Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 20 November 2023 · 26 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 7 Partly answered 13 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jonathan Gullis asked the Defence Secretary to thank volunteers who work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission locally, and the Secretary of State expressed his gratitude and pride in their work.
  • John Healey questioned the Defence Secretary about the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine, and the Secretary of State reaffirmed the UK's strong support for Ukraine, highlighting the country's appreciation for UK assistance.
  • Robert Courts welcomed the Defence Secretary to his position and mentioned the Defence Committee's inquiry into military accommodation, to which the Secretary of State congratulated Courts on becoming the Chair and expressed readiness to collaborate.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Gullis
Defence
Context

The Defence Secretary is new to his role and the question aims to understand the scope of his duties in a challenging geopolitical context.

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. My first months as Defence Secretary have strengthened my long-held belief that we need to strengthen our national defence as the world grows ever-more dangerous.

Answer from Grant Shapps

My first months as Defence Secretary have strengthened my long-held belief that we need to strengthen our national defence as the world grows ever-more dangerous. With the challenges in Ukraine, the middle east and the Indo-Pacific, these are more contested times than any since the cold war. The servicemen and women of our armed forces are our greatest asset.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Defence Secretary did not provide a direct statement on his departmental responsibilities but discussed broader geopolitical challenges instead.

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 Jonathan Gullis
Veterans
Context

The local community in Stoke-on-Trent North has active volunteers who maintain the Commonwealth War Graves, highlighting their importance during Armistice weekend.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. Will he add his thanks to volunteers such as Trevor Simcock, Mal Mullet and Chris Smith, who work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission locally in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke? Ahead of the Armistice Weekend, I was proud to join them at Burslem cemetery with my daughter Amelia to clean the headstones of 130 of our brave and fallen heroes. Will he add his thanks and come to visit those great volunteers?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am delighted to add my thanks to my hon. Friend's brilliant volunteers. It is an opportunity to mention from the Dispatch Box the many thousands of people who turned out across the country on Remembrance Weekend to commemorate and remember those who bravely gave of themselves so that we can be here in freedom today.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not confirm a visit but acknowledged volunteers generally without mentioning specific individuals or locations.

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Ukraine Defence
Context

The UK's support for Ukraine is being questioned due to recent reports suggesting a decline in leadership on military aid funding.

Question

The Defence Secretary said recently that, despite middle east tensions, we must not forget about Ukraine. I welcome that statement, but the UK's leadership on support for Ukraine is flagging, so will Wednesday's autumn statement, as a minimum, confirm the commitment to match this year's £2.3 billion in military aid funding for next year?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I do not know when the right hon. Gentleman was last able to visit Kyiv himself, but when he does go, he will discover that the attitude there is that no country in the world has been more forward-leaning and progressive in its support, and that remains the same today as it was before this conflict began.

Not addressed: The Defence Secretary did not confirm or deny the commitment of £2.3 billion but instead questioned the questioner's knowledge.

How: Personal Attack

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Q4 Henry Smith Con
Defence
Context

The UK holds sovereignty over Diego Garcia, a strategic military base in the Indian Ocean.

Question

What assessment has the Defence Secretary made of the strategic importance to UK national security, and indeed that of the United States, of retaining British sovereignty over Diego Garcia?

Answer from Grant Shapps

It is essential that we maintain our position, to be able to assist ourselves and the United States, in Diego Garcia.

Answered
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Q5 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Defence Veterans
Context

Armed forces personnel and their families are struggling with unfit accommodation, leading to a need for contractor accountability.

Question

I am proud that my constituency is home to hundreds of armed forces personnel and their families and former families, but as Members on both sides of the House have mentioned, last winter far too many of them found themselves living in accommodation that simply was not fit for purpose. Can the Minister confirm how we will be getting tough with the contractors who are letting down our families this winter, and can we have some clarity on when all armed forces families will finally be able to live in homes that are fit for their heroes?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I commend the hon. Gentleman for raising this important matter for his constituency, and I am pleased to work with him on what we offer his service personnel. I have said that last winter was not good enough, but this year we are ramping up massively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a timeline or specific measures for contractor accountability and accommodation improvements.

