Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Damien Moore

Monday 8th July 2019 Commons Chamber

[Damien Moore (Southport) (Con)]

T9. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the future role of our F-35 jets, given the successful completion of their first operation?

[Mark Lancaster]

Having achieved initial operating capability from land in December 2018, and with the successful completion of its first operation, the Lightning programme is now focused on delivering initial operational capability for carrier strike, which is planned for December 2020.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Damien Moore

Monday 5th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mark Lancaster]

There is an awful lot going on at the moment. We are working closely with Capita. It would be wrong to say that there have not been challenges in implementing the defence recruiting system. There is also a change in demographics in the UK. That is why we are working so hard to widen our recruiting base and have set targets to recruit from both the BAME—black, Asian and minority ethnic—and female populations. There has been an increase of some 2.6% over the year, but we must do all we can to continue to ensure that joining the armed forces is an attractive occupation. I am particularly proud that the Army is now the largest employer of apprentices in the UK, which is something that we intend to continue.

[Damien Moore (Southport) (Con)]

15. What steps he is taking to improve mental health support for members of the armed forces and veterans.