Topical Questions 2023-06-26

2023-06-26

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The UK's summer campaign for Ukraine is focused on reclaiming illegally occupied territory.
If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. He noted the success of Ukraine in recapturing approximately 300 sq km, more than Russia has seized in its winter offensive. He asked about tactical progress and the situation across Bakhmut to the eastern bank of the Dnieper river.
As part of its summer campaign, Ukraine has already recaptured approximately 300 sq km. That is more territory than Russia has seized in its whole winter offensive. Ukraine continues to make gradual but steady tactical progress, undertaking major offensive operations on three main axes in the south and eastern Ukraine.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister told last week's Ukraine recovery conference that “we will maintain our support for Ukraine's defence and for the counter offensive”. With recent developments, there is a need to accelerate military support.
What discussions are the Government having with other NATO members to ensure that every member of the alliance meets the 2% spending targets? He referenced the Prime Minister's commitment to maintaining support and asked if it was time to accelerate this support.
As the Vilnius summit approaches, it is very important that we recommit, and get other nations to recommit, to the 2% target. It is regrettable that only seven to eight nations in NATO are reaching this target. Britain is above the 2%. This is very important because freedom is not free; we have to pay for it.
Assessment & feedback
specific details on current discussions or plans to accelerate support
Commitment To Maintaining Support Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
John Healey Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Context
The Prime Minister promised ongoing defence support for Ukraine but there is a need to accelerate this support due to recent developments.
With the developments in recent days, surely now is the time to accelerate, not just maintain, our military support for Ukraine? He noted that the UK has provided £2.3 billion and referenced the importance of focusing on the offensive.
Our support includes £2.3 billion, and we continue to provide what Ukraine needs. It is important to focus on the offensive and ensure that Russia does not enter a frozen conflict state. The UK aims to push back Russian forces.
Assessment & feedback
details on accelerating support
Acknowledgment Of Importance Without Commitment
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
The Secretary of State was asked about the progress on Sweden's NATO membership application.
Is the Secretary of State confident that Sweden's NATO membership application will be approved this year? He discussed a recent phone call with his Turkish counterpart and noted significant strides in counter-terrorism legislation.
I am optimistic about Sweden's application. A recent call with Turkey's new counterpart discussed this, and progress is being made in counter-terrorism legislation to address Turkish concerns.
Assessment & feedback
no definitive statement on approval this year
Optimism Without Certainty
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Context
The Minister was asked for a progress report on the contract for fleet solid support ships, with emphasis on confirming the source of steel.
Can the Minister give us a progress report on the contract for the fleet solid support ships? He noted that these are equivalent to two aircraft carriers in size and asked about the source of steel for these projects.
I will have to check the point regarding steel sourcing and provide more information in due course.
Assessment & feedback
specific details on progress report and steel source
Promise Of Future Update
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Context
The MP was invited to visit Army cadets in Arnold and observed their work, including drill instruction and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He asked for recognition of these efforts.
I visited the Army cadets in Arnold and saw the skills they are learning. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Ben Mickle on his work running cadet services and encouraging children to take part?
I congratulate staff sergeant Mickle and instructors. We saw wonderful cadets on National Armed Forces Day and pay tribute to all those who make it possible with their hours.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Context
The MP raised concerns about Government bodies spying on the activities of British citizens. She referred to 2020 Ministry of Defence statement denying such activities.
I have been asking about Government bodies spying on British citizens, including politicians and journalists. The Secretary of State said that the 77th Brigade assesses UK disinformation on social media platforms. Can the Minister clarify surveillance actions against British citizens and its purpose?
A range of agencies study social media platforms delivering content to UK citizens. If this comes from a foreign state trying to manipulate people, it is a concern, as I saw radicalisation and exploitation through these platforms.
Assessment & feedback
no specifics on surveillance actions against British citizens
Focus On Broader Concerns
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Wendy Morton Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Context
The MP asked about the importance of strong deterrence and interest in NATO leaders summit outcomes.
Questions today have highlighted the importance of strong deterrence. Accordingly, people across the UK will be taking a keen interest in the outcome of the NATO leaders summit in Vilnius. Will my right hon. Friend outline what he would consider positive outcomes for UK defence at that summit?
My right hon. Friend asks an important question about the Vilnius summit, which is a transition moment for NATO allies to build on Madrid commitments and bolster Euro-Atlantic security. The UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Assessment & feedback
no specifics on positive outcomes for UK defence
Acknowledgment Of Importance Without Specific Plans
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Alex Sobel Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Context
Belarus has accepted Russia's tactical nuclear weapons following recent events in Russia.
With the conclusion of events in Russia on Saturday being that Prigozhin has been relocated to Belarus, and Russian tactical nuclear weapons have also been relocated to Belarus, has the Secretary of State undertaken an assessment of the threat to Belarus, which is on the eastern flank of NATO and across much of the northern border of Ukraine? Will it form part of the discussions at the NATO summit in Vilnius?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point about the role of Belarus. First, we should recognise that, so far in this illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Belarus has simply supported through the use of its bases, but has itself committed no forces, and the international community would very clearly warn Belarus that it should not do so and join Russia in the folly it is engaged in. It is, of course, a deep concern when we see Russia trying to use Belarus as a sort of satellite state or, indeed, a place to put its nuclear weapons. We keep that under constant review, and we make sure, in the strongest possible terms, that Belarus is aware of the international concerns about its behaviour.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a direct assessment or confirm if it would be discussed at NATO summit.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The war in Ukraine has provided insight into Russia's military tactics, influencing future defence investments.
The war in Ukraine will have given us some insight into Russia's war tactics. The defence Command Paper will soon be published, and it will look at investment decisions for the British Army and the armed forces in general from the 0230s and beyond. What lessons have been learned from the war in Ukraine? Can the Secretary of State give us some insight into what sort of investment will be undertaken?
The defence Command Paper will be published before recess—I hope that it will be published sooner rather than later; it is currently in the write-round process with the rest of Government—and we will make sure that we recognise what has happened in Ukraine. One of the biggest lessons of Ukraine is that, whatever army we commit, we must make sure that it is protected 360° with air defence, electronic warfare, signals intelligence and the ability to reach at range.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide specific investment details but outlined general lessons learned from Ukraine.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
There are concerns over the Prince of Wales aircraft carrier's repair schedule.
In terms of aircraft carriers, it seems that the Prince of Wales is the spare. Why are Ministers struggling to manage the repairs of that vital NATO flagship?
That is an amusing way of putting the question but it is a serious point. Our plans have not been affected in operational terms because it was always planned that the Prince of Wales would return to flight trials this autumn, and that remains on schedule.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address why there are struggles with repairs but stated the current repair schedule remains unaffected.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Iain Duncan Smith Con
Chingford and Woodford Green
Context
Veterans' families are seeking to uncover details about a tragic event in the Falklands war.
Forty years ago, Sir Galahad was struck during the Falklands crisis, and many Welsh Guardsmen lost their lives and burned to death. I have just attended a meeting of the widows and children, and some of the veterans, who have been desperate to get to the bottom of exactly why that happened but have been blocked through “no releases”. I beg my right hon. Friend to allow colleagues from across the House to come and see him about the release of that information.
My right hon. Friend might like to know that former colleagues of mine from the Household Division—from the Welsh Guards and others—have also been in contact with me. I have asked to see the papers that have not been released. I am not sure what powers I have to overrule decisions that were made earlier, but I think that that is important for closure and for relatives to get to the bottom of their questions.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not confirm meeting arrangements but acknowledged the importance of releasing information.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
Charities like ACVC Hub, Community Veterans Support and Helping Heroes provide vital services for veterans.
ACVC Hub, Community Veterans Support and Helping Heroes are three wonderful charities helping veterans in Glasgow South West. Veterans' mental health is still an emerging field, so will Ministers consider providing a costed research and development plan to find innovative approaches to that vital research?
The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the range of mental health support services that are open to our veterans, particularly Op Courage and, he will be interested to note, Op Fortitude. Of course, there is always more we can do, particularly for those who have suffered as a result of their service, but I think it important to say that, in general, service in our armed forces is a positive for mental health, not a negative.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledged existing support programs but did not confirm plans for additional research and development.
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Recent events have highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
I accept that we will hear a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office statement in due course, but given the events over the weekend, what assessment has the MOD made of Ukraine's ability to win in Ukraine?
The United Kingdom has always been confident that, given the right international support, leadership and investment, Ukraine can defend its nation and see off this aggressive, illegal Russian invasion.
Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a detailed assessment of Ukraine's capabilities but expressed confidence in their defence with international support.
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
A survey showed low satisfaction rates regarding basic pay among personnel, leading to high turnover intentions.
The armed forces continuous attitude survey results have just been published. They show that less than a third of personnel believe that their basic pay is adequate, and nearly a quarter are looking to leave the forces. Will the Secretary of State admit that it is high time that he increased basic pay across the public service, but especially for those in uniform?
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Armed Forces Pay Review Body has reported, and that will be released shortly. Pay is part of a wider remuneration package, which includes an excellent non-contributory pension, subsidised accommodation, incremental pay, and a range of allowances. The non-financial aspects of the offer are also highly valued. What is not highly valued, frankly, are the tax increases that the SNP introduced in February, which make servicemen in Scotland much worse off than those in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledged existing benefits but did not directly address the pay increase request.
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The Royal Marines Charity supports former servicemen and women in East Devon.
