Topical Questions 2023-01-30

2023-01-30

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Mary Foy Lab
City of Durham
Context
Daniel, a constituent medically discharged from the Army in 2015, received only tariff-10 compensation despite being housebound and with permanent mental injury.
My constituent, Daniel, was medically discharged from the Army in 2015, yet in September 2022 he was awarded only tariff-10 compensation. He is housebound and fully reliant on his mother, and psychiatrists agree that sadly his condition is permanent. Seven years on, Daniel is still without compensation that reflects the severity of his mental injury. Will the Secretary of State meet me to review that case, and ensure that veterans who suffer psychological injuries are compensated equally with those who suffer physical injuries?
I would be delighted to meet the hon. Lady to discuss the case.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The RAF housing in Carterton has issues with mould and uncompleted repairs.
I have recently been to see some of the RAF housing in Carterton. Given the mould in homes with children present and the fact that requested repairs are left uncompleted, it seems that the Pinnacle-VIVO partnership is failing military families. What are Ministers doing to hold those companies to account?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that. I know Brize quite well and the accommodation that he referred to. He may be aware that all top level budgets are meant to be assessing their accommodation against the Defence housing standard and will report by the end of the year. In the meantime, he should know that over the next 10 years £1.6 billion will be invested in barracks accommodation to improve some of the truly awful accommodation that, sadly, our men and women have to put up with.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
John Healey Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Context
The Government has made ad hoc announcements of military help for Ukraine without an overall strategy or action plan.
This month, the Government made important but, again, ad hoc announcements of more military help for Ukraine. We are still waiting for the 2023 action plan of support for Ukraine first promised by the Defence Secretary last August. Will he publish that ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion next month?
I totally agree with the right hon. Gentleman that we need to set out a plan. But may I also tell him —I chased this in advance of today's questions following the previous questions—that our donations are not ad hoc? There is a view abroad that they are somehow ad hoc, with the Ukrainians just picking up the telephone. Fundamentally, the donations are set by what happens on the ground, the reaction to Ukrainian defence and how Ukraine needs to adapt.
Assessment & feedback
specific plan publication
Ad Hoc
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
John Healey Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Context
The current government has claimed the armed forces were underfunded by Labour governments.
Last week, the Defence Secretary said that the armed forces had faced a “consistent hollowing out…under Labour and the early Conservative governments”. However, when Labour left government in 2010, the British Army stood at more than 100,000 full-time troops and we were spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. The serious hollowing out has happened since. Who does he think has been in charge over the last 13 years?
Mr Speaker, you have only to listen to the veterans on the Government Benches to understand their experience under a Labour Government. Let us remember Snatch Land Rovers and all that awful mess as a result of the Labour Government's investment. The deal here is quite simple: if the right hon. Gentleman wants to be the next Defence Secretary, he should come here and get off his chest the shortcomings of his former Government.
Assessment & feedback
Labour'S Investment
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Context
The Conservative Government is committed to the delivery of new Dreadnought class submarines based in Scotland.
Last week, I visited His Majesty's naval base Clyde with the armed forces parliamentary scheme. I pay tribute to the remarkable men and women we met there who make up our nation's submarine service. Given that we live in ever more dangerous times, will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Conservative Government remain committed to delivery of the new Dreadnought class of submarines to be based in Scotland to provide a continuous at-sea deterrent and so protect our United Kingdom for decades?
I am glad that my hon. Friend and many other colleagues went to Faslane last week and enjoyed their visit. We are of course committed to the replacement of Vanguard submarines with Dreadnought. More importantly, he mentioned the brilliant people based at Faslane who deliver day in, day out our nation's nuclear deterrent, unseen under the oceans of the world.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Alex Norris Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Context
The government does not extend visa fee waivers for non-UK veterans to their dependents.
It is surely right that non-UK veterans who settle here after their service do not pay visa fees, but it is surely not right that that does not extend to their dependents. Will the Minister match Labour's commitment to change that?
I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the undertaking that he asks of me; he will understand that. Obviously, all things are kept under review, but we clearly do value the service of those from overseas who serve in His Majesty's armed forces.
Assessment & feedback
undertaking to change visa fee policy
Kept Under Review
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Context
The UK is the second-largest supplier of military equipment to Ukraine, behind the United States. Ukrainian troops are currently training on how to use Challenger 2 tanks.
