Topical Questions

Answer from Ben Wallace

As part of its summer campaign, Ukraine has already recaptured approximately 300 sq km. That is more territory than Russia has seized in its whole winter offensive. Ukraine continues to make gradual but steady tactical progress, undertaking major offensive operations on three main axes in the south and eastern Ukraine.

Answer from Ben Wallace

As the Vilnius summit approaches, it is very important that we recommit, and get other nations to recommit, to the 2% target. It is regrettable that only seven to eight nations in NATO are reaching this target. Britain is above the 2%. This is very important because freedom is not free; we have to pay for it.

Answer from Ben Wallace

Our support includes £2.3 billion, and we continue to provide what Ukraine needs. It is important to focus on the offensive and ensure that Russia does not enter a frozen conflict state. The UK aims to push back Russian forces.

Answer from Ben Wallace

I am optimistic about Sweden's application. A recent call with Turkey's new counterpart discussed this, and progress is being made in counter-terrorism legislation to address Turkish concerns.

Answer from James Cartlidge

I will have to check the point regarding steel sourcing and provide more information in due course.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

I congratulate staff sergeant Mickle and instructors. We saw wonderful cadets on National Armed Forces Day and pay tribute to all those who make it possible with their hours.

Answer from Ben Wallace

A range of agencies study social media platforms delivering content to UK citizens. If this comes from a foreign state trying to manipulate people, it is a concern, as I saw radicalisation and exploitation through these platforms.

Answer from Ben Wallace

My right hon. Friend asks an important question about the Vilnius summit, which is a transition moment for NATO allies to build on Madrid commitments and bolster Euro-Atlantic security. The UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Answer from Ben Wallace

The hon. Gentleman raises an important point about the role of Belarus. First, we should recognise that, so far in this illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Belarus has simply supported through the use of its bases, but has itself committed no forces, and the international community would very clearly warn Belarus that it should not do so and join Russia in the folly it is engaged in. It is, of course, a deep concern when we see Russia trying to use Belarus as a sort of satellite state or, indeed, a place to put its nuclear weapons. We keep that under constant review, and we make sure, in the strongest possible terms, that Belarus is aware of the international concerns about its behaviour.

Answer from Ben Wallace

The defence Command Paper will be published before recess—I hope that it will be published sooner rather than later; it is currently in the write-round process with the rest of Government—and we will make sure that we recognise what has happened in Ukraine. One of the biggest lessons of Ukraine is that, whatever army we commit, we must make sure that it is protected 360° with air defence, electronic warfare, signals intelligence and the ability to reach at range.

Answer from James Cartlidge

That is an amusing way of putting the question but it is a serious point. Our plans have not been affected in operational terms because it was always planned that the Prince of Wales would return to flight trials this autumn, and that remains on schedule.

Answer from Ben Wallace

My right hon. Friend might like to know that former colleagues of mine from the Household Division—from the Welsh Guards and others—have also been in contact with me. I have asked to see the papers that have not been released. I am not sure what powers I have to overrule decisions that were made earlier, but I think that that is important for closure and for relatives to get to the bottom of their questions.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the range of mental health support services that are open to our veterans, particularly Op Courage and, he will be interested to note, Op Fortitude. Of course, there is always more we can do, particularly for those who have suffered as a result of their service, but I think it important to say that, in general, service in our armed forces is a positive for mental health, not a negative.

Answer from Ben Wallace

The United Kingdom has always been confident that, given the right international support, leadership and investment, Ukraine can defend its nation and see off this aggressive, illegal Russian invasion.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Armed Forces Pay Review Body has reported, and that will be released shortly. Pay is part of a wider remuneration package, which includes an excellent non-contributory pension, subsidised accommodation, incremental pay, and a range of allowances. The non-financial aspects of the offer are also highly valued. What is not highly valued, frankly, are the tax increases that the SNP introduced in February, which make servicemen in Scotland much worse off than those in the rest of the United Kingdom.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

I am sorry that I was not in Devon on Saturday; I was next door in Cornwall, commemorating our armed forces, as my hon. Friend was. There is a range of welfare support services in Devon. My hon. Friend will be aware of the regional welfare support operation there, which has expert welfare officers who can look after the needs of our wonderful veterans. Of course we can always do more, but I would cite, as I just have, Op Courage and, now, Op Fortitude, which I think will be of great assistance.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that, in addition to pay, things such as wraparound childcare and subsidised healthcare and dental care are available to members of our armed forces, as well as subsidised accommodation, the freezing of food charges and help with council tax—things that we have done in these difficult times to take the edge off the cost of living crisis.

Answer from Ben Wallace

May I place on record our gratitude to Cornwall Council and Falmouth, and all the organisers of the national Armed Forces Day this year—the town laid on an extraordinary event, which was a great tribute to the men and women of the armed forces—as well as all the other local authorities that laid on events up and down the country? Of course I would welcome a bid from Southport; I will also welcome bids from all over the country, and I look forward to this becoming a growing competition to recognise the men and women of our armed forces.

Answer from James Cartlidge

The hon. Lady is more than welcome to write to me with the details, and I will look into this as soon as possible.

Answer from Ben Wallace

My hon. Friend is certainly the best MP for Falmouth. She has been very good at lobbying and making the case for Falmouth, which put on an excellent event, although I am not going to risk insulting all the previous locations, which all did a fantastic job as well.

Answer from Ben Wallace

Nothing to hide. To hunt on my Department's land, an organisation must have a recognised governing body. All persons participating in a hunt must be members of such an organisation, and that organisation must also hold an MOD-issued licence, the terms of which clearly state that only trail hunting carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Hunting Act 2004 are permitted. I withdrew the MOU—which had never been announced to Parliament under the hon. Lady's party's previous Government—because the only people who should be masked and camouflaged on MOD land are soldiers in training, not hunt saboteurs.