Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Monday 18 November 2024 · 27 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 11 Partly answered 14 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Luke Myer questioned the Secretary of State about veterans sleeping rough and asked for steps to ensure homes for veterans.
  • James Cartlidge inquired about the cost of renting back the UK's military base on the Chagos islands, to which the Secretary of State affirmed the treaty's legal and national security interests for the UK and US.
  • Sally Jameson invited the Minister to visit her constituency to reaffirm the progress of the armed forces covenant going into law in the next two to three years.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Myer Lab Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Veterans

Question

I welcome that announcement by the Secretary of State. It should shame every politician in this House that today veterans who have served our country are still sleeping rough on our streets. Can the Secretary of State set out the steps he will take to ensure that homes will be there for heroes?

Answer from John Healey

Our first step was to ensure that veterans who face homelessness have a more advantaged place in social housing provision—that was announced by the Prime Minister in his Labour party conference speech and will be followed up by the Deputy Prime Minister in changes to the arrangements for local authority guidance. On the eve of Remembrance weekend, we also made a pledge of £3.5 million to help homeless veterans.

Answered
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Q2 James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk
Defence Foreign Affairs

Question

In relation to the cost of renting back our own military base on the Chagos islands, last week the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty), said that the reason the Government refused to tell us what the cost will be is that “it is not normal practice for the UK to reveal the value of payments for military bases anywhere across the globe”. Is that correct?

Answer from John Healey

That is correct, but it is also true to say that the treaty is in the legal and national security interests of the UK and US. That is why the US Defence Secretary welcomed the agreement, which he said would “safeguard the strategic security interests of the United Kingdom…and the United States…into the next century”.

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Q3 James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk
Defence

Question

The Secretary of State says it is true that it is not normal practice for the UK to reveal the value of payments for military bases, but there have actually been several written answers, under this Government and previous ones, giving the costs of overseas bases. For example, in November 2015 the then Minister for the Armed Forces—Penny Mordaunt, no less—revealed in a written answer the cost of 10 overseas bases, including Diego Garcia and the cost of leases. The reason for withholding the cost does not stack up. What does the Secretary of State have to hide from Parliament?

Answer from John Healey

Absolutely nothing, nor will we. It is a matter of course to confirm running costs for bases. What we are talking about here is an agreement leading to a treaty that will be put before this House. I have said to the House and to the shadow Secretary of State that we will set out the costs and the details of that treaty in due course when the House comes to consider it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not fully address why costs are being withheld specifically for Chagos islands base

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Q4 Sally Jameson Labour (Co-op) Doncaster Central
Veterans

Question

In Doncaster, we are proud to have an armed forces covenant co-ordinator, the fantastic Teresa Hodgson, and a Doncaster armed forces covenant board, which is a coalition of groups and organisations committed to supporting the armed forces community in Doncaster. Will the Minister visit my constituency to speak to the board and discuss the action that the Government are taking to support veterans facing homelessness?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I would love to come and visit my hon. Friend's constituency to talk through that and reaffirm that the covenant will go into law in the next two to three years. That work is progressing as I speak.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a specific visit date or plan

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Q5 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Ukraine

Question

Tomorrow marks 1,000 days since the illegal invasion of Ukraine. With the incoming White House Administration casting doubts on continued US support for Ukraine, I echo the calls heard across the House today urging the Minister to confirm that the Government plan to authorise the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia.

Answer from John Healey

I urge the hon. Lady to look back in the record at the answer that I have given two or three times already to this House.

Not addressed: Did not confirm plans for Storm Shadow missile use, instead referred to previous statements

How: Looking Back In The Record

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Q6 Alan Strickland Lab Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Defence

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for Defence for his decisive action to safeguard the Octric semiconductor factory in Newton Aycliffe in my constituency, protecting jobs and, crucially, the sovereign supply of this vital defence component. Will my right hon. Friend meet with me to discuss how we can expand the jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities at this fantastic high-tech facility?