The Royal Marines Charity, based in East Devon, helps to provide support to former servicemen and women in Devon, who we celebrated on Saturday as part of Armed Forces Day. What assessment has my right hon. Friend made of the welfare provision for veterans in Devon?
I am sorry that I was not in Devon on Saturday; I was next door in Cornwall, commemorating our armed forces, as my hon. Friend was. There is a range of welfare support services in Devon. My hon. Friend will be aware of the regional welfare support operation there, which has expert welfare officers who can look after the needs of our wonderful veterans. Of course we can always do more, but I would cite, as I just have, Op Courage and, now, Op Fortitude, which I think will be of great assistance.
Assessment & feedback
The Minister mentioned existing services but did not provide a detailed assessment or commitment to further improvements.
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
The question stems from concerns about the relative poverty rates and significant pay rise for military personnel, highlighting the need to direct them towards benefits they are eligible for.
While we wait for the upcoming pay review, may I ask what assessment the Minister's Department has made of relative poverty rates among our service personnel and, while they await a significant pay rise, what work it is doing with the Department for Work and Pensions to signpost colleagues to the benefits that they are eligible for?
The hon. Gentleman will be aware that, in addition to pay, things such as wraparound childcare and subsidised healthcare and dental care are available to members of our armed forces, as well as subsidised accommodation, the freezing of food charges and help with council tax—things that we have done in these difficult times to take the edge off the cost of living crisis.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an assessment on relative poverty rates among service personnel, which was not directly addressed. The answer focused on benefits provided rather than addressing poverty rates specifically.
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Context
Southport recently hosted an event celebrating the armed forces, and there is a bid from Southport to be selected as the venue for the national Armed Forces Day in 2025.
Nowhere does events as well as my Southport constituency. This weekend's Armed Forces Day was truly testament to that fact, so would my right hon. Friend welcome and support an application from Southport to host the national Armed Forces Day in 2025?
May I place on record our gratitude to Cornwall Council and Falmouth, and all the organisers of the national Armed Forces Day this year—the town laid on an extraordinary event, which was a great tribute to the men and women of the armed forces—as well as all the other local authorities that laid on events up and down the country? Of course I would welcome a bid from Southport; I will also welcome bids from all over the country, and I look forward to this becoming a growing competition to recognise the men and women of our armed forces.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Context
A former Defence Minister confirmed that a badly injured veteran would receive home adaptations, but delays ensued and the work has not been signed off by someone with the right authority.
On 24 October 2021, the former Defence Minister, the right hon. Member for Horsham (Jeremy Quin), wrote to my predecessor and confirmed that a badly injured veteran in my constituency would receive adaptations to his home. Delays ensued, and last week I had a meeting with someone from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, in which he declined to turn his camera on and said that the work had not been signed off by a person with the right authority. Will the Minister confirm whether the former Minister had the authority, and will he honour that commitment?
The hon. Lady is more than welcome to write to me with the details, and I will look into this as soon as possible.
Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the issue, the response did not provide specific confirmation of authority or a commitment to honour it directly.
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
Falmouth hosted the national armed forces family for the national Armed Forces Day, including a display and numerous military personnel.
As we have already heard, we were lucky enough to welcome the national armed forces family to Falmouth on Saturday for the national Armed Forces Day. From cadets to veterans, and those involved in their air display and all the national armed forces personnel, will the Secretary of State join me in thanking everybody for their efforts, and does he agree that this was the best Armed Forces Day we have ever experienced?
My hon. Friend is certainly the best MP for Falmouth. She has been very good at lobbying and making the case for Falmouth, which put on an excellent event, although I am not going to risk insulting all the previous locations, which all did a fantastic job as well.
Assessment & feedback
The question was about thanking everyone involved in the event; however, the response shifted to praise for the MP rather than acknowledging those who worked on it.
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
The MOD estate allows trail hunting, and the previous Government's memorandum of understanding for monitoring access has been terminated.
With the MOD estate an outlier in allowing trail hunting on its land, and with the memorandum of understanding to allow hunt monitoring access having been torn up—something determined personally by the Defence Secretary—will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that his delayed statutory response in terminating the MOU will be answered, and will he instruct an independent review of hunting on the MOD estate and the activities of the Royal Artillery Hunt? Or has he something to hide?
Nothing to hide. To hunt on my Department's land, an organisation must have a recognised governing body. All persons participating in a hunt must be members of such an organisation, and that organisation must also hold an MOD-issued licence, the terms of which clearly state that only trail hunting carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Hunting Act 2004 are permitted. I withdrew the MOU—which had never been announced to Parliament under the hon. Lady's party's previous Government—because the only people who should be masked and camouflaged on MOD land are soldiers in training, not hunt saboteurs.
Assessment & feedback
While addressing part of the question about the MOU, the response did not confirm a statutory delay or commit to an independent review directly.
Response accuracy