Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner noted a Russian-flagged ship anchoring near her constituency, highlighting the increasing proximity of adversaries to UK shores. She also referenced a concerning report that 95,0 95,000 veterans are missing from recall lists maintained by the Ministry of Defence.
What steps he is taking to improve national resilience given that our adversaries are becoming emboldened and operating closer to home? Reports indicate the MOD has lost track of some 9 95,000 veterans on the recall list. How can the Government credibly claim to be strengthening national resilience when they lack basic data?
The Government are taking decisive steps, as set out in the resilience action plan. Building on Exercise Pegasus findings, a new pandemic preparedness strategy was published last month. The Government will be able to board shadow fleet vessels passing through UK waters following sanctions on 544 vessels. I will carefully look at the hon. Lady's points and discuss them with colleagues.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about missing veteran records was not directly addressed.
I Will Carefully Look At The Hon. Lady'S Points An [2D [K And Discuss Them With Colleagues.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlighted a Russian-flagged ship anchoring near her constituency, indicating adversaries are operating closer to home. She also mentioned the Ministry of Defence losing track of 95,000 veterans on recall lists.
Not long ago, a Russian-flagged ship anchored just two miles off the Minehead coast in my constituency, directly above critical transatlantic cables. Our adversaries are becoming emboldened and operating even closer to home. How can the Government credibly claim to be strengthening national resilience when they lack basic data required to mobilise those capable of serving?
This matter is taken incredibly seriously. Following sanctions on 544 vessels, the Prime Minister has agreed that the British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels passing through UK waters. I will look carefully at the hon. Lady's points and discuss them with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about missing veteran records was not directly addressed.
I Will Look Carefully At The Hon. Lady'S Points An [2D [K And Discuss Them With Colleagues.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK ranks third globally in cyber-attacks, according to the Minister. The questioner wants to know about steps taken to raise public awareness.
We are the third most attacked nation globally when it comes to cyber-attacks. What steps is the Department taking to raise public awareness generally?
We take these threats very seriously and continually monitor risks with our intelligence agencies. We work closely with industry and international partners to protect our networks. As I set out yesterday, we will continue to strengthen defences and remain resilient.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about raising public awareness was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Press reports indicate the risk of shortages in certain foods and medicines due to geopolitical tensions. The questioner asked about specific steps being taken to address these potential shortages.
What specific steps are the Government taking to address potential shortages of food and medicine as a result of external shocks? How does the Minister plan to communicate with the public to ensure constituents have information and support?
We are looking at how we can communicate issues effectively with the public. The Cabinet Office co-ordinates a whole-of-Government response and works closely on those issues with partners, including in the Ministry of Defence.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about addressing potential shortages was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy