Lord Coaker

Operation Courage has a recurrent annual budget of £17.6 million. This will increase to £18.5 million per year following the £2.7 million of additional funding. Discussions are ongoing between NHS England and Operation Courage providers on the number of care co-ordinators which can be appointed and when this will take effect. Referrals to Operation Courage in June 2021 were 437; 363 in July; and 362 to 28 August.

My Rt Hon friend the Home Secretary will set out the Government’s plans for modern slavery legislation in due course.

Section 65 of the Nationality and Borders Act confirms in primary legislation the provision of temporary permission to stay for confirmed victims of modern slavery where it is necessary, and unless relevant exemptions apply, to assist in their recovery from physical or psychological harm related to their exploitation, to enable them to claim compensation or to enable their co-operation in bringing their exploiters to justice. This will bring clarity to both victims and decision makers on when victims will and won’t be eligible for permission to stay.

We will keep the implementation of reforms in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 under close review.

The government has completed a full economic and equalities impact assessment and we will review the impact of section 65 going forward where necessary.

The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (“the Act”) achieved Royal Assent on 28th April 2022.

The provisions set out in section 87(3) and (4) of the Act came into force immediately upon Royal Assent. The provisions set out in section 87(5) of the Act came into force on 28^th June 2022. The provisions listed in Schedule 1 of the Act (Commencement No. 1, Transitional and Saving Provisions) came into force on 28^th June 2022 and the provisions listed in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 came into force on 24^th August 2022.

Implementation of the Act to date has been through the following pieces of secondary legislation:

• The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Commencement, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2022
• The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022
• The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2022
• The Slavery and Human Trafficking (Definition of Victim) Regulations 2022
• The British Nationality (General, British Overseas Territories and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• The Terrorism Act 2000 (Code of Practice for Examining Officers and Review Officers) Order 2022
  

There have also been changes to the Immigration Rules made during 2022 in relation to the implementation of the Act.

The remaining measures will be implemented over the coming months and into next year.

The Government remains committed to tackling the scourge of modern slavery.

Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims (the “EU Trafficking Directive”) was adopted on 5 April 2011.

The Nationality and Borders Act provides legislative clarity to victims and decision makers on victims’ rights, including the entitlement to a recovery period and the circumstances in which confirmed victims may be granted permission to stay.

Section 68 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 disapplied the EU Trafficking Directive insofar as it was incompatible with provisions made by that Act.

The provisions in Section 68 aim to ensure that if there is any provision within the EU Directive that operates on the same subject as the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, whether support for victims or otherwise, there is no confusion as to which applies.

The Government believes that that if there is any provision within the Directive that operates on the same subject as the 2022 Act, whether support for victims or otherwise, it is right that people are not confused as to which applies. More broadly, the Government does not believe that any of the Directive’s provisions have been given direct effect by a domestic court and so does not have effect as retained EU law.

This provision does not result in a diminution below the standards laid down in the EU Trafficking Directive, nor does section 68 remove any entitlements from victims. This legal clarification will not have an impact on victim identification, protection and support provided through the National Referral Mechanism.

We do not record specific details of the number of children from the EU who have travelled to the UK on national identity cards for the purpose of school visits.

We do not record specific details of the number of children who have travelled to the UK on national identity cards for the purpose of school visits.

We are working constantly with the Ukrainian Government to supply defensive military equipment. We have sent over 6,900 anti-tank missiles, including NLAW and Javelin, Air Defence systems including Starstreak anti-air missiles, 1,360 anti structure munitions and 4.5 tonnes of plastic explosives. We have also sent over 200,000 pieces of non-lethal aid including helmets, body armour, range finders and medical equipment to help sustain the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The UK has confirmed substantial funding for military operations and aid to Ukraine. This includes the Prime Minister’s 3 May announcement of funding for electronic warfare equipment, a counter battery radar system, GPS jamming equipment and thousands of night vision devices.

The UK intends to continue to provide military aid to Ukraine so that it can defend itself against Russian aggression. This will include forms of lethal and non-lethal equipment; weapons have been provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the understanding that they will be used in accordance with international humanitarian law.

As of 6 December 2021, there were 161 personnel deployed to assist with supply chain challenges. 137 Service personnel were deployed to support the continuity of fuel supplies around the UK. Defence has also provided 24 Defence Driving Examiners to assist the Department for Transport in their effort to enhance the number of tests offered to prospective HGV drivers in Great Britain and as a result generate more HGV drivers to service the UK in the run up to Christmas.

As of the 9 December 2021, there were 1,022 personnel deployed on UK resilience tasks. They were deployed to the following locations: Wyton; Edinburgh; Leconfield; Cardiff; London; Aldershot; Manston; Sheerness; Glasgow; Coningsby; Liverpool; Catterick; Inchinnan; and Birmingham.

The Army is working with the capability sponsors in Strategic Command to develop a modern range of capabilities, which will allow all ground-based forces to safely operate within and exploit the electromagnetic spectrum. The capabilities under development fall into three categories: the first category will enhance our ability to understand our adversaries’ information and capabilities. The second will improve our ability to counter electronic threats to the deployed force, whilst the third will enhance our ability to deliver electronic attack against adversarial targets.

These capabilities will contribute a critical part of delivery of the Integrated Force Structure ready by 2030 as outlined in Future Soldier.

Land Regional Hubs will be established as part of the wider Defence Global Hub concept that will support the delivery of regional Military Strategic Objectives. The Army will capitalise on our pre-existing network of overseas bases in Oman, Kenya, Brunei, Belize and Germany, integrating with and augmenting the existing global network for Defence.

Since placement of the contract for the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle in late 2019 there have been no recorded reportable injuries of UK Armed Forces personnel, including during the initial static trials exercises.

Since placement of the contract for the programme in March 2021 there have been no recorded reportable injuries of UK Armed Forces personnel in relation to Challenger 3.

From 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021, two UK Armed Forces personnel died and 80 were injured as a result of incidents relating to a Challenger armoured vehicle. The incidents identified include the Challenger battle tank as well as the Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle (CRARRV).

Table 1: UK armed forces personnel injured in incidents relating to a Challenger Armoured Vehicle, by financial year

1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021

Source: Defence Statistics Health

Table 2: UK armed forces injured in incidents relating to a challenger armoured vehicle

1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021

Source: Defence Statistics Health

¹In line with JSP 200, this category combines injuries where the number was fewer than three in order to protect individual identities.

Note the numbers in this response include incidents where an injury occurred e.g. due to a person slipping or falling off the tank or performing maintenance of the tank

From 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021, 110 UK Armed Forces personnel were injured as a result of an incident relating to a Warrior armoured vehicle.

Table 1: UK armed forces personnel injured in incidents relating to a Warrior Armoured Vehicle, by financial year

1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021

Source: Defence Statistics Health

Table 2: UK armed forces personnel injured in incidents involving a Warrior Armoured Vehicle, by injury type

1 April 2016 to 31 March 2021

Source: Defence Statistics Health

¹In line with JSP 200, this category combines injuries where the number was fewer than three in order to protect individual identities.

Note the numbers in this response include incidents where an injury occurred e.g. due to a person slipping or falling off the tank or performing maintenance of the tank.

The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) deployment will return to the UK in mid-December. This concludes a seven-month deployment where ships and aircraft from the Group have operated and exercised with over 40 countries, demonstrating our interoperability and commitment to working with allies and partners.

No Royal Navy vessels have been sent to the Black Sea as a response to the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukraine border.

As part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence, the UK already has 850 service personnel in Estonia, where we are the framework nation and 130 in Poland in support of the US battlegroup. No additional personnel have been sent to either Poland, Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia in response to the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border.

It is the Department's expectation that the procurement of the New Medium Helicopter will be subject to competition. The formal acquisition process has not started and the timescales for the issue of any tender are subject to agreement of both the Key User Requirements and the approvals process.

The Secretary of State for Defence receives regular updates on the situation in Ukraine, especially in light of his recent visit to Kiev. We have significant concerns about Russia's aggressive pattern of military build-ups on Ukraine's border and in illegally-annexed Crimea. We remain clear that Russia's threatening and destabilising behaviour is unacceptable. We will continue to monitor events on the ground closely and call on Russia, alongside our Allies and Partners, to adhere to its international obligations and commitments.

David Marsh has been appointed as SRO on the Armoured Cavalry Programme (including Ajax). The MOD is committed to working with General Dynamics to achieve a resolution of outstanding issues. We will not take into service a capability which is not fit for purpose. Mr Marsh has not been commissioned to produce a “report” on Ajax but will in the ordinary course be advising Ministers as the programme evolves.

I refer the Noble Lord to the written statement (HCWS322) made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin) in the House of Commons on 18 October 2021.

