduced several amendments to support continuity of education, adoption, fostering, and NHS services for military families relocating due to operational needs.
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The MP criticised Reform MPs for not attending the debate despite its importance. He introduced several amendments and new clauses in his name, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 as well as new clauses 1, 2, 3, and 6. He also referred to Government amendment 54 on proposed Crown immunity for the defence housing service.
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The MP thanked Mark Francois for his work supporting veterans' housing and acknowledged the importance of addressing mental health issues. She also extended an invitation to Alistair Carns to visit a local veteran support hub.
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The MP questioned why district councils in Northern Ireland were excluded from the covenant duty and requested that the Minister table an amendment to include those councils.
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The MP thanked Nusrat Ghani for her speech and emphasised the importance of supporting veterans' mental health in addition to housing improvements.
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Intervened to express appreciation for the measures on the armed forces covenant, which will benefit veterans and their families in Wales. Wished a happy Armed Forces Day to Prestatyn Royal British Legion branch.
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Called for the roll-out of counter-drone capability across all bases, citing his meeting with Ministry of Defence Police and their chief constable. Urged the hon. Gentleman to put pressure on the Minister to implement this widely.
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Mr. MacCleary advocates for amendments that address recruitment, retention, and support issues for service personnel and veterans. He highlights concerns about housing conditions, medical record transfer upon discharge, mental health challenges faced by veterans, and the need for national standards around the armed forces covenant to ensure consistent delivery of duties.
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Ms. Gilmour questions whether there is a strategic oversight in addressing recruitment and retention issues, pointing out that there are no mentions of incentives or bonuses as part of the solutions proposed by the Government.
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Mr. Murrison questions whether another set of reviews is necessary, given that the continuous attitude survey already provides clear accounts of factors affecting recruitment and retention.
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Mr. Brewer supports the establishment of a veterans’ mental health oversight officer as outlined in new clause 12, highlighting the significant challenges faced by young veterans and their high suicide rates.
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Mr. Murrison argues that victims have a choice between the service justice system and the civilian criminal justice system, suggesting that removing this choice would be detrimental.
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Mr. Akehurst asks Mr. MacCleary to explain why removing the choice for victims between service and civilian justice systems is better, pointing out that it could limit the options available to victims.
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Welcomes the inclusion of GLA under covenant duty, expresses concern over excluded areas like non-ministerial departments. Supports intent behind new clause for SEND issues but believes it is not appropriate in this Bill due to education being a devolved matter. He welcomes amendment on indefinite leave to remain fees but remains critical of Home Office's delay and reluctance.
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Mr. Calvin Bailey supports Mr. Obese-Jecty's proposal, emphasising the need to enforce the Armed Forces Covenant to remove barriers and impediments faced by service personnel and their families.
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Suggested that the Government should take further action to protect veterans in Northern Ireland, where political opposition hinders the implementation of the armed forces covenant.
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Emphasised the importance of raising awareness about military credit unions to help service personnel manage finances during and after their service, reflecting on how such credit unions in the US support its military.
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Highlighted that fewer than 31% of female serving personnel register as veterans, which complicates their access to services and support. She suggested the need for initiatives encouraging more women to come forward.
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Mr Murrison supports the Armed Forces Commissioner's role, highlighting its importance in representing servicemen and women who lack trade union representation. He raises concerns about extending the commissioner’s remit to include civilian organisations like the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, suggesting potential confusion with existing regulations. Mr Murrison also approves of measures that remove barriers between regular and reserve forces, supporting zig-zag career paths and streamlining recruitment processes. Additionally, he questions why separate arrangements are needed for officers and expresses a concern about extending recall liability to 18 years, which might deter volunteers. He proposes emulating Nordic practices in maintaining a strategic reserve. Mr Murrison supports the Bill's service justice provisions, believing they provide quick resolution compared to civilian courts.
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Supports amendment 88, which would review communication with former service personnel about their pension entitlements. Highlights an injustice faced by Pauline Cole, a veteran who received military compensation but saw her pension credit significantly reduced as a result. Argues that this violates the armed forces covenant and calls for the Government to assess the financial impact of exempting military compensation from pension credit calculations.
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Opposes new clause 2, arguing it is an attempt to delay the publication of the defence investment plan. Emphasises the importance of timely DIP for national security and economic benefits. Supports creation of a Veterans Commissioner for England.
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Supports new clause 3, advocating for the creation of a veterans commissioner in England due to lack of parity with other nations. Argues that the position is crucial for accountability and enforcement of the armed forces covenant.
