Topical Questions 2023-05-15
2023-05-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner echoes the Secretary of State's comments on the importance of collective security in response to Russian aggression. She asks what steps are being taken to secure alliances.
I echo the Secretary of State's comments in their entirety. The visit by President Zelensky today highlights how vital a collective approach is to our national defence and security. To that end, what steps are the Government taking to ensure that we have security and defence agreements in place with our nearest allies in Europe, in response to Russian aggression?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that we get our strength through coalition and our alliances, and NATO is the most successful military alliance the world has seen. In addition, I led the way in ensuring that countries that were not covered by NATO at the time—Sweden and Finland—signed together a mutual defence pack about two years ago, when no one thought that they would now be joining NATO. We encourage nations to join NATO and to apply using the open-door policy; at the same time, we seek to help other nations to join using memorandums of understanding and other agreements, to try to bolster that enabling alliance.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner seeks an update and a timeline on the women veterans strategy.
Following the groundbreaking work done by my hon. Friend the Member for Wrexham (Sarah Atherton) on the experience of women in the military, Delyn constituents were pleased to hear the announcement of a women veterans strategy. Could the Secretary of State provide an update and a timeline on when that might be implemented?
I can. I will write to the hon. Gentleman, as the strategy will be the responsibility of the Office for Veterans' Affairs. I will be happy to provide him with further details.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not give a direct timeline or update; stated he would provide more information in writing.
Promises Information Later
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner supports the extra military aid announced today for Ukraine. They argue against cutting the size of the British Army.
We welcome President Zelensky's visit and the extra military aid announced today. The invasion of Ukraine has reinforced the importance of strong deterrence and Army numbers. While NATO is responding by increasing its high-readiness force to 300,000, the Defence Secretary is still set on cutting the British Army to its smallest size since Napoleon. Will he halt the cuts in next month's defence Command Paper?
I have been really clear that this is not a numbers game; it is about making sure that, whatever the size of our armed forces, we have a completely well-equipped and well looked-after workforce. If we simply go on a numbers game, without the appropriate funding—and I have heard no commitments from the Labour party—we will go back to a world that I served in, under Governments of both parties, where we had numbers on paper and on parade grounds, but hollow forces. I will not repeat that. I will make sure that whatever we have is fully equipped and fully 360. That is the real lesson of Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to halting cuts; focused on equipping the army rather than numbers.
Change Of Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner challenges the Secretary of State's response regarding the increase in defence spending.
Labour has argued for over two years for a halt to these cuts. Despite the Secretary of State's bluster, the truth is that he has failed to get the new money for defence, apart from for nuclear and for stockpiles. Why will he not just admit it? Far from responding to the threats that Britain faces, he is cutting the Army to cut costs.
This is like “Through the Looking Glass”, Mr Speaker. The reality is that as Defence Secretary I have achieved an increase of over £24 billion, both in resource departmental expenditure limit, in parts, and also in capital spend. It is important that the House understands that the world and the battlefield are changing. If we simply go to a numbers game, we will head back to a first world war. What we need is to learn the lessons and equip and support people properly. I have still not heard from the Opposition a single mention of their defence budget. Reversing the cuts, of course, will cost billions of pounds. I have heard nothing so far.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not admit to failure; instead cited achievements in funding and criticized the opposition for lack of detail on their own plans.
Criticism Of Opposition
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner recently became honorary president of the Royal British Legion's Hinckley branch. He asks to thank all those who give their time for such organisations and what more can be done to support them.
I recently had the privilege of becoming honorary president of the Royal British Legion's Hinckley branch. My first engagement was to join the Hinckley armed forces and veterans breakfast club at the Hansom Cab in Burbage for its fifth-year celebration. That amazing organisation helps veteran men and women, providing support, companionship and banter for those who have served. Will the Minister thank all those who give their time for such organisations? More importantly, what more can he do to support armed forces and veterans breakfast clubs?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on his presidential duties at the Hinckley branch of the Royal British Legion—my own branch in Burnham-on-sea will just about let me make the tea. He is absolutely right to draw attention to the fantastic work of veterans breakfast clubs. The Government have supported those through the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. I know that that support is as well received in his constituency as it is in mine, where there is an excellent club in Glastonbury.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner notes the UK's pledge of military support to Ukraine and asks for an assessment of the pace of delivery.
Today the UK is pledging a new package of military support to Ukraine. What assessment has the Minister made of the pace of delivery of those vital supplies to Ukraine?
Right from the start, the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of ensuring that the supplies get into the country as soon as possible, basing people not only in the international donor co-ordination cell in Germany—there are over 70 military personnel there—but in neighbouring countries, to ensure the logistics of getting supplies to reach places in time. We are still managing to commit to that pace.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Service personnel, especially those from Woolwich barracks, face limitations on free travel in London when not in uniform.
The Mayor of London has generously permitted 54,000 friends and family of Transport for London workers free travel around London. He has also granted police officers from eight services free travel when not in uniform. Will the Minister explain to service personnel, particularly those from Woolwich barracks, why they can travel free only while in full uniform, which makes them and those around them a target? Are there any plans to rectify that discrepancy?