The Ministry of Defence will publish the first Defence Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy later this year.

The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy is responsible for the overall operation and resilience of the UK's domestic energy market. In parallel, defence of the UK and its overseas territories from the malicious intent of our adversaries is the first task of the Ministry of Defence. This extends to being prepared to defend against and counter external hostile threats to our way of life and the delivery of critical services. Our strategy for this is set out in the Defence Command Paper, published on 22 March 2021.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin) in the House of Commons on 19 July 2021 to Qustion 33142 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Mark Francois).

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin) in the House of Commons on 19 July 2021 to Qustion 33142 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Mark Francois).

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin) in the House of Commons on 19 July 2021 to Qustion 33142 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Mark Francois).

The Terms and Conditions of the contract for the Ajax Programme with General Dynamics are commercially sensitive. I am therefore withholding this information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. Consequently, there are no plans to publish the contract.

The Terms and Conditions of the contract for the Ajax Programme with General Dynamics are commercially sensitive. I am therefore withholding this information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. Consequently, there are no plans to publish the contract.

The Terms and Conditions of the contract for the Ajax Programme with General Dynamics are commercially sensitive. I am therefore withholding this information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests. Consequently, there are no plans to publish the contract.

As stated in the Written Statement HLWS 186 which was released to the House on Friday 16 July 2021, the Department will be making no further comment on the nature of the loss.

As stated in the Written Statement HLWS 186 which was released to the House on Friday 16 July 2021, the Department will be making no further comment on the nature of the loss.

I refer the Noble Lord to the Written Statement HLWS 186 which was released to the House on Friday 16 July.

Through the Ex-Gratia Scheme (EGS) 1,550 former staff members including their families have relocated to the UK. Under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) 96 former staff members including their families have relocated to the UK so far with several thousand more due to arrive over the summer.

Unfortunately for operational security reasons we cannot at this time comment on specific numbers of applications. However, we are significantly accelerating the pace of relocations in parallel with the military withdrawal. Our commitment to those who are eligible under the ARAP, and the process to deliver it, is not time-limited and will endure beyond the military presence in Afghanistan.

As set out in the United Kingdom (UK)’s future nuclear deterrent: the 2020 update to Parliament, the Dreadnought submarine programme remains on track for the First of Class, HMS Dreadnought, to enter service in the early 2030s. During the phased transition from the Vanguard Class to the Dreadnought Class there will be no compromise to the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. The Government’s integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy, confirmed we will maintain our submarines so that at least one will always be on a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent patrol. It is UK policy to not disclose further planned out of service and in-service dates for submarines, as to do so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our Armed Forces.

As set out in the United Kingdom (UK)’s future nuclear deterrent: the 2020 update to Parliament, the Dreadnought submarine programme remains on track for the First of Class, HMS Dreadnought, to enter service in the early 2030s. During the phased transition from the Vanguard Class to the Dreadnought Class there will be no compromise to the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. The Government’s integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy, confirmed we will maintain our submarines so that at least one will always be on a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent patrol. It is UK policy to not disclose further planned out of service and in-service dates for submarines, as to do so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our Armed Forces.

As set out in the United Kingdom (UK)’s future nuclear deterrent: the 2020 update to Parliament, the Dreadnought submarine programme remains on track for the First of Class, HMS Dreadnought, to enter service in the early 2030s. During the phased transition from the Vanguard Class to the Dreadnought Class there will be no compromise to the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. The Government’s integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy, confirmed we will maintain our submarines so that at least one will always be on a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent patrol. It is UK policy to not disclose further planned out of service and in-service dates for submarines, as to do so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our Armed Forces.

Two Partner Nations are integrated into the UK Carrier Strike Groups maiden voyage; the United States and the Netherlands. The United States has provided an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, USS The Sullivans, and has an embarked US Marine Corps F35b Squadron on HMS Queen Elizabeth. The Netherlands have provided the De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Evertsen.

Defence's vaccination policy for all vaccines, is voluntary and administered under the principles of informed consent. Those who cannot or are refusing to take a COVID-19 vaccine would be subject to a risk assessment. If ineligible to deploy, they would be removed from the operational deployment and employed in an appropriate alternate role.

As at 5 July 2021, there have been five deaths amongst UK Service personnel who had a positive COVID-19 test result recorded on Defence medical systems. Two were Regular personnel and three were Reservists.

