Topical Questions 2022-11-07
2022-11-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns over a whistleblower's claims about radiation breaches and staff relocation.
Our whistleblower has alleged that staff from HM Naval Base Clyde were recently moved from building 201 in Coulport, where warheads are managed, to building 41 elsewhere, due to a serious radiation breach. How many such events have been registered in the past three years? How many such incidents have been reported to the public?
The hon. Member has read out a list of claims. I will be happy to write to him to answer those claims. I suspect the people of Scotland are now rather thankful they have a nuclear deterrent, in the face of a very provocative Putin.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing statistics on events and reporting to public
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP meets Help for Heroes and discusses the routine health assessment at military discharge.
I recently met Help for Heroes, and we spoke about the routine health assessment at the point of military discharge. Is there more that can be done at this point to pick up on mental health issues? It is a defining moment.
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. Help for Heroes is one of our key charities, which I visited a while back in its premises near Salisbury, and I plan to meet it again very soon. It is now mandatory for all armed forces personnel leaving the services to have a structured mental health assessment at their discharge medical examination. I am pleased to say that that will highlight any unknown mental health needs and enable signposting and referral where necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ask about more measures in routine assessments
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomes the scrapping of the previous Prime Minister's flagship project but criticises the real-terms cut in the current spending settlement.
I welcome the Defence Secretary's news that the vanity project of the previous Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson)—the flagship—will be scrapped, and the spending switched to purposes that will help defend the country. Ahead of the Chancellor's autumn statement, the Defence Secretary told the Select Committee last week 'I need money to protect me from inflation', yet in the current spending settlement, Defence is the only Department with a real-terms cut in its revenue budget.
First, on that particular question, the right hon. Gentleman will know that when I got my defence review—a year earlier than everyone else in the spending review—the figure for GDP inflation used by the Treasury was different from that used now. He will be aware that inflation has gone up since the basis of that calculation was made, which is why I said at the Select Committee that I would like to be insulated from that inflation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on future discussions and funding amount
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the Secretary of State about future funding needs to address inflationary pressures.
When the Secretary of State agreed that budget, it was a £1.7 billion real-terms cut in the revenue budget. Now, he says that inflationary pressures on his budget for the next two years are about £8 billion. How much does Defence actually need from the Chancellor on the 17th to plug this budget black hole that has opened up on the Secretary of State's watch?
First, I do not agree with the premise that I agreed to a £1.6 billion reduction of the resource departmental expenditure limit. At the time, it would have reduced in the fourth year of its profile—it was a four-year profile, if the right hon. Gentleman remembers—but after a £24 billion increase, which is nothing that the Labour party has ever committed to. It would have shown a reduction in the last year, yes, but a real-terms freeze.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding amount from Chancellor
Commitment Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP discusses the recently announced defence accommodation strategy worth £1.6 billion.
The recently announced defence accommodation strategy is worth £1.6 billion of investment, which will bring better facilities for our servicemen and women. Equally, it will create thousands of jobs across the United Kingdom. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that, notwithstanding the budget pressures, the strategy will still be proceeded with?
I am exceptionally grateful to my hon. Friend, who takes a close interest in these matters. Having spent four decades occupying pretty shoddy accommodation across the defence estate, it gives me great pleasure to say that the new strategy will definitely improve the quality of life of our personnel. The defence accommodation strategy commits to increasing the quality of homes, plus a fairer allocation process, and that will be game-changing.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The state of military housing has deteriorated with nearly a third needing repair despite £650 million contracts failing to address the issue.
I am concerned about the scandal of poor military housing. Almost a third of homes need urgent repair though £650 million was allocated six months ago without success. When will these companies be brought into line and fix our servicepeople's homes?
Servicepeople care more about home quality than who runs them. The future defence infrastructure services contract is valued at £2.9 billion, aimed to improve housing for service members and sustain jobs across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
The question specifically asked about bringing outsourced companies into line but the answer did not address this directly or provide a timeline/timelines
Changed Topic To Overall Housing Quality
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Exercise Iron Wolf II involved NATO troops, including many British soldiers, in Lithuania to defend against foreign threats.
I thank the 3,500 NATO troops from various countries, especially UK forces, for participating in Exercise Iron Wolf II in Lithuania. The exercise defended our democratic freedoms against hostile powers. Does he agree that the UK's defence is best served by continued NATO cooperation?
I join the hon. Member in congratulating all troops from countries participating in Exercise Iron Wolf II, including British soldiers enjoying NATO cooperation and enhancing security for both the UK and Europe.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
ONS has implemented a new method to record suicides among veterans in Scotland, but not yet for Northern Ireland.