How: Changed Subject

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Q6 Andrew Jones Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is ongoing international pressure to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that we are more secure as a country when the world is a safer and more peaceful place, and that a successful two-state solution for the Israel and Palestine question is therefore a part of our own national security too?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My hon. Friend is absolutely right about that. The way that we can start along that path is that Hamas could release the 242 innocent civilians that they are holding hostage, which includes some Brits.

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not directly address the question but shifted focus to the hostages held by Hamas.

How: Changed Subject

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Q7 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Defence
Context

Labour Party research indicates significant waste within the MoD, amounting to over £15 billion since 2010.

Question

Labour Party research on waste in the Ministry of Defence shows that over £15 billion has been squandered since 2010, so when are the Government going to get a grip on defence procurement and secure value for money for the British taxpayer?

Answer from James Cartlidge

On all the key metrics there has been a significant improvement since the hon. Gentleman's party was in office.

Not addressed: The Minister avoided discussing current procurement issues and instead compared performance with previous governments.

How: Personal Attack, Changed Subject

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Q8 Robert Courts Con
Defence
Context

The Select Committee is investigating issues related to military accommodation, including the absence of a dedicated officer for inspection and liaison.

Question

May I take this opportunity to formally welcome the Secretary of State to his position? I am grateful for his comments on military accommodation being a priority for him. The Select Committee is undertaking an inquiry into that as well. One of the issues that has come up is the absence of a military uniformed accommodation officer who is responsible for continually inspecting accommodation and then liaising with the contractors to ensure that the repairs take place. Is that something my hon. Friend the Minister will consider?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I strongly congratulate my hon. Friend on becoming Chair of the Defence Committee and I look forward to working with him.

Not addressed: The Secretary did not address the proposal for a dedicated accommodation officer but congratulated the MP on his new role.

How: Changed Subject

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Q9 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The proportion of female recruits in the British Army decreased from 12.6% in 2020 to 11.2% in 2022, and ethnic minority representation dropped from 11.7% in 2020 to 9% in 2021.

Question

In 2022, 11.2% of British Army recruits were women; that is down from 12.6% in 2020. In 2021, 9% of recruits were from ethnic minority backgrounds, down from 11.7% in 2020. What is the Secretary of State doing to urgently remedy this reduction in diversity?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I want to make it clear that everyone within the civil service and UK armed forces should feel represented. The numbers for female representation between last year and this year are 10.4%, rising to 11.5%. Civilian representation at SCS level is 45%. We need a far more balanced armed forces in the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the reduction or provide specific remedial actions, only general statements about representation and balance.

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Q10 Sarah Atherton
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

60 female senior civil servants at the MOD have made allegations of sexual assault, harassment and abuse.

Question

The Defence Select Committee's inquiry into women in armed forces noted progress but unacceptable culture. 60 female senior civil servants made allegations of abuse; would the Minister comment?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Thank you for your question, my hon. Friend. It is unacceptable. The permanent secretary has written to the Department with an action plan addressing specific issues raised, including asking non-executive directors to conduct a review.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q11 John Spellar Lab
Ukraine Defence

Question

The Ukraine conflict highlights the need for a thriving defence industry. Will the Secretary of State now revisit his predecessor's policy of placing orders abroad, especially concerning the FSS ships built in foreign yards?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that I recently visited Harland & Wolff at its Appledore yard where a significant part of the FSS contract will be made, ensuring it is done within UK industry and with British workers.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q12 Therese Coffey Con
Defence

Question

Rock Barracks houses the excellent 23 Parachute Regiment. Despite investment in new accommodation, people are let down by Pinnacle; constituents fear retaliation for complaints. Will the Minister visit to fix this problem?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I am alarmed to hear that my right hon. Friend's constituency neighbour faces these issues; I would be delighted to come and visit so we can fix this problem properly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny a specific action, instead expressed willingness to meet.