I can confirm that all submariners currently deployed on operations have received both vaccinations against COVID-19.

Service personnel currently deployed on the UK's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) have been fully vaccinated with two doses. I can also confirm that any personnel joining CSG will have received both doses before departure.

As at 5 July 2021, 433 Armed Forces personnel have had a positive Covid-19 test result recorded in the UK in the last 10 days.

I take the noble Lord’s question as being in relation to the recent reports of noise and vibration related to Army personnel and in relation to the ongoing Ajax demonstration phase.

Following tests on the noise impact on the inner ear, organised in response to reports of hearing issues, the demonstration phase trials were halted in November 2020 in order that appropriate mitigations could be put in place. All personnel who were at risk of noise exposure were offered hearing assessments. Of these, 21 incidents of hearing treatment have been recorded and, as a precaution, a further 83 soldiers, whilst fully deployable and not currently displaying any signs of noise induced hearing loss, will receive annual hearing tests.

Trials resumed in May 2021 with restrictions on use and extra hearing protection mandated. Notwithstanding these measures this month, two soldiers reported symptoms of noise induced hearing loss, with one more being assessed. In order to ensure that protections are fully appropriate all Ajax activity (including independent testing at the Millbrook Proving Ground) has been paused (other than essential maintenance with mitigations in place).

Regarding vibration: we are aware that five soldiers have specifically reported to their local medical centre with vibration related symptoms, but none required further treatment. There have been no reports of injuries requiring hospital treatment.

At the request of Ministers, the Permanent Secretary established a review of Health and Safety aspects related to the vibration and noise concerns in the demonstration phase. As part of this review medical information (which is subject to confidentiality restrictions and updating) will be considered.

The Carrier Strike Group 21 is the largest and most ambitious global deployment of the Royal Navy for a generation.

The number of personnel on board each ship will vary over the course of the deployment due to operational requirements, however the following table provides the average crew sizes, broken down by Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship, deployed in the Carrier Strike Group.

Due to operational security reasons we do not comment on submarine issues.

New Zealand is one of the UK's key partners and a valued member of the Five Eyes alliance. The UK Defence Secretary wrote to NZ Defence Minister Peeni Henare late last year, formally inviting New Zealand to operate with the Carrier Strike Group deployment. Subsequent high-level discussions involving the Defence Secretary, Permanent Secretary, Chief of the Defence Staff and senior military officers have continued to explore the details of our engagement, and operational planning is underway.

In general, the RAF use a combination of Ku-band satellite links together with line of sight Radio Frequency communications and telephone networks for UK Reaper. These are used across the UK, US and NATO military systems, dependent on requirement, the area of operations and the specific task.

However, I am withholding further details about specific satellite networks as they would likely prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

On 21 August 2015 an RAF Reaper RPAS precision airstrike was conducted in Syria and Parliament were notified of this operation on 7 September 2015 by the then Prime Minister, David Cameron. This strike preceded the Parliamentary vote of 2 December 2015 which saw Parliament support a motion to extend the UK's support to the global-coalition's counter-Daesh operations into Syria. We will continue to ensure that Parliament is kept informed of significant major operations and deployments of the Armed Forces

The Carrier Strike Group deployment is an embodiment of the Government's Integrated Review, and has significant diplomatic, trade and security objectives:

• Send a clear message to our allies and adversaries that the UK can, and will, play a global leadership role, exerting influence on bilateral and regional issues to achieve HMG objectives and acting as a force for good in the world;
• Prove our leading role in NATO through the strength of our capability, our readiness to operate closely with Allies, and our interoperability with the US and others;
• Put the Integrated Review into action, underlining the UK's commitment to an enduring presence in the Indo-Pacific and win support for our goals and objectives there;
• Reinforce existing UK international relationships and networks, and strengthen links with NATO's partners around the world. Establish new links with a broader audience, furthering defence engagement, political and prosperity objectives;
• Promote UK industry, technology and export sales across the breadth of the UK's commercial strengths. Improve trading relationships and trade cooperation, as well as pursuing investment prospects, especially in competitive markets; and
• Build relationships between key officials and organisations.

The achievement of these ambitious and pan-Government objectives will be measured over time and in numerous ways, including public media and communications, complex interoperability tasks, exercises and missions, and increased investment, sales and trade arrangements. Importantly, the Carrier Strike Group deployment should not be viewed as a stand-alone event but as a contribution to a broader network of military, diplomatic and trade activity over the coming years.