Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 16 March 2020 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 7 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Toby Perkins asked about publishing figures on how many people join the armed forces from each constituency annually, to which the Secretary of State agreed to look into.
  • Nia Griffith questioned the Government's communication strategy regarding the coronavirus pandemic, including anonymous briefings to the media, and was informed there is no Operation Hades and no plans to send military personnel to guard supermarkets.
  • Jason McCartney inquired about continued support for companies like David Brown Santasalo in the MOD supply chain and a potential visit to the firm, to which the minister responded positively if his schedule allows.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield
Defence Veterans
Context

The question arises in the context of pride and transparency regarding military enlistments.

Question

Members across the House take huge pride in the people in their constituency who join our armed forces, but would it not give greater focus to our pride if figures were published regularly to show how many from each constituency join each year? Will the Secretary of State see if such statistics can be provided?

Answer from Ben Wallace (The Minister for Defence People and Veterans)

I would be delighted to try to get that important data to hon. Members. I would also like to try to get the data on how many people are leaving our armed forces and going back into our constituencies. As president of an association, I know how hard it is to get in touch with soldiers from my regiment to make sure that they get the assistance they deserve.

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Q2 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Defence Democracy & Elections
Context

The question addresses concerns over media reports and their accuracy regarding military operations.

Question

This weekend there has been widespread concern about the Government's communication strategy on the coronavirus pandemic, including a number of anonymous briefings to the media. Can I tempt him to join me for the opening of our new facility in the coming months?

Answer from Ben Wallace (The Minister for Defence People and Veterans)

There is no Operation Hades, contrary to one report. There are absolutely no plans to send military personnel to guard supermarkets. Of course we have made all sorts of assumptions that reflect, first, infection rates in the general population and, secondly, the unique aspects of the armed forces' working life. We will make sure that we look after our armed forces and continue operationally.

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Q3 Jason McCartney Con Congleton
Defence
Context

David Brown Santasalo, based in the MP's constituency, manufactures parts for military vessels.

Question

David Brown Santasalo has been manufacturing propulsion gears for Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates. The company also invests in apprenticeships. Will the ministerial team continue to support companies like David Brown Santasalo in the MOD supply chain? Would the Minister visit the firm?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

My hon. Friend has previously raised this company, its work and apprenticeships with me. If my diary permits, I would be pleased to visit it with him.

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Q4 John Spellar Lab Coventry North East
Business & Trade
Context

The MP seeks to restart a naval shipbuilding program.

Question

Companies like David Brown Santasalo need orders, including for the shipbuilding industry. Will the Minister start the fleet solid support vessels programme again and ensure these ships are built in British yards?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The right hon. Member champions British shipbuilding. After ending a delinquent competition, I have re-examined contract terms and conditions. He should watch this space.

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Q5 Sally-Ann Hart PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
NHS Mental Health Veterans
Context

The MP is concerned about veterans accessing proper medical care.

Question

In the constituency, veterans with mental health issues struggle to find GPs equipped for their needs. What measures does the Minister suggest for equipping GPs to deal with veterans' mental health?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I pay tribute to Dr Jonathan Leach's work making GP surgeries veteran-friendly. I plan to audit them and launch a veterans' mental health programme in April, highlighting where veterans can gain access to state care.

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Q6 Jack Lopresti Con Filton and Bradley Stoke
Defence Employment
Context

The question pertains to the representation of individuals from state schools within the officer ranks of the British Army.

Question

In relation to social mobility and the British Army, how many serving officers went to a state school, and what we are doing to increase that proportion?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I recognise the question, but this simply is not the issue that it perhaps was 20 or 30 years ago. We have far more people from state schools going to Sandhurst and other military establishments. I am cognisant of the fact that we can always do more, but we have some extraordinary social mobility stories that I am more than happy to share with my hon. Friend. We are absolutely committed, regardless of someone's socioeconomic background, ethnicity or anything like that, and the armed forces are perhaps the greatest exponent of social mobility in this country.

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Q7 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Veterans
Context

The question concerns the timeline for implementing a scheme to compensate war widows who have lost their pension due to remarriage or cohabitation.

Question

Given that the Government are on track to deal with the hounding of our veterans within 100 days of taking office, how many days will it take to produce an ex gratia plan for the compensation of the estimated 265 war widows who lost their pension on remarriage or cohabitation?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I have met my right hon. Friend a number of times to discuss this issue. Indeed, I have met the war widows groups. The Secretary of State made a statement to the House, and we continue to look at schemes on how we can help those who have lost their husband or wife in the service of this nation. We have made it clear that we owe them a debt of gratitude, and we will look to set up some sort of fund or payment that will rightly recognise their sacrifice for the nation.

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