What progress is being made to replicate the ONS's method of recording and reporting veteran suicides in Scotland for use in Northern Ireland?
The ONS has collaborated with the Office for Veterans' Affairs to record servicepeople's suicides for the first time. The statistics do not currently suggest that the service population is particularly at risk, though I am keen to explore any granularity within those figures.
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Assessment & feedback
The ONS has worked on recording veteran suicides but did not provide specifics about progress in Northern Ireland or a timeline for implementation
Changed Topic To General Concern Over Suicide Statistics
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Poland is one of the UK's oldest allies, with historical ties extending over 150 years.
Poland has been our ally for more than 150 years. Could the Secretary of State update on steps being taken to strengthen alliances and modernise Poland's armed forces?
We have a longstanding alliance with Poland, exemplified by deployments of British troops there. Recent activities include sending Royal Engineers during the Belarusian migrant crisis, signing multibillion-pound medium-range air defence deals, and progressing Arrowhead Type 31 shipbuilding.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
More than half of veterans rated their experience with the armed forces compensation scheme at one out of ten, prompting a survey by APPG on Veterans.
Figures show more than 50% of veterans rate their compensation scheme experiences poorly. I have launched a survey to gather feedback from those affected. Will the Minister meet us when this concludes?
I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
The Russian ambassador toured UK studios claiming the UK is involved in nefarious plans, presenting a report to the embassy alleging misconduct.
The Russian ambassador has recently alleged that the UK was up to no good and handed over a report to this effect. What are your comments on these allegations? Have you seen the information? Does Russia have any evidence?
Russia has made various unfounded allegations against the UK and other partners. I received a letter from Russia repeating announced government actions but have yet to see any evidence for its claims.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The integrated defence review is being refreshed, and the Minister mentioned not ruling out capabilities based on it.
It is important to refresh the integrated review. The Minister said he would not rule anything in or out from a capability standpoint. Should we wait for the review refresh before making cuts?
The integrated review will consider various types of capability, including numbers, equipment modernisation and replacements. I have advanced A400 parachute capacity two years ahead, aiming for positive news next year.
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Assessment & feedback
While the Minister addressed some aspects of capabilities, he did not provide a clear answer on whether cuts should await review completion or a timeline for A400 advancements
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
Last week there was an urgent question on conduct towards women in the Royal Navy.
Campaigns and equipment rely on people, and people need to be at the centre of future defence planning. However, last week there was an urgent question on conduct towards women in the Royal Navy. The urgent priority to address unacceptable behaviour and culture has been stretched to a five-year vision, so will the Secretary of State give further reassurances that service personnel will be at the heart of the integrated review and defence Command Paper refresh?
First, let me say how grateful I am to my hon. Friend for the time and effort she gave, even before she entered the Department. She will be a loss to the Department. If I had more Ministers, I would desperately have liked her to have remained to continue her work on women in the armed forces. Like her, I know that there is urgency. We are working at pace. We have already introduced some secondary legislation. We are going to set up soon all the things promised in our report, and I would be delighted if she would like to accompany me on any of those steps.
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Assessment & feedback
The urgency and timeline for addressing unacceptable behaviour were not directly addressed with specifics.
Acknowledging The Issue
General Statements About Work At Pace
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
In March 2020, Russian reconnaissance bombers entered the Rathlin sector of UK airspace.
The Secretary of State will be aware that in March 2020 Russian reconnaissance bombers entered the Rathlin sector of UK airspace. Six Typhoons had to be scrambled in order to escort those reconnaissance bombers out of our airspace. Given the likelihood of an anti-NATO Government being elected in the Republic of Ireland, and given that the UK Government had to seek Republic of Ireland support to enter its airspace in order to escort those bombers out, what actions will the Secretary of State take to ensure that a proper assessment is made of these national security interests?
We have an excellent relationship with the Irish Government on security matters. It is clearly not for me, at the Dispatch Box of the UK Parliament, to talk about Irish policy over the use of its airspace. The hon. Gentleman will know, however, that RAF jets have deployed into Irish airspace on occasion. It is for the Irish Government to set out their policy on why, when and how.
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Assessment & feedback
The actions to ensure proper assessment were not addressed.
Discussing Relationship With Ireland
Referencing Past Raf Deployments
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
RAF Waddington is a busy location for the RAF.
The armed forces are a major employer across Lincolnshire—so much so that it is the ambition of the Greater Lincolnshire local enterprise partnership to become a nationally recognised cluster of innovation-focused defence companies, and to ensure that Greater Lincolnshire and Lincoln are a highly attractive first-choice destination for defence-related industries, service leaders and their families. Will Ministers assure me that Lincolnshire, including busy RAF Waddington, which now has the Red Arrows on base in my constituency, will continue to be a key area for defence investment?
