Contributions
354 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting)I beg to move amendment 7, in clause 1, page 2, line 2, at end insert— “(5A) The Commissioner must— (a) uphold and give due regard to the principles and commitments of the Armed…12 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Fourth sitting)I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn. New Clause 2 Commissioner’s interaction with Veterans Commissioners “Within one year of the passing of this…12 Dec 2024HANSARD LGBT Veterans: Etherton ReviewMy apologies, Madam Deputy Speaker. Michael joined the Royal Air Force at just 16 years old, filled with pride and ambition, and served with distinction for five years before his…12 Dec 2024HANSARD LGBT Veterans: Etherton ReviewWe are here today to discuss the implementation of the recommendations laid out in Lord Etherton’s independent review into the treatment of LGBT veterans, following the unjust and…12 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting)I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Am en d men t, by leave, withdrawn .12 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Third sitting)I thank the Minister for his reassurances. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment , by leave, withdrawn. Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.12 Dec 2024HANSARDExplosive Ordnance Disposal CommunityI beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for the explosive ordnance disposal community. I am delighted to have secured my first Westminster Hall debate. It…11 Dec 2024HANSARDExplosive Ordnance Disposal CommunityI thank you, Mr Dowd, for your excellent chairmanship of this debate and I thank the Minister for his reassuring responses. I really look forward to working with him on these…11 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Let me ask Air Commodore Harper the same question about the RAF. Do you see any particular challenges not seen in the other services? Air Commodore Simon Harper: I would make…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)Q Given that SSAFA is such an old charity, you will have seen that the needs of military personnel have changed over the years. What do you think that will mean for the role of…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q I will start from the left and go to the Army first. It is nice to meet you, Collette, and thank you for coming. I want to understand what challenges you see with families…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q One final question, if I may. The chain of command has been raised quite a few times by different individuals and in questioning. How do you see the commissioner interacting…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q I have a few questions. Colonel Doherty, you have travelled throughout the world during your career. You have been to Yemen, Kuwait, Afghanistan and various other places. How do…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)Q Thank you for coming. General Gregory, the armed forces are a tri-service, and there are slightly different cultures within that, and the Gurkhas as well. Do you feel that the…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Sarah, a very similar question, because I know that you mentioned enabling families to thrive in communities of their choice. How do you feel the commissioner could work to…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q Mandy, are there any particular challenges you see that naval communities face in contrast with the other services? Mandy Harding: It is difficult to know how distinct our…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q I want to understand how you view the overall welfare services offered by the military? How do you see the commissioner working to improve areas where you might feel that…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q We would all like the Bill’s provisions to be accessible to all service personnel. How can the Secretary of State ensure that it will be accessible to everyone, including…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (Second sitting)Q We would all like to see a strong and independent commissioner—a real champion for the armed forces. What certainty can we gain that the Secretary of State’s powers, as set out…10 Dec 2024HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner Bill (First sitting)Q General, from your past experience with the ombudsman service, what would be your biggest ask of the commissioner in their new role? Lt General Sir Nicholas Pope: If the…10 Dec 2024