Contributions
703 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)I thank the hon. Member for his kind comments. There is already a limit, but that limit can be looked at and overridden in certain circumstances. That should remain in place;…20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)rose —20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)The Minister is talking about overseas operations. We all understand that, and that the Bill applies to those serving overseas. However, if my employer sends me overseas, and I…20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)I am looking for clarity. Why would the overseas nuclear test veterans not be considered to have been on an overseas operation?20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)Does the hon. Gentleman share my concern that the Minister is suggesting that we are raising concerns because of a campaign group? Personally, I am not raising concerns because of…20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)Will the Minister give way?20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)The problem with the nuclear test veterans—it could apply to other examples—is that there is actually a clear date of incident, many decades before. Although their point of…20 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Eighth sitting)Another example, of course, is the Snatch Land Rovers, which we have heard talk of many times. It was only because a claim was brought against the MOD that safer alternatives were…20 Oct 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsIt is noticeable how many Members have raised today the issue of the self-employed and freelancers, such as musicians, actors and dancers, who have had little or no support…20 Oct 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsI was delighted to hear last week that the Scottish Tories now support the Scottish National party’s policy on free university tuition. I am sure the Secretary of State will…12 Oct 2020HANSARDEducational AttainmentEducational attainment depends very much on the quality of the teachers. In Scotland, teachers must attain a specified professional standard, which is not necessarily replicated…12 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Q What about conditions that might fall outside it? Charles Byrne: This is difficult, because what are the effects of loss or injury that might make somebody find it difficult and…08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Q Do you agree that when people sign up for the armed forces, they understand that there is an element of risk with that? Charles Byrne: Of course, yes.08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Fourth sitting)Q How do you feel about the inclusion of torture and war crimes? Judge Blackett: It is the same answer—this is an academic discussion that you and I are having, because I do not…08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Fourth sitting)Q Judge Blackett, did you support the exclusion of sexual offences from the Bill? Judge Blackett: No. I cannot see the differentiation between any offences but, since I do not…08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Thank you, General Parker.08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Q You have talked about how we might be viewed by our international colleagues—for example, if we are doing a joint operation. Do you think the Bill might affect the willingness…08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Q Is there also an expectation on their employer, the Ministry of Defence, to look after them in the best possible way? Charles Byrne: Absolutely, and this cuts both ways. We…08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Q Do you find it worrying that the Minister is arguing this morning that it is okay to disadvantage members of the armed forces or retired members of the armed forces because…08 Oct 2020HANSARDOverseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill (Third sitting)Q Do you think it allows challenges or difficulties within the chain of command to hide behind aspects that are being put forward in the Bill? General Sir Nick Parker: I am…08 Oct 2020