Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention

Monday 18 November 2024 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister acknowledges the recruitment and retention challenges in the armed forces since 1999.
  • Over 700 military applications have been reconsidered after outdated medical policies were removed.
  • Review of cadet force funding and role is underway to support young people's military journey.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Defence
Context

The MP noted a long-term recruitment and retention crisis in the armed forces, with only six years since 1999 seeing growth in regular force numbers. Three armed forces are currently below target.

Question

I welcome the Government's commitment to improving recruitment and retention. Since 1999, there have been only six years when the regular forces grew in size, and all three armed forces are currently below target. Does the Minister believe there will be any year between now and 2030 with a net increase in numbers? Does he have a target for overall growth during these years?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The recruitment target was missed every single year under the previous Government. It will take us time to fix the process, but we have already made announcements about improving retention and recruitment. We will make further such announcements in the months ahead.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific target or timeline for increasing armed forces numbers by 2030

How: It Will Take Us Time To Fix The Process

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Q2 Josh Newbury Lab Cannock Chase
Defence
Context

The MP highlighted a recruitment and retention crisis caused by the previous government's policies, mentioning over 700 applications being reconsidered after removing unnecessary red tape.

Question

From cadets to regulars and reservists, we must urgently tackle the recruitment and retention crisis. Will the Minister welcome the fact that more than 700 applications have been reconsidered following the removal of outdated medical policies?

Answer from Luke Pollard

I am delighted to join my hon. Friend in welcoming the announcement that over 700 applications have been reconsidered following the removal of outdated medical policies, such as those blocking some sufferers of hay fever and acne.

Answered
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Q3 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

The MP raised concerns about the regular forces being below target for several years, questioning whether there will be any net increase by 2030.

Question

Since 1999, only six years have seen growth in regular force numbers. With all three armed forces currently below target, does the Minister believe there will be a year between now and 2030 with a net increase? Does he have a specific target for overall growth?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The recruitment target was missed every single year under the previous Government. It will take us time to fix the process, but we are making announcements about improving retention and recruitment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or target for increasing armed forces numbers by 2030

How: It Will Take Us Time To Fix The Process

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Q4 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Defence Veterans
Context

The MP mentioned that many who join armed forces begin as cadets, noting the success of a previous Conservative government's programme. He criticized Labour for withdrawing critical grants to support cadet instructors in state schools.

Question

Many military personnel began their journey as cadets. The previous Government established hundreds of new cadet units in state schools. However, this Labour Government has withdrawn £1 million plus grant that supports cadet instructors. Will the Government urgently review this decision?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Minister for Veterans and People is reviewing the cadet force to ensure it continues playing a valuable role for young people, supporting the overall mission of defence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific review or reversal of grant withdrawal decision

How: We Are Committed To Cadets

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Q5 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Defence Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP expressed concern over whether new recruits will feel supported if they sense the Government does not have their back, questioning plans to repeal a Northern Ireland Troubles Act.

Question

How can we persuade people to remain in armed forces when they sense that the new Government do not really have their back? Will the Ministry of Defence start defending its veterans within Whitehall and argue against repealing the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The Government are renewing the contract between the nation and those who serve. We will support retention, recruitment, and our veterans through the work done in Cabinet by the Defence Secretary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific defence of veteran interests within Whitehall

How: We Are Renewing The Contract

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Q6 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
NHS Defence
Context

The MP heard from young people who were deterred by long waits for medical assessments when trying to join the military, leading some to choose other paths.

Question

I have heard from many young people who tried joining the military but faced long waits for their medical assessment. How is the Minister ensuring that the medical assessment process runs efficiently?

Answer from Luke Pollard

We have already made progress by removing outdated medical processes and are working with health colleagues to ensure smooth access to applicants' medical records, reducing delays.

Answered
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