Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Rachael Maskell

Monday 26th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mark Lancaster]

My hon. Friend makes an important point. I would like to think that we do find that balance. We have made three passages through the South China sea in recent months, and we are absolutely right to exercise our freedom of navigation rights.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

20. What steps he is taking to recruit personnel to the armed forces.

[Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con)]

22. What steps he is taking to encourage people to join the armed forces.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)]

We remain committed to maintaining the overall size of the armed forces. Importantly, the services continue to meet all their current commitments, keeping the country and its interests safe.

[Rachael Maskell]

In the light of the record 8,840 shortfall in armed forces personnel, most marked in the Army, which is a staggering 5,870 troops short, when will the Secretary of State recruit to the full quota of regular personnel?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Rachael Maskell

Monday 22nd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

T3. York has four remaining Normandy veterans who fought in the second world war. LIBOR funding will be needed to give them, and their carers, the opportunity to make one last visit to mark D-day on 6 June 2019. How will the Minister ensure that they are able to pay their respects next year and that they will be able to take their carers with them to attend fully?

[Mark Lancaster]

The hon. Lady is right that next year is a significant anniversary of the Normandy invasions, and it is important that we get it right. We are looking carefully at the right way for the Ministry of Defence to support the event, and an announcement will be made in due course.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Rachael Maskell

Monday 23rd October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mark Lancaster]

That is a very fair point. Indeed, at the moment, no advice has been put on Ministers’ desks about the outcome to which the review is leading, but it will be based firmly on military advice.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

15. What personal information his Department holds on former armed forces personnel.