Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 8 January 2024 · 20 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 11 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ashley Dalton raised concerns about the recognition of two west Lancashire men who served in the RAF's photographic reconnaissance unit during World War II, and the Speaker offered to arrange a meeting with a Minister to discuss it further.
  • Anna Firth inquired about steps being taken to ensure Ukraine has modern aerial defence systems to protect against Russian attacks, and the Minister confirmed the gifting of additional air defence missiles.
  • Luke Pollard questioned the future of HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark in Devonport, and the Minister indicated that decisions regarding the maintenance of these ships would be made after newer ships are in service.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ashley Dalton Lab West Lancashire
Defence
Context

Two west Lancashire men, Robert Hanson and Arthur Pim, served in the RAF's photographic reconnaissance unit during world war two, taking millions of photos over enemy lines. Their efforts helped the allies to defeat the Nazis. There remains no national monument to the PRU.

Question

Happy new year to you and the whole House, Mr Speaker. Two west Lancashire men, Robert Hanson and Arthur Pim, served in the RAF's photographic reconnaissance unit during world war two, taking millions of photos over enemy lines. Their efforts helped the allies to defeat the Nazis. There remains no national monument to the PRU. I am backing one; are the Government?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for raising the subject, and I will certainly be happy to arrange for her to meet with a Minister to discuss it further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm support or opposition, only offered to arrange meeting.

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Q2 Anna Firth
Ukraine
Context

Innocent Ukrainians have just seen in a second new year under some of the heaviest aerial bombardments since Russia's illegal war began.

Question

Innocent Ukrainians have just seen in a second new year under some of the heaviest aerial bombardments since Russia's illegal war began. Will my right hon. Friend please update the House on what steps he is taking to ensure Ukraine has modern aerial defence systems to protect innocent Ukrainians from these murderous, appalling airstrikes?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My hon. Friend is absolutely right about this ongoing illegal war run by Putin. We immediately responded to the attacks over the new year by bringing forward the gifting of 200 further air defence missiles. I have mentioned already the international fund for Ukraine, which is helping to provide, among other things, air defence.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 Luke Pollard Labour (Co-op) Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Defence
Context

The Minister for Defence Procurement has confirmed that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, based in Devonport, are still at risk of being mothballed.

Question

The Minister for Defence Procurement has today confirmed that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, based in Devonport, which I am proud to represent, are still at risk of being mothballed. He said that no final decisions have been made, so the risk to these ships is real. When will a decision be made? Will the ships be cut, or will they be tied up alongside, flying the white ensign but never really putting to sea?

Answer from Grant Shapps

Of course anyone who is serious about the defence budget has to make the decision about whether to put into maintenance ships that have already served twice their intended lives—18 years and more, times two—and that would come out of that maintenance after brand-new ships were at sea. There is obviously a decision for the Royal Navy to make on that, but I remind the House that there are eight Type 26s and five Type 31s under construction or under contract.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify timeline or final decision, only general comments about maintenance and future ships.

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Q4 Pauline Latham Con
Defence
Context

We face a complex range of security threats and challenges in our rapidly changing world. Cyber-attacks are increasingly common and nations across the world are preparing to become combat ready for space warfare.

Question

We face a complex range of security threats and challenges in our rapidly changing world. Cyber-attacks are increasingly common and nations across the world are preparing to become combat ready for space warfare. What assessment has the Minister's Department made of supporting defence jobs to assist the UK's efforts against cyber and space warfare?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who asks a second excellent question, given the growing importance of the cyber and space domains. On cyber, I can confirm that the 2022 national cyber strategy highlights the Government's commitment to growing the UK cyber-ecosystem and that new cyber-career structures are being developed across Defence, with new ways of training, upskilling and rewarding our people. On space, we have created a space academy for Government, industry and academia and are supporting cross-Government work to develop a space workforce action plan for 2024.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q5 Martin Docherty SNP
Defence
Context

Dominic Cummings stated that the nuclear weapons infrastructure which is a dangerous disaster and a budget nightmare of hard-to-believe and highly classified proportions regarding the Coulport naval facility and the nuclear deterrent black hole.

Question

Does the Minister recognise any semblance of truth in this statement by Dominic Cummings, “the scandal of nuclear weapons infrastructure which is a dangerous disaster and a budget nightmare of hard-to-believe and highly classified proportions” regarding the Coulport naval facility and the nuclear deterrent black hole?

Answer from James Cartlidge

As with our previous exchange, while I respect the hon. Gentleman's position, we do not comment on speculation. What I can say is that nuclear infrastructure is incredibly important to the future of our deterrent. His Majesty's naval base Clyde has developed an established management plan with a 40-year horizon that provides a strategic vision for the future that is clear and simple and that endures, and we have a £1.4 billion programme for Faslane and Coulport nuclear facilities and nuclear infrastructure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether there was any truth to the statement about nuclear weapons infrastructure being a disaster or budget nightmare.

