Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Overseas Veterans: State Pensions

Monday 7 December 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • Carol Monaghan asked about discussions on the effect of frozen state pensions on overseas veterans.
  • The Minister stated that the Government have no plans to change the policy on overseas pensions uprating.
  • The Minister emphasized that state pensions are the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carol Monaghan SNP
NHS Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

The question is prompted by the issue of UK state pensions not being uprated annually for those not resident in the United Kingdom, affecting an estimated 60,000 veterans.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the effect of frozen state pensions on veterans living overseas. The Minister prides himself on standing up for veterans, so it is surprising to hear him say that he will not do anything for veterans whose pensions are frozen and many of whom live in poverty.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Government have no plans to change their policy on overseas pensions uprating. State pensions are the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions, and questions about the policy should be directed to that department.

Not addressed: Specific actions or discussions about veterans with frozen state pensions were not addressed

How: I Will Not Take Any Lessons From The Hon. Lady On Standing Up For Veterans

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Q2 Carol Monaghan SNP
Benefits & Welfare Veterans
Context

The question is prompted by the issue of UK state pensions not being uprated annually for those not resident in the United Kingdom, affecting an estimated 60,000 veterans.

Question

The Minister prides himself on standing up for veterans, so it is surprising to hear him say, as he just has, that he is not going to do anything for the estimated 60,000 veterans who have their pensions frozen, many of whom are living in poverty and relying on family handouts. These are pensioners such as world war two veteran Anne Puckridge.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I will not take any lessons from the hon. Lady on standing up for veterans. State pensions are the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions, and she is well aware of that fact.

Not addressed: Specific actions or discussions about veterans with frozen state pensions were not addressed

How: I Will Not Take Any Lessons From The Hon. Lady On Standing Up For Veterans

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)