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The Bill - Schedule 3 - Service Complaints Appeals
23 June 2021
Lead MP
Eleanor Laing
Ruislip-Northwood
Con
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
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Other Contributors: 33
At a Glance
Eleanor Laing raised concerns about the bill - schedule 3 - service complaints appeals in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Eleanor Laing
Con
Ruislip-Northwood
Mrs. Eleanor Laing proposed a series of amendments aimed at enhancing legal protections, improving housing conditions for service personnel, waiving fees for indefinite leave to remain applications for serving or discharged members of the armed forces, establishing a duty of care standard for legal support during investigations and litigation arising from overseas operations, requiring reports on dismissals due to sexual orientation or gender identity, offering specific pathways for support in alcohol/drug/gambling disorders, capping fees for Commonwealth and Gurkha veterans applying for indefinite leave to remain, creating an Armed Forces Federation, and improving investigation procedures for allegations related to overseas operations.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Anderson asked the Minister if he would visit Wolverhampton to meet veterans and hear about the impact of the armed forces covenant on their lives. This suggests support for the bill's efforts to improve conditions for veterans.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Paisley sought assurance that Northern Ireland veterans would receive equal treatment as those from other parts of the UK. He also asked about the timeline for resolving legacy issues in Northern Ireland, indicating support for fair and equitable treatment across all regions.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Paisley expressed concern over potential delays from officials or political activists in resolving legacy issues, emphasising the need for finality and closure by July.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Jones questioned why central Government Departments are excluded from the scope of the bill's provisions. He also highlighted concerns about the lack of effective redress mechanisms against Departments in implementing the covenant.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Jones criticised the delay in addressing issues around time limits and investigations, urging the Minister to address these matters promptly rather than waiting for future legislative opportunities or reviews.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Stone requested reassurance regarding Departments in devolved Administrations like the Scottish Government. This indicates a supportive stance towards ensuring consistency across different jurisdictions.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Murrison clarified that the guiding principle should be to ensure that service personnel and their families suffer no disadvantage due to military service, reiterating support for the bill's aims.
Stephen Morgan
Lab
Portsmouth South
Supports amendments that strengthen legal responsibilities for delivering the covenant promises, reduces visa fees for non-UK service personnel, ensures access to justice in civilian courts, protects appeal rights, establishes a duty of care standard, provides reparations for LGBT+ veterans, and creates a representative body for armed forces.
Agrees that the proposed provision is vital to support individuals going through investigations, citing testimony from Major Bob Campbell who felt abandoned by the MOD.
Encourages extending the principle to those serving at home and addressing legacy issues expeditiously before the summer recess.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow Kelvin
The speaker supports proposed new clause 4, which addresses injustices against individuals discharged from the armed forces due to spurious allegations related to their sexuality. She also advocates for amendments that ensure service accommodation meets civilian standards and calls for an annual review of the Lyons recommendations on sexual assaults in the military justice system.
The MP agrees with Carol Monaghan's statement about the need for a guarantee of decent accommodation for those who dedicate themselves to service. She supports the idea that military personnel should receive high-quality housing support.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
The MP commends Scotland’s move to offset the bedroom tax for veterans through direct funding and encourages the UK Government to adopt a similar policy. He highlights the importance of providing adequate support for medical conditions that may require additional accommodation.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
The speaker supports the amendment and argues that it is essential to enshrine the armed forces covenant in law. He shares his personal experience of struggling with PTSD and being told he was no longer responsible for by the Army after leaving service, highlighting the importance of having a legal framework to ensure proper care and support. He also mentions the significant impact on veterans' mental health and suicide rates.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Durham North
Mr Kevan Jones argues that the Government has failed to address the issue of investigations properly. He criticises the Overseas Operations Act for not delivering on its promises and stresses the importance of judicial oversight in ensuring timely and fair investigations. He emphasises the need for a managed system overseen by judges to dismiss frivolous cases early.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Mr. Jones intervenes to thank Mr. Sunderland for his work chairing the Select Committee, acknowledging that he was thrown into a challenging role and performed excellently.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Mr. Carden highlighted historical injustices against LGBT+ veterans and proposed new clause 4 to ensure an apology, royal pardons, restoration of service records, compensation, and better access to support services. He also raised concerns about the high rates of addiction among military personnel and advocated for early intervention and specialist treatment through new clause 6.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Mr. Anderson intervened to thank Mr. Carden for his support of Tom Harrison House, which has been instrumental in helping veterans with substance abuse issues.
