Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Service Personnel: Retirement Age and Conditions for Service

Monday 11 September 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Christine Jardine raised concerns about the Army losing institutional memory due to rigid retirement ages for reservists.
  • The Defence Secretary stated that life in the armed forces is generally rewarding and skills are transferable to civilian life.
  • John Healey questioned the effectiveness of the Government's actions regarding low pay rises for armed forces personnel.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Defence Veterans
Context

A constituent concerned about the cut-off age of 55 for reservists in administrative roles, particularly noting that it might be too young to retire.

Question

I associate myself with the earlier remarks. I have written previously on this issue. My constituent who spent years in the armed forces is concerned that the Army is losing institutional memory due to rigid cut-off ages, especially for reservists in administrative roles at 55. Will the MOD take this into account and consider allowing longer service?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

I declare my interest as a 63-year-old reservist. I sympathise with the points raised about retaining institutional memory and we will factor these into our review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask of adjusting retirement age for administrative roles not directly addressed

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Defence
Context

Levels of satisfaction with service life have plunged a third over the past 13 years, indicating low military morale.

Question

The Defence Secretary is with his family today. I offer condolences and congratulations on his new role. The decline in military morale has been significant; what is the plan to address this issue?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The picture painted about life in the armed forces may be overly gloomy. Most people find it rewarding, and they take skills with them into civilian life successfully. We have commissioned Rick Haythornthwaite's review to address future workplace competition.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific ask about lifting morale not directly addressed

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Q3 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Defence Veterans
Context

The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, but armed forces personnel have been given the lowest pay rise among public servants.

Question

We acknowledge the Minister's words, but we know his party often lacks action despite rhetoric. What specific measures will be taken to remedy the low pay rise for armed forces personnel?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The lowest paid members received 9.7% by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, which was accepted in full; seniors got 5.8%; two-star rank and above got 5.5%. These are the best pay awards to the least well-paid.

Answered
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Q4 Martin Docherty SNP
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

Police received a significantly higher pay rise than other uniformed public servants, raising questions about the representation body.

Question

I disagree with the figures presented. The police secured nearly 50% higher pay rises compared to our uniformed public servants due to their statutory body representing them. Why does his Government not support such action for armed forces personnel?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The hon. Gentleman ignored my previous statements and did not mention freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living.

Not addressed: Specific ask about supporting a statutory body for armed forces personnel not addressed; changed subject to measures already taken

How: Changing Subject

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Q5 Martin Docherty SNP
Employment Veterans
Context

Freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living crisis.

Question

Why do not his Government support a statutory body for armed forces personnel like they have for the police?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The hon. Gentleman ignored my previous statements and did not mention freezing charges for accommodation, food, childcare services introduced to help with the cost of living.

Not addressed: Specific ask about supporting a statutory body for armed forces personnel not addressed; changed subject to measures already taken

How: Changing Subject

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