Answer from Maria Eagle

The MOD will continue to invest in the company's people to ensure that the facility has a sustainable future. Octric's leadership team is currently finalising its future resource plan, which will cover the need for new high-tech roles such as engineers and scientists to ensure that the facility is best placed to develop new technology and meet defence needs. I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend about that.

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Q7 Katie Lam Con Weald of Kent
Defence

Question

I was so pleased to go to His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Kent's cadet awards recently to hear about the fantastic work of our local cadet forces. What might the Secretary of State have to say to the brilliant young people I saw there to justify the recent decision to cut funding for state school cadets?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I will not comment on other parts of the Government's funding priorities; what I would suggest is that the MOD absolutely supports the cadet forces. We have over 140,000 cadets and 26,000 adult volunteers, and we will review the cadets process and make sure it is fit for purpose as we move forward.

Not addressed: Did not justify funding cut specifically, instead talked about overall support

How: Not Commenting On Other Parts Of Funding Priorities

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Q8 Danny Beales Lab Uxbridge and South Ruislip
Defence Housing
Context

The military housing at RAF Northolt in the constituency is under scrutiny for poor conditions, following recommendations from the Kerslake review.

Question

I am concerned about the military housing my constituents are living in at RAF Northolt. The situation is unacceptable and I urge you to implement the improvements recommended by the Kerslake review so that families can finally have decent homes.

Answer from Alistair Carns

I thank my hon. Friend for his really important question. We will put in place a medium and long-term plan that will solve the housing problems as we move forward. There are over 47,000 MOD properties, and we will make sure people get the deal they deserve.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to implementing Kerslake review recommendations

How: Kicking The Can Down The Road, Vague Plan Without Specifics

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Q9 David Reed Con Exmouth and Exeter East
Defence
Context

Concerns about delays in creating key defence roles, including a national armaments director and military strategic headquarters, with implications for the defence industrial strategy and recommendations of the strategic defence review.

Question

Could I ask for an update on recruitment progress for a national armaments director, creation of a military strategic headquarters, and release of the defence industrial strategy, to ensure they are in place to contribute to the strategic defence review recommendations?

Answer from John Healey

Yes, we will have these roles and strategies in place.

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Q10 Blair McDougall Lab East Renfrewshire
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Reports of Chinese drones being supplied to Russia from Xinjiang, prompting calls for Europe to deepen its defence industrial base and secure an administrative arrangement with the European Defence Agency.

Question

Given reports that Chinese manufacturing is providing drones to Russian forces, should we not be deepening our own defence industry collaboration within Europe, specifically through an agreement with the European Defence Agency?

Answer from John Healey

We are rebuilding relations with important European allies and plan to strike a UK-EU security agreement, aspects of which may be relevant.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific mention of an administrative arrangement with EDA

How: Rebuilding Relations, Vague Future Agreements

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Q11 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Veterans
Context

Concern over the removal of the Veterans Minister role from Cabinet, raising questions about attention given to veterans' issues.

Question

Many veterans I have spoken to are worried about the government's decision to remove the Veterans Minister from Cabinet. How will you ensure that veterans get the necessary attention and support?

Answer from John Healey

Veterans have a fully fledged Cabinet Minister speaking up for them, and I am proud to do so as the Secretary of State for Defence.

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Q12 Andrew Pakes Labour (Co-op) Peterborough
NHS Veterans
Context

Organizations like Light Project Peterborough are vital for homeless veterans, with increasing demand over recent years.

Question

Light Project Peterborough does crucial work supporting homeless veterans. With rising demand, can you welcome their efforts and outline steps to ensure support this winter?

Answer from Alistair Carns

Absolutely, I congratulate Light Project on its work. Op Fortitude has referred over 2,000 veterans to housing services.

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Q13 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

Questions about potential UK-EU security agreements, including involvement in the European Peace Facility for joint procurement of ammunition.

Question

The Secretary mentioned working on a UK-EU security agreement. Might this include the European Peace Facility for joint procurement of ammunition?

