Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 2 November 2020 · 17 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 13 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Peter Bone questioned the Secretary of State about a long-term defence spending commitment, to which the response was that while a multi-year commitment is preferred, current challenges necessitate addressing issues as they arise.
  • John Healey inquired about the UK's assessment and representations regarding PESCO for procurement processes post-Brexit. The response indicated that the UK works closely with allied nations and awaits EU rules on third country participation.
  • Craig Williams requested an update on the roll-out of the veterans ID card for former service members, to which the response was that the card's roll-out has been delayed but all new service leavers now receive one.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Bone Con
Defence
Context

The question stems from concerns about the process for investigating serious allegations arising from military operations overseas.

Question

I am concerned that without a multi-year defence settlement, it would be catastrophic. Given this context, will the Secretary of State commit to a long-term spending commitment?

Answer from Ben Wallace

My hon Friend knows that last year we did not have one either but got a generous settlement from the Treasury. While a Department with heavy reliance on capital spending prefers a long-term commitment, today's challenges require reviewing each issue as it comes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to multi-year defence settlement

How: Reviewing Each Issue As It Comes

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Q2 Peter Bone Con
Context

The Secretary of State's overseas operations Bill has faced cross-party criticism for not protecting British troops from vexatious litigation.

Question

Given the criticisms raised today, will the Secretary of State accept that the Bill is flawed and join me tomorrow to work on necessary changes?

Answer from Ben Wallace

No.

Not addressed: Acknowledging flaws or working on improvements

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Q3 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Defence Brexit
Context

There is growing concern over the UK's inter-operational abilities with EU members through permanent structured co-operation (PESCO).

Question

Now that we have left the EU, what assessment and representations are being made regarding PESCO for UK's procurement processes?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

As a leading European ally, we work closely with allied nations without formal EU programmes. The EU is in the final stages of agreeing third country participation rules for PESCO, and we look forward to seeing them.

Answered
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Q4 Alec Shelbrooke Con Wetherby and Easingwold
Justice & Courts Veterans
Context

Captain Dean Sprouting's widow has been seeking justice on behalf of her husband, who died due to an incident involving American soldiers in 2018.

Question

Given the tragic loss of Captain Dean Sprouting, is the British Government allowing US forces to investigate themselves and defend their own actions?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I have met the widow on a couple of occasions and am happy to do so again. This incident has been investigated, and I am more than happy to speak with her but not sure there is much more we can do.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Challenging US over concealment of injustice

How: Not Sure There Is Too Much More

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Q5 John McNally SNP
Context

Royal British Legion branches are preparing for Remembrance Sunday, with local authorities needing guidance on conducting remembrance events.

Question

What guidance has the Secretary of State given to devolved Assemblies and local authorities regarding holding remembrance services this Sunday?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

This is a very important time of year. We encourage people to remember in their own way. Remembrance events will go ahead, and there will be a small national ceremony at the Cenotaph that we encourage people to watch on television.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Providing specific guidance for remembrance services

How: Encourage In Their Own Way

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Q6 Craig Williams Con
Veterans
Context

Former veterans are seeking information on when the veterans ID card will be implemented, as it is of significant concern.

Question

Will the Minister provide an update on the roll-out of the veterans ID card for former service members?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The veterans ID card should have come out at the end of last year but has been delayed. Everybody who leaves the military now gets a veterans ID card, though backdating and dealing with fraud are challenges being addressed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for implementation

How: Dealing With Fraud

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Q7 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Defence Scotland
Context

There is interest in understanding the Ministry of Defence's activities and planned investments for Scotland.

Question

Can I ask the Minister to update on the Ministry's plans for activities and investment in Scotland?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Defence continues investing in Scotland, with RAF Lossiemouth and HMNB Clyde expanding. MOD expenditure with industry increased by £320 per person in Scotland, supporting 10,200 jobs.

Answered
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Q8 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Defence Veterans
Context

The Royal British Legion has expressed concerns about the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill.

Question

Why does the Defence Secretary think the Royal British Legion is so adamant that the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill breaches the armed forces covenant and fails to protect veterans?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Royal British Legion does not think the bill breaches the armed forces covenant. It thinks there is a risk, which has been taken into consideration.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific breach of covenant

How: Hedging Language

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Q9 Pauline Latham Con
Defence
Context

Concerns about UK armed forces' involvement in sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers in Mali.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that UK armed forces will not be complicit in sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers in Mali?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Everyone deploying to Mali will receive mission-specific training. The country has rigorous standards against such behaviour.

Answered
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Q10 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Defence
Context

The Crowsnest project for the carriers has faced severe delays.

Question

With delivery promised for September 2021, can the Minister confirm that it will definitely be ready next year?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

A baseline capability will sail with the carrier strike group next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Definitive readiness confirmation

How: Hedging Language

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Q11 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Bellingcat revealed that Russia continues to develop covert chemical weapons.

Question

What assessment has the Secretary of State made regarding recent revelations by Bellingcat? What does it tell us about the threat and what is being done?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Russia was responsible for the Salisbury Novichok attack. We have called on Russia to declare its chemical weapons programme and brought sanctions against those involved.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific threat assessment

How: Hedging Language

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Q12 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Defence Environment
Context

The Ministry of Defence is a major landowner in England.

Question

What is the Ministry doing to ensure it contributes to environmental sustainability and tree planting targets?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

The programme of planting more trees continues in the estate, with pride in sites of special scientific interest.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to tree planting

How: Hedging Language

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Q13 Sara Britcliffe
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

The constituency has a proud record of armed forces representation.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend agree to look at whether a recruitment office can be opened in my constituency?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

A visit with the Minister for the Armed Forces would be delighted to do, looking at all recruitment offices.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to open an office

How: Hedging Language

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Q14 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Business & Trade
Context

The fleet solid support ships will be built in Britain.

Question

Can the Secretary of State assure us that British steel will be used exclusively to build those ships?

Answer from Ben Wallace

We are engaging with potential bidders, and we will ensure that we build a ship that is the best of British.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Exclusive British steel commitment

How: Hedging Language

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Q15 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
NHS Defence
Context

The military supported the roll-out of Nightingale hospitals during the covid outbreak.

Question

What support is provided by the military to increase NHS bed capacity, and what plans are there for extension?

Answer from Ben Wallace

We continue to review needs within the Department of Health and Social Care and stand ready to deliver.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific extension plans

How: Hedging Language

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Q16 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Fishermen in Scapa Flow occasionally dredge up ordnance.

Question

Why does the Secretary of State consider a payment of £228 adequate compensation for dangers faced?

Answer from Ben Wallace

I will have to look at the detail and write to the right hon. Gentleman with details.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific adequacy of compensation

How: Hedging Language

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Q17 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Defence Employment
Context

Concern about job cuts and weaker terms from contract changes.

Question

Why is the Secretary of State doing this outsourcing exercise that leads to job cuts, weaker terms, and operational risks?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We have gained a lot from the existing contract and hope more will be driven out. We will do nothing that could endanger national security.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Justification for outsourcing decisions

How: Hedging Language

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