Topical Questions 2020-11-02
2020-11-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about the process for investigating serious allegations arising from military operations overseas.
I am concerned that without a multi-year defence settlement, it would be catastrophic. Given this context, will the Secretary of State commit to a long-term spending commitment?
My hon Friend knows that last year we did not have one either but got a generous settlement from the Treasury. While a Department with heavy reliance on capital spending prefers a long-term commitment, today's challenges require reviewing each issue as it comes.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to multi-year defence settlement
Reviewing Each Issue As It Comes
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State's overseas operations Bill has faced cross-party criticism for not protecting British troops from vexatious litigation.
Given the criticisms raised today, will the Secretary of State accept that the Bill is flawed and join me tomorrow to work on necessary changes?
No.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledging flaws or working on improvements
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
There is growing concern over the UK's inter-operational abilities with EU members through permanent structured co-operation (PESCO).
Now that we have left the EU, what assessment and representations are being made regarding PESCO for UK's procurement processes?
As a leading European ally, we work closely with allied nations without formal EU programmes. The EU is in the final stages of agreeing third country participation rules for PESCO, and we look forward to seeing them.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Captain Dean Sprouting's widow has been seeking justice on behalf of her husband, who died due to an incident involving American soldiers in 2018.
Given the tragic loss of Captain Dean Sprouting, is the British Government allowing US forces to investigate themselves and defend their own actions?
I have met the widow on a couple of occasions and am happy to do so again. This incident has been investigated, and I am more than happy to speak with her but not sure there is much more we can do.
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Assessment & feedback
Challenging US over concealment of injustice
Not Sure There Is Too Much More
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Royal British Legion branches are preparing for Remembrance Sunday, with local authorities needing guidance on conducting remembrance events.
What guidance has the Secretary of State given to devolved Assemblies and local authorities regarding holding remembrance services this Sunday?
This is a very important time of year. We encourage people to remember in their own way. Remembrance events will go ahead, and there will be a small national ceremony at the Cenotaph that we encourage people to watch on television.
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Assessment & feedback
Providing specific guidance for remembrance services
Encourage In Their Own Way
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Former veterans are seeking information on when the veterans ID card will be implemented, as it is of significant concern.
Will the Minister provide an update on the roll-out of the veterans ID card for former service members?
The veterans ID card should have come out at the end of last year but has been delayed. Everybody who leaves the military now gets a veterans ID card, though backdating and dealing with fraud are challenges being addressed.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline for implementation
Dealing With Fraud
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
There is interest in understanding the Ministry of Defence's activities and planned investments for Scotland.
Can I ask the Minister to update on the Ministry's plans for activities and investment in Scotland?
Defence continues investing in Scotland, with RAF Lossiemouth and HMNB Clyde expanding. MOD expenditure with industry increased by £320 per person in Scotland, supporting 10,200 jobs.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Royal British Legion has expressed concerns about the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill.
Why does the Defence Secretary think the Royal British Legion is so adamant that the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill breaches the armed forces covenant and fails to protect veterans?
The Royal British Legion does not think the bill breaches the armed forces covenant. It thinks there is a risk, which has been taken into consideration.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific breach of covenant
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about UK armed forces' involvement in sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers in Mali.
What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that UK armed forces will not be complicit in sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeepers in Mali?
Everyone deploying to Mali will receive mission-specific training. The country has rigorous standards against such behaviour.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Crowsnest project for the carriers has faced severe delays.
With delivery promised for September 2021, can the Minister confirm that it will definitely be ready next year?
A baseline capability will sail with the carrier strike group next year.
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Assessment & feedback
Definitive readiness confirmation
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Bellingcat revealed that Russia continues to develop covert chemical weapons.
What assessment has the Secretary of State made regarding recent revelations by Bellingcat? What does it tell us about the threat and what is being done?
Russia was responsible for the Salisbury Novichok attack. We have called on Russia to declare its chemical weapons programme and brought sanctions against those involved.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific threat assessment
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Ministry of Defence is a major landowner in England.
What is the Ministry doing to ensure it contributes to environmental sustainability and tree planting targets?
The programme of planting more trees continues in the estate, with pride in sites of special scientific interest.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to tree planting
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The constituency has a proud record of armed forces representation.
Will my right hon. Friend agree to look at whether a recruitment office can be opened in my constituency?
A visit with the Minister for the Armed Forces would be delighted to do, looking at all recruitment offices.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to open an office
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The fleet solid support ships will be built in Britain.
Can the Secretary of State assure us that British steel will be used exclusively to build those ships?
We are engaging with potential bidders, and we will ensure that we build a ship that is the best of British.
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Assessment & feedback
Exclusive British steel commitment
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The military supported the roll-out of Nightingale hospitals during the covid outbreak.
What support is provided by the military to increase NHS bed capacity, and what plans are there for extension?
We continue to review needs within the Department of Health and Social Care and stand ready to deliver.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific extension plans
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
Fishermen in Scapa Flow occasionally dredge up ordnance.
Why does the Secretary of State consider a payment of £228 adequate compensation for dangers faced?
I will have to look at the detail and write to the right hon. Gentleman with details.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific adequacy of compensation
Hedging Language
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about job cuts and weaker terms from contract changes.
Why is the Secretary of State doing this outsourcing exercise that leads to job cuts, weaker terms, and operational risks?
We have gained a lot from the existing contract and hope more will be driven out. We will do nothing that could endanger national security.
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Assessment & feedback
Justification for outsourcing decisions
Hedging Language
Response accuracy