James Sunderland
Con
Bracknell
Mr. Sunderland interjected to point out that not all veterans face the same challenges and highlighted the work of Veterans Aid, focusing on outcomes rather than just symptom alleviation.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
The MP supports new clause 1, which waives fees for service personnel and their families when applying for indefinite leave to remain. He also welcomes amendments 1 to 4, particularly amendment 2, which ensures the Welsh Government pays due regard to the armed forces covenant. Ben Lake highlights the importance of streamlining access to services for veterans in Wales and requests information on discussions with the Welsh Government regarding legislative consent motions.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Mr Stone supports new clause 1, which aims to provide indefinite leave to remain for those who have served in the armed forces. He shares a personal anecdote about his homosexual relative who lived a lie due to fear of discrimination while serving. He believes that offering permanent residency can help with recruitment by generating goodwill internationally.
Ms Crosbie highlights her constituency's strong ties with the RAF and emphasises the significant contributions of service personnel to both national security and local communities. She supports enshrining the armed forces covenant in legislation, recognising its importance for fair treatment of those who serve.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
The amendment on armed forces housing is a small change that could make a real difference, but the Bill needs wider changes to improve the lives of service personnel. It emphasises the need for fair pay and conditions and secure accommodation.
Eastleigh
Supports the Bill, highlighting its importance in maintaining national security and supporting veterans. Emphasises the need for public bodies to work together to implement the armed forces covenant effectively.
Bury South
Welcomed the Bill for ensuring fair treatment of veterans and improving service justice. Emphasised the importance of exploring measures to support alcohol disorders among veterans, families, and serving personnel. Acknowledged the funding announced by the Chancellor but highlighted the need for more support in Bury South.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Supported the Bill while criticising its narrow scope and lack of full enshrinement of the armed forces covenant in law. Highlighted issues with visa fees for Commonwealth veterans, urging support for the amendment to address these fees and improve conditions for veterans.
Marco Longhi
Con
Dudley North
Thanks the Minister for assurances and hon. Friends for their work. Highlights the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant being enshrined in law to ensure consistent support across different areas. Expresses concern about quantifying the impact of the covenant and urges Ministers to seek ways to evidence its benefits.
Peter Gibson
Con
Opposes new clauses 1, 2 and 3. Supports the Bill as it stands for protecting armed forces personnel and veterans. Acknowledges the Government's commitment to improving support but argues that existing measures are sufficient.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Welcomes new clause 7 for Commonwealth and Gurkha members of armed forces. Stresses the importance of recognising and rewarding their sacrifice, including waiving visa fees on discharge. Calls for Government support in providing funding for community services to help veterans integrate back into society.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon supports new clause 3 which calls for a report on personnel numbers in the armed forces, highlighting concerns about viability and the impact of reduced personnel figures. He also discusses his constituency's involvement with military recruitment and services, advocating for improved housing conditions for service members and their families.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
[INTERVENTION] Carol Monaghan raises concerns about Commonwealth veterans not being made aware of the requirement to apply for indefinite leave to remain at the appropriate time, leading to immigration status difficulties.
Leo Docherty
Con
Macclesfield
Expressed gratitude for contributions made by Members, highlighted the historical ban on homosexuality in the armed forces and its injustice. Stated that new clause 4 would complicate efforts to address this injustice but is committed to addressing it with compassion and urgency. Discussed settlement fees for veterans and their families, mentioned ongoing public consultation on these fees. Announced Justice Henriques' report expected by end of summer (2023) and expressed optimism about its recommendations. Reassured Welsh MPs that a legislative consent mechanism was not required based on legal advice. Suggested the need for a veterans commissioner in Wales and urged the Welsh Government to consider it seriously. Acknowledged contributions from various Members, including those highlighting the importance of armed forces liaison officers and the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.
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