Answer from John Healey

Discussions are at an early stage, but my priority is building relations with key European allies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific mention of involvement in EFP

How: Early Stage Discussions, Prioritizing Relations

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Q14 Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Defence
Context

Positive recruitment figures despite a wider retention crisis, with the first intake of recruits at Sandhurst hitting its target post-election.

Question

The latest intake of recruits to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has met its targets despite ongoing challenges in retention. Will the Minister join me in welcoming these new recruits?

Answer from Luke Pollard

I congratulate all those starting their military careers at Sandhurst, and encourage more people to look at a career in the armed forces.

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Q15 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Defence
Context

The RAF Scampton site is being put back on the market, with interest in promoting defence industries there.

Question

With RAF Scampton now being put back on the market, may I have assurance that MOD will work closely with West Lindsey to further plans for defence industries and keeping the runway open?

Answer from Maria Eagle

I am pleased to meet the Father of the House and look at those plans.

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Q16 Louise Jones Lab North East Derbyshire
Defence
Context

Previous service in Germany highlighted the importance of NATO's relationship with Poland for military readiness.

Question

I served in Germany as part of NATO's joint task force and saw firsthand the value of our relations with Poland. Can you tell me what we are doing to improve co-operation with Poland?

Answer from John Healey

I visited my Polish counterpart as the new Defence Secretary and established a good relationship. We will be working closely on both military-to-military and defence industry relations.

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Q17 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

Russian research vessels have been active near undersea cables, raising concerns about the protection of critical infrastructure.

Question

There are ongoing activities by Russian research vessels around UK cables. What measures is the government taking to ensure proper protection of these essential national assets?

Answer from Luke Pollard

The United Kingdom and our armed forces will defend our critical national infrastructure, including undersea cables. We have a strategy in place with allied support.

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Q18 Damien Egan Lab Bristol North East
Defence
Context

Increased scrutiny on UK's domestic air defence systems due to rising threats.

Question

With our domestic air defences under increased scrutiny, will the Secretary of State update us on the work being done to strengthen them and give assurances that our Government understand that our forces will need the resources available to secure our skies?

Answer from John Healey

This is one of the areas that the strategic defence review is looking at closely: it has set up 26 review and challenge panels and is drawing in almost 150 external experts from the whole range of defence. With rising threats at this point, this is part of the long, hard look we have to take at the capabilities we need in order to keep Britain safe in future and to be strong abroad.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assurances or concrete measures for securing UK skies.

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Q19 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Defence
Context

Concern over the new US President's stance on NATO defence funding.

Question

The Secretary of State speaks to a UK commitment to “NATO first”, and that is great, but we have just seen the election of a US President who is putting America first and the defence of Europe in the hands of European states, which makes the prevarication over 2.5% all the more difficult. Will he accept that a commitment without a date is watery and that only a date will provide a commitment? Will it be in this Parliament—yes or no?

Answer from John Healey

I do not accept that for a moment. It is a commitment and a level of defence spending that we have not seen for 15 years. As far as the new President goes, it is early days—he has only just been elected—and we will ensure that as a Government and as a country we work closely with him and with the US.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific date commitment to NATO's 2.5% defence spending target.

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Q20 Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

World leaders meeting at the G20 in Brazil.

Question

As world leaders meet this week at the G20 in Brazil, what steps is the Defence Secretary taking with his international counterparts —other Defence Secretaries at the G20, in particular—about the urgent situation in Gaza, particularly for civilians and children?

Answer from John Healey

My hon. Friend is right. For nearly nine months—in opposition and now in government—we have been calling for and working for a ceasefire in Gaza to get all hostages released and, importantly, to flood the area with the aid that the Palestinians so desperately need. That has to be the first step towards a political solution that can see a Palestinian state and security both for Israel and for the Palestinians in future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps being taken at G20.

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Q21 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Defence
Context

Special skills in developing future defence equipment.

Question

In the UK we have some very special skills when it comes to developing future defence equipment. To lose those skills would be a desperate business. Does the Secretary of State agree that co-operating and working with our friends in Europe is one way to preserve them?

