Independent Armed Forces Commissioner 2024-11-18
2024-11-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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The question arises from efforts to establish an independent commissioner for the armed forces.
What progress has been made on establishing an independent armed forces commissioner?
The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill is a landmark piece of legislation. Second Reading will be later today, aiming to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve with an independent champion improving parliamentary oversight and addressing welfare issues.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The question stems from concerns about the handling of serious crimes like rape within military jurisdiction.
Will he revisit recommendations to move murder, manslaughter, and rape cases from service to civilian courts?
The Government committed during opposition that murder, manslaughter, and rape cases would be tried in civilian courts. The Armed Forces Bill will provide an opportunity to implement this change.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The question concerns the relationship between the Armed Forces Commissioner and service charities.
How will the Armed Forces Commissioner work with small charities like Listening Out Loud Foundation?
The commissioner will have new relationships with service charities and organisations. The Minister would be happy to meet and visit Listening Out Loud Foundation soon.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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The question arises from a desire for stronger scrutiny of issues faced by armed forces members.
Will the Minister ensure that the Armed Forces Commissioner can challenge Ministers to improve parliamentary oversight?
The Government is committed to an independent figure championing armed forces, improving scrutiny, morale, and operational capability. The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a key step in renewing the contract between the nation and those who serve.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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The question comes from research on suicide prevention for military families.
Does the Minister agree that the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill can deliver better support for military families going through difficult times?
The Armed Forces Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for bereaved families and have discretion to investigate welfare matters, enhancing support and addressing concerns raised by serving personnel's families.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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The question involves the scope and extent of the commissioner's investigative powers.
Will the Armed Forces Commissioner be allowed to visit troops deployed on operations, question them, and seize documents?
The Bill includes powers for the commissioner to visit serving personnel, with UK visits unannounced. Overseas visits will be co-ordinated with the Department, allowing the commissioner to hear about challenges faced by deployed troops.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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The question pertains to the scope and responsibilities of the commissioner regarding Northern Ireland.
Will every council and person needing help receive the same responsibility and power from the independent Armed Forces Commissioner?
The commissioner's responsibilities cover service welfare matters across the UK, including when deployed abroad. Recommendations will be published directly to Parliament ensuring impartiality and allowing scrutiny from all parts of the House.
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