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Q13 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
NHS Housing
Context

60% of homes with damp and mould will receive support this winter due to £400 million additional spending.

Question

60% of homes with damp and mould will get support, but what about the other 40%, and can we commit to a minimum standard for service accommodation?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The hon. Lady raises an important point. For this winter, £400 million is spent on 4,000 homes; we will look at further work next year to deal with all remaining properties.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a minimum standard for service accommodation.

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Q14 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Immigration Migrants & Borders Defence

Question

Will the Minister confirm that the Ministry would never put serving personnel at risk by putting an open camp for illegal migrants in a serving base, and can we get a closed detention centre instead?

Answer from James Heappey

I am well aware of my right hon. Friend's concerns; I am happy to meet him and discuss them further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny putting open camps in serving bases, instead offered to meet.

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Q15 Kevan Jones Lab
Defence

Question

Has the MOD made further payments to General Dynamics beyond £480 million in March, and why are subcontractors not being paid as expected?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The right hon. Gentleman is knowledgeable on this; he can write to me about it. The Ajax contract is a firm price contract with positive feedback from the Household Cavalry on its capability, sensors and cannon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address additional payments or subcontractor issues directly.

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Q16 Jack Lopresti Con
Ukraine

Question

Will the Minister meet me to discuss Christy Aerospace and Technology, which can dramatically reduce training time for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s?

Answer from James Cartlidge

It is always a pleasure to meet my hon. Friend.

Not addressed: Did not commit to the specific meeting or discussion.

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Q17 Ronnie Cowan SNP
Veterans

Question

Ian Bernard, a constituent, served in RAF and witnessed nuclear tests on Christmas Island. He has not received his nuclear veteran's medal; can that be rectified?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

I am disturbed to hear this, as medals have been minted and distributed. If he writes to me with details, I will chase it up.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to rectification of medal omission.

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Q18 Mark Logan
Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

Donations are being collected locally but have difficulties reaching the needy in Gaza.

Question

Local mosques in Bolton are collecting donations, yet there seem to be major problems in getting those donations and aid into Gaza. What discussions is the Department having with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Israeli Government about ensuring that those donations get to those most in need? Not doing so will only escalate the conflict.

Answer from Grant Shapps

As I have described, it is a complex position on the ground to get the aid all the way through, but I am happy to either meet or take details from my hon. Friend to ensure that those donations get where they are intended.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with other offices and governments about aid delivery were not detailed

How: Happy To Either Meet Or Take Details

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Q19 Tony Lloyd Lab
Defence
Context

The situation in Kosovo is deteriorating.

Question

Defence Ministers will be aware that the situation in Kosovo is deteriorating dramatically. Can the Secretary of State give us an assurance that the current international military presence there is sufficient to counter any threat from Belgrade?

Answer from Grant Shapps

When the Supreme Allied Commander Europe asked us for additional support for the Kosovo-Serbian border, the answer was immediately yes, that weekend, and we have a battalion there now, which is doing a great job. That has contributed to a lessening of tensions, and we are keeping a close eye on it in our conversations, to ensure that we do not see the situation erupt.

Answered
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Q20 Matthew Offord Con
Defence
Context

A commercial vessel was attacked in international waters, raising concerns about the safety of other British vessels.

Question

This weekend we witnessed the third attack in a year on a commercial vessel in international waters. The cargo ship Galaxy Leader has been described by the Israeli Government as British owned and Japanese operated. What actions will the Minister take to prevent such acts of terrorism on British vessels?

Answer from James Heappey

We are very aware of the incident that my hon. Friend describes. The US navy has a presence in the Red sea, and the Royal Navy always keeps under review options to deploy there too.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete actions to prevent attacks were not detailed

How: Options To Deploy There Too

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Q21 Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central
Veterans
Context

Gurkhas who retired before 1997 receive a lower pension than other British soldiers.