The Labour Mayor of London is also expanding the ultra low emission zone charge, which will affect thousands of armed forces personnel who are based in the outer boroughs. I suspect that our Opposition colleagues will have heard of this impact on their cost of living, and will be earnestly encouraging their Mayor to ensure that free travel is extended to armed forces personnel who are not travelling in uniform.
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Assessment & feedback
The discrepancy between police officers' and service personnel's free travel privileges was not addressed.
Deflecting The Criticism Towards Labour
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is transitioning to a new NATO force model that requires greater readiness and capability.
The transition to the new NATO force model must be complete by this year. Can the Secretary of State update the House on how prepared the UK is for more capability at greater readiness, so that we can continue to play our leading role in NATO?
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe recently issued his regional plans, which extend to 3,000 pages of detailed proposals for the defence of Europe. From that will stem a donation conference at which all the member states will present their contributions to the plans. Within that, we will develop the new force model that will contribute to the new force structure of NATO. Once we have got through that period of the next few months, we will be able to tell the House exactly what we have put forward, how ready it is, and whether it meets the ask of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific readiness levels were not provided.
Providing Timelines Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
There are growing rumours that some people who are adversely implicated in the report may be trying to water it down or even suppress its publication.
Clive Sheldon KC, of 11 King's Bench Walk chambers, submitted his Lessons Learned report on the AJAX programme to the Ministry of Defence some four months ago. We are told that it is still undergoing a “fact-checking” process, but there are growing rumours that some people who are adversely implicated in the report are trying to water it down or even suppress its publication. As the Secretary of State personally commissioned the report, and as it is his birthday today, and as this is, I think, my fourth time of asking, will he please give us all a birthday present and tell us when the report will actually be published?
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. What a birthday. My right hon. Friend is entirely right. I have not yet seen the draft, and I have asked to see it as well as the final report so that, on the basis of what I have seen with my own eyes, I can decide whether or not it is appropriate to change it. I have been told, after raising the issue recently, that its arrival is imminent, and it is extremely important to ensure that it does reach me.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline for publication was not provided.
Emphasizing Urgency Without Providing A Date
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Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
BAE Systems in Lancashire has been working on Typhoons and F-35s, with recent excitement about the Tempest programme's concept stage.
You, Mr Speaker, the Defence Secretary and I all have thousands of constituents who work at BAE Systems in Lancashire. They have been working very hard on Typhoons and F-35s, but for the last couple of years there has been a great deal of excitement and hype about the Tempest programme. I understand that the Tempest is still a concept, in terms of its development, so can the Defence Secretary tell us when the detailed design and production stages are likely to take place?
My hon. Friend has raised an issue that is important not only to our part of the world but to the whole United Kingdom: the ability to deliver a sovereign capability. I recently went to Japan, where I signed another agreement with my Japanese and Italian counterparts. The global combat air programme, or GCAP—Tempest to us—is incredibly important for jobs in the north-west. It is already moving into the design phase, and we will then start to deal with the question of the political balance—of how much work is shared among the partners. However, there is a strong Government commitment to take this forward. We expect to see test flights before 2030, and we hope that the project will progress strongly for all our sakes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline for detailed design and production stages was not provided.
Discussing Broader Importance Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
More than 22,000 armed forces personnel had been described as being in dental categories 2 or 3, indicating suboptimal dental fitness. Spouses and dependants face difficulties due to frequent house moves.
On 1 March this year more than 22,000 armed forces personnel had been described as being in dental categories 2 or 3, which means that their dental fitness was suboptimal. In addition, constituents of mine who are spouses or dependants of military personnel are struggling to obtain treatment from NHS dentists owing to their frequent house moves. What are my right hon. Friend and the Department doing to ensure that we meet our obligations to service personnel and their families?
I understand that my hon. Friend recently met the Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison), to discuss this matter. Defence service personnel have more access to dentistry than would be expected by the general population. When people are awaiting dental care ahead of deployment, their care is prioritised. As for the wider issue relating to dental provision for service families, my hon. Friend has made an important point, and I will ensure that it is conveyed to Ministers in the Department of Health and Social Care. It does, of course, involve armed forces covenant issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or plans were not provided.
Pointing Towards Future Discussions
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Appledore shipyard in Devon will construct modules for the three support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Reports suggest that Polish shipyards may build blocks of hull for Type 31 frigates.
It was good to hear that the Appledore shipyard in Devon will see the construction of modules for the three support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as announced last November. It has been reported in the press in the last week that shipyards belonging to our ally, Poland, will construct blocks of hull for the Type 31 frigates, with final assembly to be carried out at Rosyth. What parts of the Type 31 will be built in Poland, and what value will that amount to?
My understanding is that the smallest part—[Interruption.]—1% will be built in Poland. That is of course Babcock's decision, made under the original contract, but overall this will be completed in Rosyth and I have already been up there to visit. I am also delighted that, for example, the contract model we put together for the fleet solid support ship has enabled places such as Appledore to get work. It is important that we keep all our yards busy and that they do not just go from feast to famine.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific value of the parts built in Poland was not provided.
