Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans

Wednesday 9 November 2022 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps include regular conversations with Cabinet colleagues to ensure veterans can access support throughout the UK.
  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is aimed at delivering better outcomes for affected parties based on widely consulted opinions.
  • The Secretary of State has asked Jim Shannon to write to him regarding the issue of RUC veterans' disablement pensions so he can take up the matter further.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Fletcher
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The question follows the 35th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing, a significant event in Northern Ireland's history that affected many families.

Question

Yesterday marked the 75th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing. My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and others directly impacted by this tragedy. What steps are you taking to support veterans in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My Department and I hold regular conversations with Cabinet colleagues, including the Office for Veterans' Affairs, to ensure that veterans can access support no matter where they live in the United Kingdom. We meet regularly to discuss these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken to support Northern Ireland veterans were not detailed beyond regular conversations and meetings with colleagues.

How: Regular Conversations, Meetings

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Q2 Mark Fletcher
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The question follows up on the previous answer, focusing on a bill that aims to provide certainty for those affected by the troubles.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for his response regarding regular conversations with colleagues. Does he agree that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will offer certainty to veterans who served in Northern Ireland, ending cycles of reinvestigation?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I concur with my hon. Friend's view that the Bill aims to deliver better outcomes for all affected parties, reflecting widely consulted opinions in its legislative framework.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The bill's certainty was acknowledged but without specific details on how it will end cycles of reinvestigation.

How: Concur With View, Legislative Framework

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Veterans
Context

The question addresses the issue of Royal Ulster Constabulary veterans receiving a disablement pension contrary to legal judgments, highlighting a prolonged wait for resolution.

Question

I spoke to the Secretary of State beforehand about this matter. Is he aware that RUC veterans are facing disgraceful treatment with regard to their disablement pension being administered against legal judgments? Will he contact the Department of Justice's permanent secretary to resolve this immediately?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern on this matter, which he raised with me earlier. I would like him to write to me about it so that I can take up the issue further as requested.

Not addressed: The specific issue of RUC veterans' pensions was not directly addressed; instead, a request for written communication was made.

How: Write To Me About It, Take Up Further

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