Topical Questions 2025-03-24
2025-03-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question pertains to the ongoing commitment and support for the Royal Marines band service, which is a key component of the UK's armed forces.
On Friday I was pleased to join colleagues from across the House to hear the Royal Marines band service in concert as part of the Mountbatten festival of music. May I invite the Government to reaffirm their commitment to the Royal Marines band service? It makes a huge contribution to defence diplomacy and combat operations.
That is a great question. The Royal Marine band service is the best band service in our armed forces, and it is absolutely safe under our watch. It provides a fantastic influence opportunity, as well as essential military services outside the musical profession.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises in the context of a broader discussion about military operations, specifically regarding soldiers' protection against legal challenges following their service.
The Defence Secretary should know that the whole House supports the Government’s actions to preserve peace in Ukraine, but that was not the point that the shadow Secretary of State was making. He was asking whether the Ministry of Defence recognises that it has a duty of care towards soldiers who fight for their country and then face decades of lawfare and the misuse of the European convention on human rights. Will the Ministry do something to protect those soldiers?
I say to the right hon. Gentleman that we are totally committed to our duty of care and to standing by our forces. We also recognise that the previous Government put in place legislation—the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021—to deal with any concerns in this place.
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Assessment & feedback
The specifics of what actions will be taken to protect soldiers from legal challenges were not provided, only a reference to existing legislation.
Referring To Previous Government'S Action
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue pertains to the spread of drug-resistant infections in conflict zones, particularly Ukraine, and their impact on national security.
Drug-resistant infections have been rising in Ukraine and remain a challenge in treating wounded soldiers and getting them back to the frontline. Such infections have also spread outside Ukraine and into Europe. In the context of conflict, what steps are the Minister and the Department taking to ensure that antimicrobial resistance is appropriately considered in the national security strategy?
It is important that we meet the threats we face, which are not just from state actors but relate to a range of issues. I would be very happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss her interest in this topic further.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was deflected towards arranging a future discussion without providing specific steps being taken by the Ministry.
Suggesting A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue involves the delay in processing medical records for an individual seeking admission to the Army Foundation College.
This afternoon I was contacted by the father of Theodore, who lives in Grayshott in my constituency. Theodore wants to go to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate in September, but Capita has not sent the request for his medical record to his local surgery. Will the Minister look in general at how Capita is performing, and will he ensure in particular that Theodore can attend the foundation college in September?
I commend Theodore for his interest in attending Harrogate. If the hon. Gentleman writes to me, I will happily to look into it. As he will know, Capita is not continuing the Army recruitment work. It is being replaced by a new tri-service offer that will come online in 2027.
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Assessment & feedback
The question was redirected towards broader issues with Capita's performance and future recruitment processes instead of addressing Theodore’s specific situation.
Redirecting To General Issue
Future Plans
Response accuracy