Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Deployment of Military Personnel

Wednesday 3 June 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Courts asked the Secretary of State about discussions with the Welsh Government on the deployment of military personnel during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • The Secretary of State highlighted the UK's armed forces involvement in various support roles, including PPE distribution, testing site establishment, and ambulance services in Wales.
  • Chris Elmore requested the Secretary of State to ensure the military base in Brecon remains in Wales during discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Courts Con Bromsgrove
Defence
Context

The question addresses the involvement and coordination between UK armed forces and Welsh Government during the pandemic.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Welsh Government on the deployment of military personnel to Wales in response to the COVID-19 outbreak?

Answer from Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)

I regularly discuss with the Welsh Government the vital role of the UK's armed forces in supporting Wales in its fight against covid-19. Whether it is getting personal protective equipment to those who need it, establishing testing sites or driving and decontaminating ambulances, the response of our servicemen and women is testament to how strong we are as members of the United Kingdom.

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Q2 Robert Courts Con Bromsgrove
Defence
Context

The question highlights the dedication and reach of UK armed forces, particularly in the context of Robert Courts' constituency where RAF transport fleet is based.

Question

Our armed forces have been active in all corners of the United Kingdom during this crisis. We see this particularly clearly in my own constituency, where the Royal Air Force's transport fleet is based. Would the Secretary of State agree that in the dedication and reach of our armed forces we see the perfect illustration of what our family of nations, this Union, can achieve?

Answer from Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)

My hon. Friend makes a really good point really well. There are so many examples of where this is the case. In Wales alone, the armed forces have done one fifth of our ambulance shifts and decontaminated more than 2,000 ambulances, without seeking praise, reward or recognition; it is just part of what the armed forces do, and they do it in a fantastically clear, brave and professional manner. The idea that that service could be provided in a broken-up United Kingdom is a complete fantasy. I wish that some of the separatist noises we occasionally hear in the Chamber would recognise that.

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Welsh Affairs
Defence Wales
Context

The question concerns the military footprint and its economic importance, specifically asking about ensuring that a base in Brecon stays in Wales.

Question

There can be no doubt about the importance of the military in terms of supporting the people of Wales during the pandemic, so can I press the Secretary of State to do all he can, in his discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence, to ensure that the base in Brecon is kept in Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart (Secretary of State for Wales)

Indeed, the military footprint, as it is called, is incredibly important for lots of reasons, economic reasons being high amongst them. I have regular conversations with the various brigadiers and individuals based in Brecon and elsewhere across Wales, and they are as enthusiastic about the hon. Gentleman's comments as I am. It is a shared ambition to ensure that we deliver on our military footprint.

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