Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Military Aid to Civilian Authorities

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

  • Recent assessment shows the armed forces have maintained capacity to deliver military aid to civilian authorities despite the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Defence continues to assist other government departments through prudent planning and mitigation measures like testing and adapting working practices.
  • The minister anticipates a comprehensive integrated review announcement to provide the armed forces with necessary resources and opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Defence
Context

The MP inquired about the effects of the ongoing pandemic on the armed forces' capacity for operations that support civilian authorities.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the armed forces' capacity to deliver military aid to civilian authorities operations?

Answer from James Heappey

Defence remains able to assist other Departments where appropriate and, through prudent planning, has continued to provide support when required throughout the pandemic. Mitigation measures such as testing of key personnel and adaptation of working practices have ensured that Defence has maintained both its UK operational and contingent readiness, as well as being able to generate the forces we require for our commitments overseas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific effects of the pandemic on military aid capacities not quantified or detailed

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Q2 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Defence Veterans
Context

The MP, as a proud veteran, praised the contributions of the armed forces during the pandemic and sought assurance that they would be adequately supported by the upcoming Integrated Review.

Question

As a proud veteran, I am delighted to see what our great armed forces have done throughout this pandemic. They continue to go over and above. Will my hon. Friend go over and above in honouring our armed forces by seeing that they have everything they need in the integrated review to stand proud on the world stage?

Answer from James Heappey

I look forward to the announcement later in the week and next Monday, but I have a strong suspicion that it will be jam-packed full of opportunities for our men and women to serve at home and around the world in really fulfilling roles that keep our country safer for the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment or timeline provided regarding resources in the Integrated Review

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