I reassure my hon. Friend that Greater Lincolnshire continues to be a major investment hub for the MOD and the wider defence industry. RAF Waddington is one of the RAF's busiest locations and will remain a base for the foreseeable future. I very much welcome the creation this year of the Greater Lincolnshire Defence and Security Network.
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Assessment & feedback
The commitment to continued investment was vague without specific details.
Reassuring About Investment
Mentioning Defence Network
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The practice of double-counting spending towards the targets for overseas development assistance (ODA) and for NATO defence might be a false economy.
Do the Government recognise that while the practice of double-counting spending towards the targets for overseas development assistance and for NATO defence might be a neat trick, it is a false economy?
Maybe, but we have not accounted any money against ODA in the MOD thus far this year.
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Assessment & feedback
The recognition of double-counting as a false economy was avoided.
Acknowledging Maybe
Referencing No Accounting
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Richard Morgan from 65 Degrees North seeks to help in the rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel.
Recently I met Richard Morgan from 65 Degrees North, a charity that seeks to help in the rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans by giving them the opportunity to participate in challenging adventure. Do Ministers agree that there is a need to change the perception of physical and mental disabilities through this spirit of adventure, and will they congratulate the charity on the work it does?
I most certainly do congratulate it on the work it does. I am very positive about disability in the armed forces. I point the hon. Lady to the diversity and inclusion strategy, which sets out the blueprint for how we can do much better. I would be more than happy to meet the charity that she has cited, and I congratulate it on the work it does.
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Assessment & feedback
The perception of disabilities was not specifically addressed with commitments.
Congratulating Charity
Mentioning Diversity Strategy
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
RAF veterans have been lured to China to assist with its own air force training.
The defence Command Paper states: “China poses a complex, systemic challenge.” But we recently learned that RAF veterans have been lured to China to assist with its own air force training, and today's response to my written parliamentary question confirms that Chinese officer cadets have recently been attending courses at Sandhurst, Shrivenham and Cranwell. Will the Secretary of State confirm that we will update our security strategy towards China, and will the law be changed to prevent former RAF pilots from being recruited by the Chinese military?
It is a couple of days since I signed off the response to my right hon. Friend's question, but from memory it related to a few years ago, albeit within the five that his question referred to. We have since revised our policy on Chinese attendance on key courses, but it is important to note that in none of those courses is anything taught or compromised that might be above the threshold of the Official Secrets Act.
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Assessment & feedback
The update of security strategy and law change were not confirmed with specifics.
Referencing Past Responses
Mentioning Revised Policy
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
War Widows' Association met with the veterans Minister about the 200 to 300 people who lost their widow's pension on remarriage.
In this remembrance period, does the Minister recall the two very constructive meetings held by the War Widows' Association with our hon. Friend the Member for Aldershot (Leo Docherty), when he was veterans Minister, about the 200 to 300 people who lost their widow's pension on remarriage? Will the progress made towards an ex gratia payment for that small cohort now be rapidly brought to a conclusion?
I thank my right hon. Friend for that question. I am acutely aware of the position of the pre-2015 war widows. The Treasury is absolutely against retrospection, and that has been the case over consecutive Governments. Ex gratia payments, however, are a different matter. I cannot give any commitments, but I can tell my right hon. Friend that the matter is under active consideration.
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Assessment & feedback
The conclusion of progress towards ex gratia payment was avoided without specific commitment.
Acknowledging Awareness
Referencing Treasury Stance
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
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Context
The question relates to the newly established specialist veterans orthopaedic centre at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital near Oswestry, a world-class facility providing NHS care for UK veterans.
On Friday, I had the honour of visiting the brand-new specialist veterans orthopaedic centre at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital near Oswestry. It is going to be a world-class facility built to provide NHS care for veterans across the UK, as well as working with military charities to provide other support. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating staff there on their achievement and agree to consider extending such centres across the UK?
The marrying-up over the years between the MOD, the health service and the charities has gone from strength to strength. The example that the hon. Lady has used is something that we should embrace and do more of.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to extending similar facilities across the UK
Response accuracy
Q21
Direct Answer
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Context
The question concerns the RAF's main operating bases' resilience and their ability to disperse operations across civilian airfields in case of emergencies or threats.
Will the integrated review refresh include consideration of the resilience of the RAF's main operating bases, particularly when it comes to dispersal?
As my hon. Friend knows well, although the RAF's main operating bases are incredible centres of excellence for the aircraft they operate, there do indeed need to be well rehearsed plans for dispersing the Air Force across civilian airfields around the country. The RAF is developing and refining those plans as we speak.
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Assessment & feedback
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