We ought to be extremely proud of the Government's impact in supplying military equipment to Ukraine. Today, our troops are training Ukrainian troops on using Challenger 2 tanks. When will those tanks be deployed so we can see a serious impact in ending the war?
For security reasons, I cannot provide exact timings. Training starts with platform operation and then formation unit training before deployment. The tanks will be deployed this side of summer, likely in May or towards Easter time.
Assessment & feedback
For Security Reasons, I Cannot Provide Exact Timings.
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
45% of military personnel in Cheshire are living in accommodation below the standard set by the Ministry of Defence.
Some 45% of Cheshire's military personnel, amounting to 220 individuals, reside in substandard single accommodations. This is unacceptable and needs urgent resolution. How will the Minister ensure that these personnel have homes fit for heroes?
97% of Ministry of Defence service family accommodation meets or exceeds standards. However, 105 homes owned by the Labour-controlled local authority in Cheshire fall below decent home standards.
Assessment & feedback
Taking Up This Issue With His Council.
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in Rushcliffe treats injured armed forces members.
I am grateful for the work of the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in treating injured personnel. What assessment has been made on sharing this expertise with Ukrainian allies to help rehabilitate their wounded soldiers?
Last Monday, I visited the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre and learned about the NHS-led National Rehabilitation Centre, which aims to provide a trailblazing international rehabilitation facility. We stand ready to assist Ukraine against Putin's aggression.
Assessment & feedback
Not Addressing The Specific Ask.
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Afzal Khan Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Context
A Labour dossier claims that £15 billion of taxpayers' money has been wasted on defence procurement since 2010.
The Labour Party's dossier states that at least £15 billion of taxpayers' funds have been wasted in the Ministry of Defence since 2010. Can the Secretary of State explain why the Government is failing to secure value for money?
The dossier is considered dodgy because half the cited waste occurred under a Labour Government.
Assessment & feedback
Attacking The Opposition.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Context
Poland has announced a significant increase in its defence budget.
Will the Secretary of State join me in applauding Poland's decision to raise its defence budget to 4% of GDP? What conclusions does he draw from this example?
The Poles have shown leadership in the face of Russia's aggression, and their decision reflects the current unstable world environment.
Assessment & feedback
Broad Statement Without Specifics.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Dan Carden Lab
Liverpool Walton
Context
Police records of LGBT veterans convicted during the ban on homosexuality were destroyed.
The call for evidence revealed that police records of LGBT veterans convicted under anti-gay laws were destroyed. In parliamentary responses, the Department cited data protection; in letters to veterans, it mentioned a directive by the Defence Police Chiefs Council. Will the Secretary of State or another Minister clarify this and consider making these meetings public?
The handling was in accordance with civilian practice. The Etherton review will examine the matter further.
Assessment & feedback
Deferring To An Ongoing Investigation.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
The Department has been preparing for supporting overseas territories in the Caribbean during hurricane season.
What preparations have been made by the Department to support overseas territories in the Caribbean this year's hurricane season?
The Department has developed resilience for overseas territories, maintained naval assets, and kept readiness for assistance.
Assessment & feedback
Broad Statements Without Concrete Measures.
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Judith Cummins Lab
Bradford South
Context
Ukrainian officials need increased military support, particularly in forming a fighter jet coalition with NATO allies.
During my visit to Ukraine, officials requested more military support. Given US discussions on creating a fighter jet coalition and Germany's reluctance, what assessment have the Government made about building such a coalition?
We are tracking progress based on battlefield needs. Our response is not ad hoc but considered carefully.
Assessment & feedback
Broad Statement Without Specifics.
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The MOD announced £1.6 billion for repairs and refurbishment of base accommodations, but Fort Blockhouse in Gosport remains empty despite spending millions on hotels elsewhere.
I warmly welcome the announcement of £1.6 billion for repair and refurbishment of on-site base accommodation. Meanwhile, we hear that in Portsmouth alone, the Royal Navy is spending millions of pounds a year putting people up in hotels while Fort Blockhouse remains empty. When will the MOD address this?
