Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
No specific background event or statistic mentioned.
What recent steps has Veterans UK taken to support veterans and their families?
We continue to deliver a range of services including pension and compensation payments, and tailored support through the Veterans Welfare Service and Defence Transition Services. We are also pressing ahead with our £40 million transformation programme to digitise old practices, improving processes and creating a single entry point for pensions and compensation by the end of 2024.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Claims leading to financial compensation through the armed forces compensation scheme have dropped from 65% to 47%, while rejections have risen from 24% to 41%. This trend is highlighted since 2011-12.
The number of claims leading to financial compensation through the armed forces compensation scheme has dropped significantly, and rejections have increased. Can the Minister explain why this happened and outline plans to address it?
The digitisation programme will make a big difference, with early evidence showing positive outcomes. My right hon Friend the Minister for Veterans' Affairs recently visited Veterans UK and was encouraged by what he saw. The transformation process should lead to significantly better outcomes.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific reasons for decreased success rates or detailed plans to address them.
Transformation Programme Will Make A Difference
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
14% of veterans in England and Wales are female. A survey indicates that 23% experienced sexual harassment, 23% emotional bullying, contributing to PTSD cases.
Given the high rates of sexual harassment and emotional bullying faced by female veterans, leading to PTSD, what specific measures will the Government take to support these veterans better during service?
The issue is being worked on. The Defence Secretary prioritises addressing remaining issues around the culture in armed forces, ensuring that support extends to female veterans.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timeline for improvement.
Working On The Issue
Prioritising Cultural Change
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Series of articles in The Independent campaigning for asylum protection for Afghan pilots and others who supported British forces at great personal cost.
Ministers are aware of a series of articles campaigning for asylum protection for veteran Afghan pilots and other supporters of the British forces. Will these veterans have their applications processed quickly, ensuring none will be deported to Rwanda or elsewhere?
The gentleman in question applied only on 9 April. We are looking at special circumstances but, as a member of the Afghan national security forces rather than someone who worked alongside UK armed forces, his application would not automatically be approved.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm processing speed or deportation status.
Looking At Special Circumstances
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
LGBTQ+ soldiers from before 2001 lost rank, were dismissed, and lost pensions. Lord Etherton was appointed to look into this matter.
When will the report of Lord Etherton on LGBTQ+ soldiers' treatment be brought before the House? Will there be an oral statement to cross-examine Ministers?
The review will be here soon. We will make sure that its lessons are learned and adopted by the Department, reflecting the values of modern British armed forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or format for report presentation.
Review Will Be Here Soon
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Today marks the day that Captain Robert Nairac from 1st Battalion was taken by the IRA and murdered. His murderers are still free, and truth about his death is unknown.
Does the Minister acknowledge the need for veterans of Operation Banner to know the truth about what happened to Captain Robert Nairac? The veteran groups in Mike Penning's constituency and that of Dean Russell seek support from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs as they go forward.
I agree with sentiments. The case is particularly barbaric. There is a lot of work going into legacy of troubles, how investigations should progress. Minister for Veterans' Affairs leads on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific actions or timeline to address the case.
Agrees With Sentiments
Work Ongoing
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Veterans ID cards are due to be rolled out by Remembrance Day.
Can the Minister update the House on the progress of the roll-out of veterans ID cards, expected to complete by Remembrance Day this year?
My hon Friend's expectations are likely accurate. The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families will write to him if that is not the case.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm current progress or completion status.
Expectations Likely Accurate
Will Check With Minister
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The five-year review of the armed forces compensation scheme found the process overly burdensome and distressing for veterans and their families. The Government is missing its casework targets, leading to delays in addressing these issues.
Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of the last serviceman being stood down from national service. I express our thanks to all those who served. Given that the five-year review found the compensation scheme process overly burdensome and distressing for veterans and their families, can I press the Minister on when we will see the final report of the review? Can he confirm that meaningful improvements will be made to the scheme before summer recess?
Around £40 million is being invested to digitise paper-based processes and records, which will transform the existing system. A new online digital claims service has been launched through gov.uk and accounts for 50% of all new injury and illness claims.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm when the final report would be published or provide specific improvements to the compensation scheme before summer recess.
Response accuracy