Answer from Maria Eagle

The hon. Gentleman is correct. There are increasing examples of industry working across our European nations, both in the EU with our improving relationships on defence and in NATO. That is one way in which we can ensure that the skills are available to make the equipment that we need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete steps or timeline for cooperation.

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Q22 Steve Yemm Lab Mansfield
Defence
Context

Lack of funding affecting reservists' training days.

Question

Due to a lack of funding, many reservists in my constituency are not getting the training days they need and are therefore not receiving the salary that they had anticipated. That means that many highly trained and committed reservists have no choice but to leave and join another career. Will the Minister outline what the Labour Government will do to support our reservists, including those who live in my constituency, all of whom are a vital part of our armed forces?

Answer from Alistair Carns

As an individual who signed up in just the past two weeks to be a reserve, this matter is close to my heart. We are doing a review into reservists over the next couple of weeks, which will be linked to the strategic defence review, to find out how we can simplify the process and make it easier for people to join and serve the armed forces.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete support measures for reservists.

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Q23 Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon
Veterans
Context

Labour's manifesto commitment to scrap visa fees for non-UK veterans.

Question

Labour's manifesto made it clear that it was committed to scrapping visa fees for non-UK veterans who have served this country for four or more years, as well as their dependants—a pledge I wholeheartedly support and have campaigned on. The Veterans Minister previously stated that the MOD has started to work with the Home Office, so what is the timetable for delivering that manifesto pledge?

Answer from Alistair Carns

We are working on that. It is in the manifesto, and it will come out in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timetable for scrapping visa fees.

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Q24 Shaun Davies Lab Telford
NHS Veterans
Context

Access to healthcare as the top priority for veterans in Telford.

Question

We were delighted to host the Veterans Minister in Telford recently. In a survey of the veterans community in Telford, access to healthcare was the top priority. What work is the Department doing with health Ministers to improve access for veterans to healthcare, in particular mental health care?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I thank my hon. Friend for hosting that visit. The two key programmes are Op Courage, which has had 30,000 referrals already, and Op Restore, to help veterans with muscular and skeletal problems. I point any veteran to the gov.uk page that describes all the support that they can get via the NHS and others.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions for improving healthcare access.

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Q25 Martin Wrigley Lib Dem Newton Abbot
Defence Business & Trade
Context

Research and development funding for SMEs has dried up.

Question

Small and medium-sized enterprises in my constituency tell me that research and development funding has dried up since last December. What hope can the Minister offer to ensure that SMEs continue their vital innovation to keep the UK safe, and to help them turn their swords into ploughshares?

Answer from Maria Eagle

The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the importance of SMEs in improving our industrial base and bringing agility and new ideas to our defence industrial production. He can be assured that there will be SME involvement in our industrial strategy to the extent that it is possible. We intend to make sure that SMEs, not just the primes, get a better in at the MOD and are able to get the work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures for R&D support.

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Q26 Christopher Bloore Lab Redditch
Veterans
Context

Successful poppy appeal by the Royal British Legion.

Question

Will the Minister join me in congratulating the Royal British Legion for another highly successful poppy appeal, and the Redditch and Astwood Bank Royal British Legion for another record-breaking year?

Answer from Alistair Carns

I completely concur. I am sure the whole House will agree that the Royal British Legion did a fantastic job in this year's remembrance parade. I had the privilege of marching with the veterans for the first time since I left the armed forces. It was a fantastic show of respect to all those who have served.

Answered
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Q27 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Veterans
Context

Between 1978 and 1990, approximately 5,700 women were illegally dismissed from the armed forces due to pregnancy. These women seek recognition for their service.

Question

Between 1978 and 1990, in what was an illegal act, 5,700 women were dismissed and discharged from the armed forces on family grounds—for falling pregnant while in service. This is not a question of compensation; they want their berets and cap badges returned to them. Will the Minister please work with me to right an injustice done to all those women who just wanted to keep serving their country, and now want that service recognised?

Answer from Alistair Carns

That is a really important question. We have the utmost respect for all those who have served. I would be delighted to work with the hon. Lady to move that forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to return berets and cap badges or provide concrete steps to right the injustice was not addressed

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