Contributions
245 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q And the process that you have now, do you think it will still be fit for purpose when the commissioner comes in? Abby Dryden: I think it will be a different process, and we will…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)Q Flipping Terry’s question on its head, could it actually have negative implications in terms of culture in service life and usher in a new wave of complaining? Lt General Sir…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Minister, it was clear from Second Reading that there is broad cross-party support for this piece of legislation. From your perspective, how did this Bill come to be? How has it…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q It does, thank you. May I open that question up to Maria and Collette—would you like to add any other points? Maria Lyle: I do not believe that I have a specific concern that…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q This question is to Sarah. You have mentioned the continuity of education allowance—CEA. This is a hot topic; the rates have just been released, and it is clear that the rates…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Would it be beneficial to have that in the Bill? Air Commodore Simon Harper: Yes, it would.10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)I have a close family member who works for one of the charities here today.10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q I echo the thanks for all you do for your single services. This Bill proposes a lot of new powers for an Armed Forces Commissioner. If, down the line, after this commissioner…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Following on from that, are you trained to advise service personnel and families on creating a claim, or are you being advised completely by the chain of command? Abby Dryden:…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you for being with us today. I should imagine that many of the service personnel you deal with might be physically incapacitated or not of sound mind to be able to raise…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)Q On that point, how do you think the new role will be communicated downward, from a commanding officer to their service personnel? What level of severity do you think would…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)I thank Angela and Ted for being here today. The title of the role is changing from “ombudsman” to “commissioner”. We previously heard that different perceptions come with those…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)Q Thank you, Mariette, for being with us today. Is it possible to go into the timeline of how we have got to this point? You talked about limited powers, and I completely agree…10 Dec 2024HANSARD SyriaThe situation in the middle east is extremely volatile, and the situation that has played out in Syria over recent days only adds to that instability. Has the Foreign Secretary…09 Dec 2024HANSARDEngagementsQ10. My constituents in Exmouth and Exeter East, and our neighbours across the south-west, are understandably concerned about the rail disruption and potential economic damage…27 Nov 2024HANSARD Sewage Discharges: South WestI thank the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Ben Maguire) for securing this important debate. Many of the points that have been raised this evening are issues we have all…27 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillI thank my hon. Friend for raising that concern. That issue definitely needs to be drawn out during the later stages of the Bill to ensure that everyone across the armed forces…18 Nov 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsT8. Could I ask for a progress update on the recruitment for a national armaments director, the creation of a military strategic headquarters, and the release of the defence…18 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillIt is encouraging to see cross-party support for the Bill, and it is a real pleasure to be in the Chamber this evening with all four former Royal Marines who have come into…18 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentI completely agree with the Defence Secretary that defence spending must increase to meet the threats we face. Given that the threats are visible and increasing, I found myself…11 Nov 2024