Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Army Restructuring

Wednesday 15 December 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister of Defence has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on defence matters in Scotland, including the restructuring of the British Army.
  • The restructuring plan includes expanding the Army's presence in Scotland from six to seven units, increasing the proportion of the Army based there.
  • The future soldier restructuring programme will deliver 355 million of investment in the Army's Scottish estate, according to the Secretary of State.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Randall
Defence Scotland
Context

The question arises from ongoing discussions about the restructuring and modernisation of the British Army, with a focus on how these changes will impact Scotland.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the implications for Scotland of plans to restructure the British Army. The plan includes expanding the army's footprint in Scotland from six to seven units and increasing the proportion of the Army based there.

Answer from Alister Jack

My office and I have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence on all matters relating to defence in Scotland, including the latest plans to modernise and restructure the Army. The review includes expanding the army's footprint in Scotland from six to seven units, increasing its proportion there. Additionally, the Secretary of State for Defence announced that 100 military personnel will support the booster programme in Scotland, while another 80 medics are being deployed to three NHS boards, bringing the total number of military personnel supporting health services to over 400.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the restructuring's implications for Scotland; however, the answer focused on the expansion and support provided by the military without detailing specific cabinet discussions or commitments.

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 Scott Benton
Defence Scotland
Context

The 'Future Soldier' paper highlights the importance of defence to Scotland and its role in UK defence. It includes a £355 million investment in the Army estate in Scotland.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that the 'Future Soldier' paper shows just how important defence is to Scotland and Scotland is to the defence of the UK and our allies, and does he share my enthusiasm that it delivers £355 million-worth of investment in the Army estate in Scotland?

Answer from Alister Jack

Absolutely. Scotland plays a vital role in the defence of the UK. The Army's future soldier restructuring programme is great news for Scotland. Not only will it deliver £355 million of investment in the Army's Scottish estate, but Scotland will gain a major unit and we will see a greater proportion of the British Army in Scotland.

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Q3 Tom Randall
Defence Scotland
Context

Soldiers from Scotland have played a significant role throughout history, including recent contributions like helping roll out the vaccine programme.

Question

Soldiers from Scotland have had a central role in the armed forces over many centuries, from the charge of the Scots Greys at Waterloo, to the western front, to helping roll out our vaccine programme. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that that proud central role will continue as strongly as ever in Scotland following any restructuring?

Answer from Alister Jack

Under the future soldier review, the Army's footprint in Scotland will be stronger than ever, recognising the immense contribution that Scottish servicemen and women make to the British Army. I am pleased that Scottish troops will continue the tradition, and they will lead the new Ranger Regiment, deploying alongside partner forces to counter extremist organisations and hostile state threats.

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