Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Preparations and Support

Monday 2 November 2020 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Defence has supported NHS trusts through distribution of PPE, diagnostic equipment, planning and staffing Nightingale hospitals, and deploying service personnel for testing.
  • Efforts have been made to assist other government departments while maintaining critical defence outputs.
  • Updates on military personnel deployed for pandemic support can be found in the Library of Commons, with 7,500 personnel currently ready but under review.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Jones Con
NHS
Context

The MP asks about the specific preparations made by the Department for supporting NHS trusts in responding to the ongoing pandemic.

Question

What preparations has his Department made to support the NHS and other public bodies with their response to covid-19 during winter 2020-21?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Defence has supported NHS trusts through distribution of personal protective equipment, diagnostic equipment, planning and staffing Nightingale hospitals, and deploying service personnel to conduct testing. A winter support force of 7,500 is established for continued support during the period.

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Q2 Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South
NHS Defence
Context

The MP welcomes the Prime Minister's comments about the use of military logistical expertise in combating the virus but seeks assurance that this will not detract from essential defense operations.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that supporting NHS trusts and other public bodies during the pandemic does not come at the expense of the armed forces' vital work defending the nation?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Throughout the pandemic, efforts have been made both to assist other government departments in tackling the virus and to ensure critical defence outputs are maintained. Continuous at-sea deterrent, quick reaction alert force, and a range of other capabilities remain safeguarded.

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Q3 Jacob Young
Defence Veterans
Context

The MP acknowledges the role of armed forces in testing for covid-19 and suggests focusing on their community service efforts during remembrance.

Question

Does the Minister agree that we should focus not just on the loss of life in battle but also on the commitment our armed forces make to serve communities every day, particularly during Remembrance Sunday?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Throughout the pandemic, the military has committed significant personnel and effort in helping government tasks. Despite restrictions, all efforts will be made to mark Remembrance Sunday appropriately, recognising current sacrifices of armed forces along with past conflicts.

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Q4 Andrew Jones Con
NHS Defence
Context

The MP highlights the impressive engineering, logistical and organisational expertise brought by armed forces during the construction of a Yorkshire and Humber Nightingale hospital.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend focus on additional complementary skills that our forces can bring to combatting this virus, particularly speed?

Answer from Ben Wallace

My hon. Friend highlights the effort of the military in setting up Nightingale hospital in Harrogate and other NHS tasks, noting resilience as a key part of defence skill to be brought for support across government.

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Q5 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Defence
Context

The MP raises the issue of regular updates to the House about military personnel deployment and their numbers.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that Government should keep the House regularly updated on the number of personnel deployed, how they are being used, and if further strengthening will be necessary?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Grateful for raising this point, updates on MACA tasks can be placed in the Library of Commons. Currently 7,500 personnel are ready but under review, with significant asks from local authorities being examined.

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