Discussing Overall Construction Without Specifics
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Context
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is evaluating ways to maximise procurement benefits for north-east Wales, where the MP's constituency is located.
Will my right hon. Friend comment on the ways in which the Ministry of Defence is maximising defence procurement from Wales, particularly from north-east Wales where my constituency is situated?
Wales plays an integral part in all aspects of the UK's defence policy, with major suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises having a presence there. In 2021, the MOD awarded a £110 million contract to the Raytheon UK plant in north Wales for the RAF's intelligence-gathering asset. We are also working on an advanced technology research centre at MOD Sealand with Welsh Government and Defence Electronics and Components Agency.
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Q14
Partial Answer
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The PCS union and Defence Business Services negotiated terms offering flexible working to disabled and non-mobile staff, including a voluntary release package.
Can the Secretary of State commit to ongoing negotiations with PCS and the Liverpool staff to keep their terms under review, to ensure that staff are given the support necessary to keep their jobs under reasonable conditions?
I am glad that the hon. Lady recognises constructive negotiations took place, offering flexible working and no compulsory redundancies. To date, there have been no compulsory redundancies with a £30 million cost of new site leading to a total £40 million saving.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to ongoing negotiations and review
No Commitment To Ongoing Review
Response accuracy
Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP discussed with the Minister about upgrading existing MOD housing and purchasing new housing, emphasizing the need to use brownfield land like the REEMA North site.
Will he work with me to ensure that we not only use this brownfield land but protect West Oxfordshire's land supply and give the RAF the homes that it needs?
We remain fully committed to developing new housing for service personnel at the REEMA site. Engaging with industry partners and willing to continue engaging with my hon. Friend.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
8,000 Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme families received eviction notices from the Home Office in March.
What assurances can we hear from Defence Ministers that these people will not become homeless?
ARAP individuals have rights including housing benefit and immediate work, which help them integrate into society. It is time to move out of hotels and start working.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assurances against homelessness
Stressed The Ability To Claim Benefits But Did Not Provide Concrete Assurances
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
HMS Prince of Wales faced an engineering tolerance issue delaying its operation.
Is there any financial recourse to the manufacturer in getting the Prince of Wales operational again?
We are examining liabilities and who should pay for the misalignment. The good news is that it has not delayed the work-up significantly, and we will be back on track.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific financial recourse
Stressed Overall Progress But Did Not Specify Financial Actions
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Q18
Direct Answer
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Context
Elizabeth Wilson, a student and member of the Hull Youth Parliament, is campaigning for an armed forces champion to assist pupils with transition and provide peer-to-peer support.
What additional support can the Minister give this young entrepreneur on that project?
I would be very happy to meet that young entrepreneur with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. The idea fits perfectly with local authority forces champions and their local education remit.
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Q19
Partial Answer
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The MP shared condolences with the family of David Brocklehurst, a loss to the Abbots Langley veterans association.
May I, through the Front-Bench team, thank the Minister for Veterans' Affairs for recently visiting Watford to meet veterans, including the Abbots Langley group?
Our veterans are very important. The Government have been on the right track in delivering a great place for veterans. We agree with many parts of Government to support the armed forces covenant and we are going from strength to strength.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific thanks for visit
Changed Subject To General Praise Of Government'S Efforts
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Q20
Direct Answer
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Two Royal Navy personnel from Mike Amesbury's constituency are struggling to attend a commemoration for the USS Frank E. Evans incident in 1969.
In 1969, 74 US personnel perished after the USS Frank E. Evans sank. Two Royal Navy personnel from my constituency were present and they have just been invited to a commemoration, but they are struggling to get there. Can a Minister meet me to look at options to help them get there?
I will be delighted to try to do that, either personally or through the Veterans Minister.
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Q21
Partial Answer
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Context
Substandard military accommodation at Sandhurst has led to a failure in service during Christmas when contractors failed to provide assistance under the Pinnacle Service Families contract.
The Minister will know that I have constituents in substandard military accommodation at Sandhurst. When they asked for help under the Pinnacle Service Families contract over Christmas, it did not turn up. Will he use the relative lull of the summer months to plan ahead with the contractors to make sure we do not have another problem at Christmas?
I have already met the contractors and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and the good news is that maintenance issues that were around at Christmas have been cut by 75%. That is continuing in the right direction, but my hon. Friend is right: the key is to plan ahead for next winter. That is what we are getting on with at the moment. I am determined to hold these contractors to account.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specifically commit to planning ahead during summer months but acknowledged previous meetings and plans for future accountability.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q22
Direct Answer
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HMS Prince of Wales is undergoing repairs in Rosyth. Reports suggest the ship has been cannibalised for spare parts.
HMS Prince of Wales currently lies in Rosyth for repairs and I hear it has been cannibalised for spare parts. Will this £3 billion asset be back on full operational duties by the end of the year?
Yes, by the autumn. It is perfectly normal for ships to take ship stores from each other. HMS Prince of Wales is not being cannibalised because it is off to be mothballed. The ship will be back in full service in the autumn.
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Response accuracy