I am aware that my hon. Friend knows Fort Blockhouse intimately, as indeed do I. It is aesthetically charming, but it is beyond reasonable repair when it comes to accommodating servicemen and women. We are spending money on HMS Collingwood, and I hope that it will be brought up to spec shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Specific timeframe for addressing Fort Blockhouse was not provided
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
Context
Samantha O'Neill, a veteran with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, is set to be made homeless by the City of York Council despite it being a signatory to the armed forces covenant.
A week from today a constituent of mine, Samantha O'Neill—a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan—is due to be made homeless from a hostel by City of York Council. What steps can the Minister take to ensure that she and her three children are not homeless a week from today?
Obviously I cannot comment on a specific case when I do not have the details, but if the hon. Lady will send them to me, I will certainly look into them. Every local authority that signed up to the armed forces covenant needs to be mindful of its duty to look after servicemen, servicewomen and their families.
Assessment & feedback
Specific action to prevent homelessness was not provided
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
The charity Salute Her reported that a third of its caseload presented themselves with sexual assault issues, leading to their discharge due to personality disorder.
The charity Salute Her has reported that 133 women—a third of its caseload —presented themselves to it last year having suffered a sexual assault. They also presented themselves to defence community mental health services but were subsequently discharged from the military owing to their having a personality disorder. Will the Minister look into the service to ensure that due clinical rigour is applied before people are discharged with a personality disorder?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend and predecessor. I see no evidence that people are being misdiagnosed or mismanaged. This is, of course, a matter for healthcare professionals and consultant psychiatrists in particular, and I cannot really interfere with their diagnoses, but I have noted my hon. Friend's concerns, and I will certainly look into the issue.
Assessment & feedback
Specific review timeline not provided
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
The UK's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic shares a unit with Estonia, focusing on technological advancements within NATO.
Does the Secretary of State agree that what we have learnt from Ukraine is that the future of good defence will lie in having the latest technology and innovation? Are there any new schemes we could have that would increase investment in that new technology, especially involving partnerships with other countries across NATO?
I am delighted that we share the European headquarters of the defence innovation accelerator for the north Atlantic, or DIANA—a unit within NATO—with Estonia. I felt that it was important to partner with a small, innovative country to ensure that we get the very best between us. Our research and development budget is £6.6 billion, and we are one of the leaders in Government in investing it.
Assessment & feedback
Specific new schemes not provided
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
Veterans in the constituency often struggle to adapt from frontline service to civilian life, highlighting the need for support.
Many veterans in my constituency tell me that they sometimes struggle to adapt from frontline service to the jobs that are available locally. Can my right hon. Friend provide an update on the work of the defence transition service, which helps veterans to get into good, well-paid jobs?
My hon. Friend may be referring to the career transition partnership, which is normally used for people making the transition to civilian life. The defence transition service is for those who have sustained an injury or illness. It is designed to ensure that people have the support that they need in order to adapt to their particular circumstances, and that they have the best possible chance of getting a decent civilian job after they leave the services.
Assessment & feedback
Specific update on effectiveness not provided
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
There are 14,500 urgent maintenance appointments in armed forces homes that have been missed.
A recent news report detailing 14,500 urgent maintenance appointments in armed forces homes being missed is very concerning. Will my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents and me that he is taking every step to ensure that all our soldiers can live in good-quality homes?
Absolutely. It is the top priority for me, the Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Procurement. We must bear in mind that 97% of those houses are above the Government housing standards—better than most councils and registered social landlords. But we must do better, and we are bending ourselves to that task.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to address backlog not provided
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
Increment 1A of the maritime electronic warfare program is under review.
Can the Minister confirm that UK operational sovereignty will be a factor in increment 1A of the maritime electronic warfare programme? Will he meet me to discuss that?
I will write to my hon. Friend on that important question.
Assessment & feedback
Specific confirmation of sovereignty or meeting arrangement not provided
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
David Davis Con
Goole and Pocklington
Context
There are allegations concerning the operations of 77th Brigade that need to be reviewed.
The Secretary of State referred to the allegations in the weekend press about 77th Brigade. However, will he review the issue and ensure that his guidelines have been followed in all cases?
I thank my right hon. Friend for the compliment. I have already instructed that we not only look into the story but check that the instructions that I issued after a visit were carried out.
Assessment & feedback
Specific review timeline or action not provided
Response accuracy