Armed Forces Personnel from Commonwealth Countries
Debate between Baroness Goldie and Lord Loomba(4 years, 1 month ago)
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Baroness Goldie (Con)
My noble friend makes an interesting suggestion, and the department is certainly receptive to all views. I am sure that is a view that the department will look at with interest.
Lord Loomba (CB) [V]
My Lords, Armed Forces personnel from many Commonwealth countries have supported our country over many, many years, including in the First and Second World Wars. Their bravery and commitment are to be applauded. Can the Minister tell us how they are supported once they leave the military with things such as NHS facilities? Are they expected to pay for this service upon leaving? If so, should we be looking at whether this is just and fair?
Baroness Goldie (Con)
The MoD, the Home Office and the Government in general provide financial advice to veterans who are facing financial difficulty. Following discharge, Veterans UK’s Veterans Welfare Service and Defence Transition Services provide support to Commonwealth and Gurkha veterans, as they do to any other veteran.
Human Rights: Kashmir
Debate between Baroness Goldie and Lord Loomba
Baroness Goldie
I revert to my Answer to the noble Lord, Lord Hussain, in which I made clear that the United Kingdom Government believe that any allegation of human rights abuse is a matter of concern and should be investigated very robustly. As a member of the United Nations, we support all its bodies and their ability to fulfil their mandates.
Lord Loomba (Non-Afl)
My Lords, do the Government recognise that terrorism—and the support of terrorists—is the worst form of human rights abuse?
Baroness Goldie
We obviously deplore terrorism wherever it occurs. In so far as there has been terrorist activity in Kashmir, the UK has regularly highlighted, at the highest level, the importance of taking effective action against all terrorist groups. We will continue to advance that argument consistently and robustly.