Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention 2024-11-18
2024-11-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted a long-term recruitment and retention crisis in the armed forces, with only six years since 1999 seeing growth in regular force numbers. Three armed forces are currently below target.
I welcome the Government's commitment to improving recruitment and retention. Since 1999, there have been only six years when the regular forces grew in size, and all three armed forces are currently below target. Does the Minister believe there will be any year between now and 2030 with a net increase in numbers? Does he have a target for overall growth during these years?
The recruitment target was missed every single year under the previous Government. It will take us time to fix the process, but we have already made announcements about improving retention and recruitment. We will make further such announcements in the months ahead.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific target or timeline for increasing armed forces numbers by 2030
It Will Take Us Time To Fix The Process
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted a recruitment and retention crisis caused by the previous government's policies, mentioning over 700 applications being reconsidered after removing unnecessary red tape.
From cadets to regulars and reservists, we must urgently tackle the recruitment and retention crisis. Will the Minister welcome the fact that more than 700 applications have been reconsidered following the removal of outdated medical policies?
I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in welcoming the announcement that over 700 applications have been reconsidered following the removal of outdated medical policies, such as those blocking some sufferers of hay fever and acne.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the regular forces being below target for several years, questioning whether there will be any net increase by 2030.
Since 1999, only six years have seen growth in regular force numbers. With all three armed forces currently below target, does the Minister believe there will be a year between now and 2030 with a net increase? Does he have a specific target for overall growth?
The recruitment target was missed every single year under the previous Government. It will take us time to fix the process, but we are making announcements about improving retention and recruitment.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or target for increasing armed forces numbers by 2030
It Will Take Us Time To Fix The Process
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentioned that many who join armed forces begin as cadets, noting the success of a previous Conservative government's programme. He criticized Labour for withdrawing critical grants to support cadet instructors in state schools.
Many military personnel began their journey as cadets. The previous Government established hundreds of new cadet units in state schools. However, this Labour Government has withdrawn £1 million plus grant that supports cadet instructors. Will the Government urgently review this decision?
The Minister for Veterans and People is reviewing the cadet force to ensure it continues playing a valuable role for young people, supporting the overall mission of defence.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific review or reversal of grant withdrawal decision
We Are Committed To Cadets
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern over whether new recruits will feel supported if they sense the Government does not have their back, questioning plans to repeal a Northern Ireland Troubles Act.
How can we persuade people to remain in armed forces when they sense that the new Government do not really have their back? Will the Ministry of Defence start defending its veterans within Whitehall and argue against repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023?
The Government are renewing the contract between the nation and those who serve. We will support retention, recruitment, and our veterans through the work done in Cabinet by the Defence Secretary.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific defence of veteran interests within Whitehall
We Are Renewing The Contract
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP heard from young people who were deterred by long waits for medical assessments when trying to join the military, leading some to choose other paths.
I have heard from many young people who tried joining the military but faced long waits for their medical assessment. How is the Minister ensuring that the medical assessment process runs efficiently?
We have already made progress by removing outdated medical processes and are working with health colleagues to ensure smooth access to applicants' medical records, reducing delays.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy