Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Middle East: UK Military Security

Monday 20 May 2024 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The force protection of UK service personnel and bases in the Middle East is constantly reviewed.
  • No specific comments can be made on the security readiness action plan due to operational security reasons.
  • The minister is willing to engage with Henry Smith regarding recognition for those who served historically in Aden.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Henry Smith Con
Defence
Context

The question arises from concerns about the security and protection of British service personnel stationed in countries like Bahrain and Qatar. There is a need to assess whether current measures are adequate given ongoing threats.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the security of UK's military bases and service personnel in the Middle East?

Answer from Leo Docherty

The force protection of UK service personnel and our bases across the Middle East is kept under constant review. The morale and conditions of those posted to the Middle East tend to be very high, but for operational security reasons, no comment can be made on the security readiness action plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Operational security reasons prevented providing specifics about the security measures or assessments.

How: For Operational Security Reasons

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Q2 Henry Smith Con
Defence
Context

The question pertains to the historical service of British armed forces personnel, specifically those who served in Aden. There is a push to recognize these individuals with a service medal.

Question

I pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the British armed forces personnel in the Middle East who have kept us safe from terrorism and other hostile threats over many decades. Will my hon. Friend consider relooking at recognising all people who served historically in Aden for a service medal?

Answer from Leo Docherty

That was a very important campaign, and I am very happy to engage with my hon. Friend. I imagine that he might be asking about a specific constituency case, and I am very happy to sit down together to consider that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer did not commit to considering the proposal for a service medal but expressed willingness to discuss it further.

How: I Imagine That He Might Be Asking About A Specific Constituency Case

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