Overseas Territories Covid-19 Support 2020-09-21
2020-09-21
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the ongoing challenges faced by UK's overseas territories due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including logistical and medical support needs.
What support has his Department provided to the overseas territories during the covid-19 pandemic?
Since the start of the pandemic, Defence has provided a range of support to Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, Ascension, Saint Helena and our overseas territories in the Caribbean. HMS Medway and RFA Argus remain in theatre and are standing by to provide logistical and medical support, whether in relation to covid-19 or to providing disaster relief during the hurricane season.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question pertains to the government's progress in fulfilling its promises regarding the relocation and support for Afghan interpreters who have assisted British armed forces.
Afghan interpreters have provided an invaluable service to our armed forces, saving the lives of many British soldiers. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the Government's progress on their commitments to the Afghan interpreters?
The Home Secretary and I announced at the weekend that the criteria for interpreters to relocate to the UK will be expanded to include those who resigned on or after 1 May 2006 with 18 months or more service on the frontline in Helmand, so that more may come with their families to build a new life in the UK. In addition, the Home Secretary and I committed to look even further at those criteria, and to look at where people suffer intimidation, to see whether those thresholds are in the right place as the peace deal progresses in Afghanistan.
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