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Q6 Mark Menzies Con
Defence Economy Employment
Context

Last month's treaty with Japan and Italy brought the global air combat programme's Team Tempest a step closer to reality. It followed news that BAE Systems is to hire 2,700 graduates and apprentices this year, including more than 500 Lancashire-based roles across the air division.

Question

Last month's treaty with Japan and Italy brought the global air combat programme's Team Tempest a step closer to reality. It followed news that BAE Systems is to hire 2,700 graduates and apprentices this year, including more than 500 Lancashire-based roles across the air division. What estimate does my hon. Friend make of the defence sector's impact on the economy, job prospects and opportunities for young people in places like Fylde—and, indeed, Chorley?

Answer from James Cartlidge

It is brilliant news, and we are delighted to have signed the treaty with Japan and Italy last month. My hon. Friend asks about the impact; it is fair to say that it will have a particular impact on his constituency, which houses the Warton site, where we have our factory of the future for the global combat air programme. I can confirm that a 2021 report by PwC estimated that the programme would contribute £26 billion to the UK economy between 2021 and 2050 and support on average 21,000 jobs per year, many of which will be in Lancashire, Mr Speaker, and particularly in my hon. Friend's constituency.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q7 Kevan Jones Lab
Defence Standards & Ethics
Context

Figures on pinch points in the armed forces personnel workforce used to be produced regularly.

Question

I do not know whether the Minister has seen the article by the defence editor, Mark Nicol, about the lack of transparency on pinch points in the armed forces personnel workforce. Figures on that used to be produced regularly. When was the decision taken to no longer produce them, and will the Minister commit today to producing them in the interest of transparency?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

I cannot give the right hon. Gentleman a straight answer to that because I cannot remember when the figures were withdrawn, but I can certainly look into it and write to him. On pinch points, he will be aware that, through Haythornthwaite-type processes, we are incentivising people to join parts of defence that are underpopulated at the moment, such as chefs and—

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to producing figures on pinch points again.

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Q8 Michael Fabricant Con
Defence Veterans
Context

The question addresses a specific case involving Air Marshal Sir Baz North and a service member named Lowri Simner.

Question

My hon. Friend has already acknowledged the importance of women in the armed forces. Will he join me in expressing belated thanks to retired Air Marshal Sir Baz North, who helped me get someone into the Royal Air Force, and will he join me in praising that person, Lowri Simner, who has just been promoted to squadron leader?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Absolutely. I join my hon. Friend in congratulating them both.

Answered
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Q9 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
NHS Defence
Context

A family with severe health problems are living in a mouldy house, and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) wants to move them into a different house for the second time.

Question

The service family accommodation at Clive barracks is concerning. A family who have severe health problems are living in a mouldy house. The DIO does not want to spend money on fixing those problems; it wants to move them into a different house for the second time in two years. What are the Minister's commitments on upgrading and maintaining the housing stock, particularly on sites that are earmarked for closure, such as Clive barracks?

Answer from James Cartlidge

The hon. Lady is welcome to write to me about that specific case. She mentions DIO money and, as I said in an exchange, the key is investment. We have doubled the budget for maintenance and upgrades this year as part of extra £400 million we are putting in. That is why we can address damp and mould in many properties. I am happy to look at specifics of the case mentioned.

Answered
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Q10 Sarah Atherton
Defence
Context

HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion are retiring, leading to questions about Britain's future amphibious capabilities.

Question

As media report the retirement of HMS Bulwark and HMS Albion, there are obvious questions about Britain's future amphibious capability. Does the Minister agree that our Royal Marine commandos are an asset we cannot afford to lose?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I absolutely agree. The Royal Marines are essential. I have asked the First Sea Lord to provide a plan for how their excellent work will be taken forward.

Answered
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Q11 Patricia Gibson SNP
Defence Employment
Context

An industrial dispute has been ongoing for over a year, with workers fighting for free and equal treatment. This is important work that ensures vital equipment dispatched to Ukraine.

Question

The long-running industrial dispute at Defence Equipment and Support in Beith started last July and looks set to continue as workers fight for equality. Given the importance of this facility, will the Secretary of State personally intervene to break the stalemate?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I know how important this issue is. Differing rates are paid for workers with different skills and qualifications, which is normal practice. A generous pay offer remains on the table, significantly improving base pay beyond recent awards. DE&S officials continue to be open to constructive talks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Not specifically committed to intervene personally

How: Normal Practice, Open To Constructive Talks

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Q12 James Sunderland
Defence
Context

The question highlights the importance of focusing not just on exquisite platforms but also on procuring necessary logistics.

Question

Can the Minister confirm that his Department is focused on procuring the logistical platforms needed to sustain defence operations? Is it time for a capability audit?

Answer from James Cartlidge

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. The whole point of acquisition reform is to go for 80% and then spiral development, not seeking exquisite platforms.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment on procurement focus or audit

How: Excellent Point, Spiralling Development

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Q13 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Veterans
Context

Veterans are waiting for recognition and justice after waiting 70 years. Last year, the Minister promised to examine documents related to blood and urine tests.

Question

Our nuclear veterans waited 70 years for recognition and are still waiting for justice. In a debate last year, the Minister promised 'in days ahead' to examine 150 documents held by the Atomic Weapons Establishment. What did his examination find?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

That is my intention—have not seen them yet but will do so soon. The hon. Lady may be disappointed by the content of those documents, as very few provide new information.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specifics on findings or content of documents

How: Disappointed, Not Seen Yet

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Q14 Steve Brine Con
Defence Veterans
Context

Sir John Moore barracks is due for disposal in 2026 as part of the future soldier programme, which will bring phase 1 capability to Pirbright and create housing.

Question

Will a Minister meet me to ensure the current ministerial team is behind the move at Sir John Moore barracks and that we have an intelligent masterplan?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend.

Answered
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Q15 Owen Thompson SNP
NHS Defence
Context

The 2023 armed forces satisfaction survey shows that half of personnel do not believe their families benefit from service life.

Question

Half of personnel do not believe their families benefit from being a service family. What does the Secretary of State propose to do to listen to families and implement policies to make a difference?

Answer from Grant Shapps

It is important that our service personnel feel honoured when they go to war but also comfortable at home. I am pressing forward with the review of armed service accommodation, providing £400 million for improvements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitments on listening to families or implementing policies

How: Pressing Forward, £400 Million

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Q16 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Defence
Context

The Defence Committee in February 2018 criticized the proposal to retire HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark ahead of their anticipated lifetimes. The questioner warns against a similar decision being made now.

Question

A short-sighted, militarily illiterate manoeuvre totally at odds with strategic reality was how the Defence Committee described in February 2018 the proposal to retire HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark ahead of their anticipated lifetime dates. May I advise and warn the Secretary of State not to be blindsided by the people who are raising this matter again after a change of Secretary of State for Defence?

Answer from Grant Shapps

I point out that, of course, they will be five years older, but I again stress to the House that no decision has been made on the landing platform dock vessels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner warned about a potential hasty decision regarding HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark's retirement, while the answer only stated that no decision had been made without addressing the warning.

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Q17 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Veterans
Context

There has been debate about the Triples being paid directly by UK forces, with some questioning their categorization under the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme.

Question

Let me take the Minister back to the Triples. There has been some debate about the extent to which the Triples were paid directly by UK forces. I know that that was the case. Does the Minister accept that and, if he does, does he not think they should be looked at under category 2 rather than category 4 of the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme?

Answer from James Heappey

There is a difference of opinion between the advice I receive from officials and the position the hon. Gentleman has set out. It would be good to bring him in to meet those officials, have that discussion and reach some truth.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not directly address whether Triples paid by UK forces should be categorized under category 2 instead of category 4.

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Q18 Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich
Ukraine
Context

There is a Ukraine action plan for 2023, but there has been no information on its details or whether there will be an updated plan for 2024.

Question

Will the Ukraine action plan 2023 ever be published? Better still, will there be a Ukraine action plan 2024? And when will that be published?

Answer from Grant Shapps

We work hand in glove with the Ukrainian Government to make sure that the action plan is one that can win the war. We have seen huge progress, in particular, in Crimea and the Black sea, and we look forward, throughout the House, to further progress in '24 for our brave Ukrainian friends.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific plans but received general statements about cooperation with Ukraine without any concrete details or timelines on publication of plans.

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Q19 Mike Amesbury Lab
Housing Veterans
Context

Homelessness among veterans has increased by 14%, raising concerns about cross-departmental efforts to address this issue.

Question

Given that homelessness among veterans has gone up by 14% and that it is a cross-departmental issue, what more are Ministers doing to ensure that all our veterans are housed?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

As I said in answer to a previous question, homelessness remains a Government priority, whether or not someone is a veteran. In general, the experience of our veterans, when they return to civilian life, is a positive one and we should celebrate that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address any specific measures for addressing homelessness among veterans beyond stating it was a priority without providing details.

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Q20 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Defence
Context

HMS Argyll, the oldest escort in the fleet, has been in refit since August 2022.

Question

Clyde-built HMS Argyll is the oldest escort in the fleet. She is currently in refit in Devonport and has been since August '22. Will the Minister for Defence Procurement advise when she will be recommissioned, re-crewed and back in service?

Answer from James Cartlidge

I will have to write to the hon. Gentleman on that one.

Not addressed: The questioner asked for a specific update on HMS Argyll's return to service, but received an indication that details would be provided in writing instead of a verbal response.

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