Topical Questions 2022-03-28
2022-03-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Members inquired about the Defence Secretary's ability to perform his duties due to a recent illness.
Mr Speaker, you are aware that several Members have inquired. The Defence Secretary has had a brief brush with covid but is working virtually and will return physically by evening.
The Defence Secretary has had a second negative test today, confirming he will be back to work by this evening. He remains on course to deliver the objectives of the integrated review despite his illness.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The MP questioned the government's commitment to British-built defence equipment.
Given recent events, why won't Ministers commit to 'British-built by default' for defence procurement?
The approach is supporting British industry while also considering the best available kit from US and NATO allies. We are part of an alliance, focusing on British investment and capability through the defence strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to 'British-built by default'
Supporting British Industry
Considering What Else Is Available
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP praised the Minister for sending lethal military aid to Ukraine before Russia's invasion.
What is the initial assessment of the operational effectiveness of next generation light anti-tank weapons sent to Ukraine?
The weapon systems have been effective, reliable, accurate and valued by Ukrainian forces. The success rate has been prolific.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The MP inquired about the production of British-made anti-tank weapons for Ukraine.
Has production started to replace the British stockpiles of NLAW and Starstreak after pledging 6,000 more missiles?
We are in active conversations with industry regarding the replacement of British stockpiles. Specific operational details will not be disclosed.
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Assessment & feedback
Operational details on production status
Active Conversations With Industry
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the need for increased defence spending amid global threats.
Does the Minister agree it is time to plan for an increase in defence spending, maybe to 3% of GDP?
The integrated review looks at threats and funds accordingly. We are the biggest European and second largest NATO spender, with a £24 billion uplift.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement on spending to 3% of GDP
Looking At Threats
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the need for radar and sonar upgrades at Leuchars airfield.
Can the Minister advise on sonar and radar upgrades for back-up facilities like Leuchars, given current threats?
Still studying radar configurations required. The issue was last addressed in November 2022; committing to update when there is more information.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for upgrades
Studying Radar Configurations
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about a plan to safely bring Afghan refugees with UK connections from Pakistan.
Will Ministers devise a practical plan to safely bring Afghan refugees with entry visas but hunted by Pakistani police to the UK?
Engaged in this matter for some time. High commissioner has reached out; working hard to persuade Pakistan Government to take a different approach.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan details or timeline
Engaging With The High Commissioner
Persuading Pakistan
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Joram, a veteran who served in the armed forces and now lives in Coventry South, faces deportation to Zimbabwe despite no connections there.
A constituent named Joram is a veteran with PTSD who has been deported to Zimbabwe where he will face torture. Can you intervene?
I would be very pleased to review the details of the case and correspond directly with the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment without specifics on how or when the deportation will stop
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland veterans face potential vexatious legal claims.
Will the Minister agree to urgently bring forward legislation to protect Northern Ireland veterans?
We are grateful to all veterans of Operation Banner and seek to give them closure with honour and finality. I am pleased that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will in due course bring forward the requisite Bill.
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Effective deployment of submarine forces depends on accurate intelligence.
Are we making every effort to gather intelligence on Russian naval deployments from other countries?
Our intelligence on Russian submarine movements is, as the hon. Gentleman can imagine, some of the most sensitive, but he will be reassured to know that we are absolutely working with allies to ensure that our understanding of where Russian submarines are is the best it can possibly be.
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Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
Poland's recent decision to award Babcock the contract for Arrowhead frigates.
I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in welcoming that downselection. There is still a process to go, but if it has finally got over the line, as I hope, that will be great news for Babcock, great news for Scotland and great news for British shipbuilding.
I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in welcoming that downselection. There is still a process to go, but if it has finally got over the line, as I hope, that will be great news for Babcock, great news for Scotland and great news for British shipbuilding.
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
A British-Afghan dual national travelled to Afghanistan last year but was not processed for evacuation.
What urgent action can the Minister take, with colleagues in the Home Office, to ensure that my constituent can return safely to the UK with his young family?
The hon. Lady's question implies, I think, that her constituent was not eligible to come under the Ministry of Defence-administered Afghan relocations and assistance policy. I know that will be of no consolation to him or his family in Afghanistan.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment without specifics on how or when the case will be addressed
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Question about Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles being made available to Ukraine.
Could this kit be used to protect humanitarian corridors and nuclear power plants?
It certainly could—it is a highly effective weapons system—but we are not seeking to be in any way prescriptive with the Ukrainians about how it is employed, as they will understand their plan better than we do.
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over future soldier's agility and mobility being compromised by traffic.
Does the Minister share my concern that the agility and mobility hoped for in the Future Soldier programme will be thwarted if those soldiers are stuck in traffic on the M6 near Weeton barracks?
That is an ingenious construction. We always think about this, but I am afraid we do not have any plans to change that element of the defence estate optimisation portfolio at this point.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment to consider or reconsider keeping Dale barracks open
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Q15
Direct Answer
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Context
Ukraine is becoming one of the most contaminated countries in the world, posing threats to military and civilians.
Will the Minister meet me and leaders of EOD UK, a mine action community, to discuss how we can plan for the enormous decontamination task ahead of us?
I certainly will. I have had the opportunity—I am not sure if it is the misfortune or good fortune—to visit a number of countries that have been heavily mined in the past.
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Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
National security vetting services play an important role.
When will the Minister announce that they will remain in York when the MOD moves forward with its plans for the Imphal barracks site?
I cannot give any form of commitment on that right now, but I will write to the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment regarding future plans for national security vetting services in York
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Q17
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK-led NATO battle group in Estonia received military vehicles and equipment successfully delivered by British and Danish supply ships escorted by Royal Navy vessels.
Over the weekend I was pleased to see two Royal Navy vessels join five other JEF nations in escorting British and Danish supply ships delivering military vehicles and equipment to the UK-led NATO battle group in Estonia. Does my hon. Friend agree that as well as playing a vital role in NATO, it is important for the UK to continue to lead the joint expeditionary force?
I certainly do. NATO has been the absolute cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security since the end of the second world war, and long may it continue to be so. Neither the JEF, the EU nor anything else should be seen as an alternative. However, there is a market for complementary organisations such as the JEF, which do not require consensus.
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The veterans strategy action plan aims to address the historical hurt or disadvantage experienced by sections of the veteran community.
The veterans strategy action plan includes a commitment to address the historical hurt or disadvantage that sections of the veteran community have experienced. Will that include compensation for LGBT veterans?
I look forward to announcing further progress on the review in due course. I do not want to pre-empt the terms and conditions of the chair, but I think that they will be reassuringly broad.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not specify if it includes compensation for LGBT veterans, only promising further progress in due course without providing specifics.
Looking Forward To Updating
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Q19
Direct Answer
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Context
There is a need to reiterate NATO's defensive nature in response to Putin's presidency.
While it is perfectly true that any sensible person in the west would rather President Putin were not the President of the Russian republic, does the Minister agree that it is vital that we reiterate at every second that we can that NATO is a defensive alliance among 30 members and that we will react if one boot goes over the line on to NATO land, but the presidency of Russia must be a matter for the Russian people, not for us?
My hon. Friend is correct. NATO is a defensive alliance, and we are working closely together. As my hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces said, we are undertaking measures to ensure that NATO retains that deterrence and defensive posture that is appropriate in these times.
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Q20
Partial Answer
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The Minister previously gave an encouraging answer regarding nuclear test veteran recognition during the 70th anniversary.
At the last Defence questions, I got what I hoped was an encouraging answer on behalf of the nuclear test veterans for what will be the 70th anniversary of the first nuclear tests. Will the Minister update us on where we are in recognising those veterans and their families for their sacrifice?
This continues to be under review. I look forward to updating the hon. Member in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide any update or timeline for recognising nuclear test veterans and their families, only stating it is under review.
Under Review
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Q21
Direct Answer
Ministers have said that we have supplied 4,000 NLAWs and other equipment and deployments, and that we are supplying 6,000 more. Meanwhile, Germany says that it will supply 1,000 and France has not stated what it will supply—as far as I know, nothing has been supplied—so what advice do we give to our colleagues in Europe about how to get their equipment into Ukraine?
It is not just advice; we offer a service whereby we will go to countries around Europe and pick up stuff and ensure that it gets to Ukraine. At the international donor co-ordination centre in Stuttgart, which I had the pleasure of visiting last week, the UK's 104 Brigade headquarters is the global lead on co-ordinating how all that lethal and non-lethal aid arrives in countries that neighbour Ukraine and how it is moved on thereafter.
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Q22
Direct Answer
With the next generation Challenger 3 turrets being built in the north-east, supporting hundreds of jobs, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory working with Newcastle and other local universities and Cook Defence Systems in my constituency providing armoured vehicle tracks for not just British tanks but those of NATO and European allies, will my hon. Friend ensure that the north-east's firms and workers remain at the heart of British defence procurement?
They are. Last Thursday, I had a great day opening the AI hub for DSTL in Newcastle and pressing the button to start production of the turrets for our Challenger 3 tanks, to which my hon. Friend referred. There is a great history of defence manufacturing in the north-east, and it will have an even greater future.
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