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Welcomes the Government’s commitment to extend the armed forces covenant, supports improvements in veterans' housing, and highlights the importance of addressing under-investment. Emphasises the need for high-quality housing for service families and the potential benefits of the defence housing service for military homes.
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Concerns that new clause 13 may undermine the new defence housing service before it has been established, suggesting attention to single living accommodation should be given within the armed forces umbrella.
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Argues for new clause 13 to address safe and decent housing needs of all service personnel, including those living in single accommodation. Cites personal experience and statistics showing poor conditions in single living accommodations.
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Arthur supports new clauses 3 and 5, which aim to improve veteran support and remove barriers for non-UK armed forces personnel. He cites the example of a constituent who served in 3 Rifles and faces financial hurdles due to visa fees despite his service contribution.
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Argues that the armed forces covenant has been inconsistently applied across different local authorities. Highlights his work with veterans in Stevenage, including the Muster Point initiative which helps ensure council staff understand the needs of veterans. Supports amendments related to service housing as it addresses substandard living conditions for military families and emphasises the importance of rebuilding homes in public ownership.
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Intervenes to support Kevin Bonavia's call for a consistent application of the armed forces covenant. Points out specific shortcomings in Northern Ireland, such as unequal access to priority housing and the need for fairness everywhere.
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Emphasises her constituency's strong connections with the armed forces and veterans. Supports measures in the Bill aimed at improving conditions for serving and retired personnel, including the implementation of the armed forces covenant and improvements to service family housing.
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Speaks in support of the Bill and Government amendments, highlighting improvements to housing for armed forces personnel. Cites personal examples from her constituency, including recent events at HMS Raleigh and the engagement of a recruit. Emphasises the importance of strong accommodation to strengthen recruitment and retention rates.
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[INTERVENTION] Suggests the Bill should address compensation issues for service personnel living in service accommodation during South West Water outages, ensuring they receive immediate financial support similar to their neighbours.
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Supports the Government's housing measures in clause 3 and associated amendments, focusing on the quality of accommodation for service families. Cites personal experiences from his constituency, including a letter from a constituent detailing poor conditions in single living quarters. Urges Ministers to ensure the defence housing service has the necessary authority and accountability.
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Mr. Francois supports new clause 3 for a veterans’ commissioner in England, citing cross-party support during Select Committee discussions. He also advocates for waiving fees for armed forces personnel applying for indefinite leave to remain under immigration rules, emphasising the moral duty and financial insignificance of this measure within the defence budget. Additionally, he argues against the expansion of human rights legislation affecting military operations.
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Ms. Taylor intervenes to pay tribute to Gurkha soldiers and their contributions to her community, expressing support for the efforts made by Mr. Francois in highlighting issues related to Gurkhas.
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Mr. Pinkerton questions Mr. Francois's stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that removing protection under the ECHR could put British service personnel at greater risk without offering adequate legal protections.
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Mr. Bailey challenges Mr. Francois's assertion about Labour’s arrival in government, citing the National Audit Office report highlighting a significant equipment funding gap left by the previous administration.
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Mr. Murrison mentions techUK’s report, emphasising job losses and investment pressures in the defence technology sector due to delays in publishing the Defence Investment Plan.
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Carns acknowledges the contributions of Members who support the armed forces and notes that the Bill takes significant steps to improve service life conditions, including extending the covenant and providing £9 billion for military housing. He argues against new clause 5 by stating it does not align with Government's intent and could create legal uncertainty. Carns supports Home Office and Ministry of Defence working together to deliver a settlement fee waiver but warns that the amendment lacks clarity on scope. He also opposes clauses seeking to exempt reserve forces from ECHR as unnecessary and counterproductive. Carns endorses expanding the covenant across 12 policy areas, supporting recruitment efforts with increased satisfaction in housing and pay.
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Obese-Jecty expresses frustration over lack of progress on implementing the settlement fee waiver for veterans, despite it being a manifesto pledge. He criticises the machinery of government within the Home Office and calls out the Government for not taking necessary steps to refine the details of new clause 5.
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Francois seeks assurance from Carns that if a similar amendment is tabled during the second day of Bill debate, it will be supported by progress made with Home Office.
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Jopp inquires whether the Ministers for Veterans and People have seen the defence investment plan, indicating a desire for clarity on progress.
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Cartlidge questions whether Ukraine's derogation from the ECHR places it in the same bracket as Belarus and Russia, expressing concerns about the integrity of UK’s approach to human rights.
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Will move it, Ma’am!