Topical Questions

Question

My constituent, Daniel, was medically discharged from the Army in 2015, yet in September 2022 he was awarded only tariff-10 compensation. He is housebound and fully reliant on his mother, and psychiatrists agree that sadly his condition is permanent. Seven years on, Daniel is still without compensation that reflects the severity of his mental injury. Will the Secretary of State meet me to review that case, and ensure that veterans who suffer psychological injuries are compensated equally with those who suffer physical injuries?

Question

I have recently been to see some of the RAF housing in Carterton. Given the mould in homes with children present and the fact that requested repairs are left uncompleted, it seems that the Pinnacle-VIVO partnership is failing military families. What are Ministers doing to hold those companies to account?

Question

This month, the Government made important but, again, ad hoc announcements of more military help for Ukraine. We are still waiting for the 2023 action plan of support for Ukraine first promised by the Defence Secretary last August. Will he publish that ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion next month?

Question

Last week, the Defence Secretary said that the armed forces had faced a “consistent hollowing out…under Labour and the early Conservative governments”. However, when Labour left government in 2010, the British Army stood at more than 100,000 full-time troops and we were spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. The serious hollowing out has happened since. Who does he think has been in charge over the last 13 years?

Question

Last week, I visited His Majesty's naval base Clyde with the armed forces parliamentary scheme. I pay tribute to the remarkable men and women we met there who make up our nation's submarine service. Given that we live in ever more dangerous times, will my right hon. Friend confirm that the Conservative Government remain committed to delivery of the new Dreadnought class of submarines to be based in Scotland to provide a continuous at-sea deterrent and so protect our United Kingdom for decades?

Question

It is surely right that non-UK veterans who settle here after their service do not pay visa fees, but it is surely not right that that does not extend to their dependents. Will the Minister match Labour's commitment to change that?

Question

We ought to be extremely proud of the Government's impact in supplying military equipment to Ukraine. Today, our troops are training Ukrainian troops on using Challenger 2 tanks. When will those tanks be deployed so we can see a serious impact in ending the war?

Question

Some 45% of Cheshire's military personnel, amounting to 220 individuals, reside in substandard single accommodations. This is unacceptable and needs urgent resolution. How will the Minister ensure that these personnel have homes fit for heroes?

Question

I am grateful for the work of the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in treating injured personnel. What assessment has been made on sharing this expertise with Ukrainian allies to help rehabilitate their wounded soldiers?

Question

The Labour Party's dossier states that at least £15 billion of taxpayers' funds have been wasted in the Ministry of Defence since 2010. Can the Secretary of State explain why the Government is failing to secure value for money?

Question

Will the Secretary of State join me in applauding Poland's decision to raise its defence budget to 4% of GDP? What conclusions does he draw from this example?

Question

The call for evidence revealed that police records of LGBT veterans convicted under anti-gay laws were destroyed. In parliamentary responses, the Department cited data protection; in letters to veterans, it mentioned a directive by the Defence Police Chiefs Council. Will the Secretary of State or another Minister clarify this and consider making these meetings public?

Question

What preparations have been made by the Department to support overseas territories in the Caribbean this year's hurricane season?

Question

During my visit to Ukraine, officials requested more military support. Given US discussions on creating a fighter jet coalition and Germany's reluctance, what assessment have the Government made about building such a coalition?

Question

I warmly welcome the announcement of £1.6 billion for repair and refurbishment of on-site base accommodation. Meanwhile, we hear that in Portsmouth alone, the Royal Navy is spending millions of pounds a year putting people up in hotels while Fort Blockhouse remains empty. When will the MOD address this?

Question

A week from today a constituent of mine, Samantha O'Neill—a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan—is due to be made homeless from a hostel by City of York Council. What steps can the Minister take to ensure that she and her three children are not homeless a week from today?

Question

The charity Salute Her has reported that 133 women—a third of its caseload —presented themselves to it last year having suffered a sexual assault. They also presented themselves to defence community mental health services but were subsequently discharged from the military owing to their having a personality disorder. Will the Minister look into the service to ensure that due clinical rigour is applied before people are discharged with a personality disorder?

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that what we have learnt from Ukraine is that the future of good defence will lie in having the latest technology and innovation? Are there any new schemes we could have that would increase investment in that new technology, especially involving partnerships with other countries across NATO?

Question

Many veterans in my constituency tell me that they sometimes struggle to adapt from frontline service to the jobs that are available locally. Can my right hon. Friend provide an update on the work of the defence transition service, which helps veterans to get into good, well-paid jobs?

Question

A recent news report detailing 14,500 urgent maintenance appointments in armed forces homes being missed is very concerning. Will my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents and me that he is taking every step to ensure that all our soldiers can live in good-quality homes?

Question

Can the Minister confirm that UK operational sovereignty will be a factor in increment 1A of the maritime electronic warfare programme? Will he meet me to discuss that?

Question

The Secretary of State referred to the allegations in the weekend press about 77th Brigade. However, will he review the issue and ensure that his guidelines have been followed in all cases?