Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Commonwealth Veterans

Monday 15 March 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions have occurred regarding the immigration status of Commonwealth-born veterans.
  • Non-UK personnel can settle after four years of service, with extended application deadlines.
  • A public consultation is imminent to address the issues faced by Commonwealth veterans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Immigration Veterans
Context

The MP raises concerns about the immigration process for Commonwealth-born veterans who served in the UK armed forces. He references recent discussions with the Home Secretary and highlights the policy's impact on these individuals.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Home Secretary regarding the immigration status of Commonwealth-born veterans? I am aware of the strength of feeling that the Secretary of State has on this issue, but these veterans face a shameful choice between paying significant fees or leaving. This is affecting their ability to settle in the UK.

Answer from Ben Wallace

We value all who serve in our armed forces regardless of origin. Non-UK personnel can settle after four years' service, with discharge application deadlines extended from 10 weeks to 18 weeks before leaving. An imminent consultation is due; I urge Members to contribute and address ongoing issues regarding Commonwealth veterans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing for the public consultation and whether reforms will apply to both veterans and families was not explicitly confirmed

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Q2 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Veterans
Context

The MP raises concerns about the delays in responding to correspondence regarding the immigration process for Commonwealth-born veterans. He emphasizes the need for reforms that apply to both serving personnel and families of veterans.

Question

Pay up or pack up: that is the shameful choice presented to our Commonwealth servicemen and women. I am aware of the strength of feeling that the Secretary of State has on this issue. Will he confirm when we will see the public consultation? Will the reforms promised apply to veterans and families, as well as to serving personnel?

Answer from Ben Wallace

I apologise for delays in responding to correspondence. The consultation is imminent, to be scheduled as soon as possible. Once published, I am keen to discuss with Members on proposed measures and equity for all veterans, including Gurkhas and Commonwealth personnel.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing for the public consultation was not provided; details on whether reforms will apply equally to both serving personnel and families of veterans were vague.

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