Topical Questions

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I am concerned about the Department's qualitative whole force inclusivity report and its submission to the Defence Committee's inquiry into women in the armed forces. Given the significance of this issue, why was it important to place this copy in the House of Commons Library for a wider readership?

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I thank the Secretary of State for answering my question before I asked it. In light of recent threats from Iran, what further actions will be taken by the UK government alongside our allies and NATO?

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While it remains essential to maintain our UK nuclear deterrent, will he also use the integrated review to reboot Britain's commitment to help forge the next generation of necessary arms controls and security agreements?

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Will my right hon. Friend praise the hard work and service of these individuals and set out what steps his Department will be taking to honour their efforts?

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Unfortunately, these 'efficiency savings' often have a direct and deleterious effect on the terms and conditions of the most vulnerable defence people. Will the Minister advise what is being done to ensure that efficiency savings are not an excuse to drive down working conditions?

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As my right hon. Friend considers his review priorities, will he commend the Warrior capability sustainment programme for providing greater certainty in delivering on its budget and greater confidence that that will be delivered on time, and for its commitment to developing skills and the UK supply chain?

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I recently met a veteran with untreated post-traumatic stress disorder. He attempted suicide twice using disturbing methods in public. After the first attempt, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital, released unwell and then attempted suicide again. For that, he received a prison sentence. On release, he was left homeless, jobless and in no better mental state than when he went in. Is this in keeping with the covenant, and if not, what are the Government going to do about it?

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On Saturday, I joined my hon. Friends the Members for Stoke-on-Trent South and for Stoke-on-Trent Central for a shift at our city's mass vaccination centre. Overseeing the volunteers were brave ex-servicemen and women from RE:ACT, who are providing vital support, enabling our NHS heroes to get jabs into arms. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking local veterans from Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove and Talke, and all those involved in RE:ACT, for once again stepping up to serve the nation and protect the people of our United Kingdom?

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Babcock International aerospace staff at RAF Leeming are currently on strike over a £5,000 pay disparity with colleagues performing the same duties at other bases. Does the Secretary of State agree that this pay injustice is wrong, and will he join me in calling for Babcock to engage meaningfully with Unite the union to resolve this dispute and end the disruption to training flight schedules?

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I welcome the improvements to the service justice system that are part of the new Armed Forces Bill. Many serving personnel have been put off complaining by the existing system, and the time it takes to proceed with their complaint. Can the Minister confirm that both current and new complaints will be dealt with in a more timely manner, to not only help the mental health of the complainant but improve military operational effectiveness?

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One of the big stories in today's newspapers is the fact that Scotland is lagging badly behind when it comes to the roll-out of the vaccine. Clearly, all of us want to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible. What can our excellent armed forces do to sort out this very worrying situation in Scotland?

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On behalf of everyone in Bolton, I would also like to wish Sir Tom a speedy recovery. I was heartened to hear that many soldiers have been deployed to set up 80 new covid-19 vaccine centres for NHS Scotland. Can my hon. Friend confirm how many have now opened as a result of this military support?

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David Clapson was sanctioned for missing two jobcentre appointments and died 18 days later due to a lack of insulin caused by an inability to afford electricity. What discussions has the Defence Secretary had with the Work and Pensions Secretary on former service personnel rejected from personal independence payments, resulting in death within six months?

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Royal Marines' commando training centre in Lympstone is assisting with vaccinations. How many team medics are currently undergoing training to vaccinate, and what steps have been taken to train them for this role?

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With the Newport veterans hub providing assistance and the Welsh Government's backing, when will the remaining phase of the veterans recognition scheme be implemented to aid veterans in accessing additional support?

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What steps have been taken to ensure that servicemen and women aiding vaccine deployment across the country receive the necessary support, similar to what would be provided at a military base?

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With 3-6% of homeless individuals being veterans, what specific support is the Department providing to homeless veterans in Coventry North West and across the country during the covid-19 outbreak?