Question

Gurkha soldiers who retired before 1997 receive a lower pension than other British soldiers. Will the Minister update the House on the current negotiations between the UK and the Government of Nepal to solve that difficult issue?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, and I am seeing a bilateral committee with veterans and the Nepalese ambassador on Wednesday. This is an ongoing process. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that pension schemes are extremely complicated, and in many cases the Gurkha pension scheme and offer to transfer subsequently represents good value for many of our brave Gurkha veterans. I am certainly in discussion with the interested parties. I am afraid that I cannot offer any promises at all, but nevertheless discussions are ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific updates on negotiations were not provided

How: Ongoing Process, Discussions Are Ongoing

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Q22 Simon Jupp
Defence Employment
Context

The region is home to defence companies that contribute to military vehicles.

Question

The great south-west region is home to cutting-edge defence companies such as Supacat, which makes military vehicles for our armed forces. The Jackal 3 is an incredible vehicle that is being put to good use in Ukraine. What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that more defence jobs come to the south-west?

Answer from James Cartlidge

It is brilliant to see south-west colleagues standing up for the defence sector in their constituencies, and my hon. Friend is right about Supacat—it is a brilliant platform. In February 2023 Supacat was awarded a £90 million contract by the MOD for 70 high-mobility truck vehicles, to be delivered by the end of the financial year, securing 100 jobs in the UK. Supacat already has two other direct contracts with the MOD for the Jackal military enhancement programme, which is valued at a total of £4.5 million.

Answered
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Q23 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Ukraine
Context

Putin's regime continues to cause destruction in Ukraine, prompting a need for reconstruction.

Question

We must ensure that Putin does not win. We must co-operate and help with the reconstruction of Ukraine. Is it not time that we started seizing Russian state assets to help pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine?

Answer from Grant Shapps

A long time ago, when the war started, I was Transport Secretary. We seized quite a lot of yachts and aircraft, which have still not been released, to ensure that they did not benefit from their closeness to Putin. The hon. Gentleman is right that over time we must keep cranking up the different ways by which we ensure that money is not flowing to that regime, and we will continue to keep that under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on seizing assets was not made

How: Continue To Keep That Under Review

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Q24 Holly Mumby-Croft
Defence
Context

The ability to make virgin steel is crucial to the UK's defence capabilities.

Question

I believe that the ability to make virgin steel is crucial to the UK's defence capabilities. Does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agree?

Answer from James Cartlidge

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. She has been a long-running champion of the steel sector and its importance to her constituents. Of course, we want a smooth transition between blast furnace and electronic arc steel making technology. Steel remains incredibly important to the defence sector. Take the Type 26: almost 50% of that is British steel. That is 1,400 tonnes per ship. That underlines why it is so important that, in constituencies such as my hon. Friend's, we continue to support the steel sector.

Answered
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Q25 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Ukraine
Context

The destruction of civilian infrastructure is a major issue in both Ukraine and Gaza.

Question

The Secretary of State and his predecessors rightly called out the wanton and unlawful destruction of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine—homes, hospitals and schools. Why can they not show equal uproar at what is happening to civilians in Gaza?

Answer from Grant Shapps

There is a principle in international law that a country can defend itself. Ukraine was attacked for absolutely no reason whatsoever. While we call on Israel, both privately and publicly, to protect civilians in whatever way it can, Hamas are using civilians as human shields, and deliberately using the infrastructure on top of them to hide behind. I would have thought that the hon. Gentleman could see the difference.

How: Principle In International Law, Hamas Are Using Civilians As Human Shields

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Q26 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Ukraine
Context

Putin's control over Ukraine raises concerns about global security.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that it is vital that his counterparts in the US Administration realise that if Putin does not lose in Ukraine, the peace and security of the whole of Europe is called into question, so it is in their short and medium-term interests to make sure that Putin is seen to fail?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My right hon. Friend is characteristically correct about this, but I would widen that point: we are talking about the security of not just Europe, but the Indo-Pacific, and indeed the entire world. Putin must not win.

Answered
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