Lord Coaker Portrait

Lord Coaker

Labour - Gedling

Became Member: 3rd February 2021

Opposition Whip (Lords)

(since May 2021)

Shadow Spokesperson (Defence)

(since May 2021)

Shadow Spokesperson (Home Affairs)

(since May 2021)

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee
16th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Business and Trade Committee
16th Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
14th Sep 2015 - 26th Jun 2016
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
7th Oct 2013 - 14th Sep 2015
Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
7th Oct 2011 - 7th Oct 2013
Shadow Minister (Home Affairs)
8th Oct 2010 - 7th Oct 2011
Shadow Minister (Education) (Schools)
12th May 2010 - 8th Oct 2010
Minister of State (Department for Children, Schools and Families) (Schools and Learners)
9th Jun 2009 - 6th May 2010
Minister of State (Home Office) (Policing, Crime & Security)
5th Oct 2008 - 9th Jun 2009
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office) (Crime Reduction)
2nd Jul 2007 - 5th Oct 2008
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
5th May 2006 - 28th Jun 2007
Lord Commissioner (HM Treasury) (Whip)
10th May 2005 - 5th May 2006
Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
13th Jun 2003 - 10th May 2005
Social Security
9th Nov 1998 - 1st Feb 1999


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Lord Coaker has voted in 352 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Lord Coaker Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Conservative)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
(156 debate interactions)
Baroness Goldie (Conservative)
(98 debate interactions)
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Department Debates
Home Office
(482 debate contributions)
Ministry of Defence
(134 debate contributions)
Scotland Office
(54 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(43 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Nationality and Borders Act 2022
(33,172 words contributed)
Illegal Migration Act 2023
(27,199 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Lord Coaker's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Coaker, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.



Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
22nd Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Cobra meetings have been held in response to the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukraine border.

As a matter of policy, the Government does not comment on COBR meetings.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
7th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many calls the Veterans' Gateway helpline received in (1) June, (2) July, and (3) August.

Information held by the Veterans Gateway shows that in June there were 1,386, in July there were 1,362 and in August there were 1,505 calls.

Lord True
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
12th Jan 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government why they announced that they are no longer going to create a single enforcement body overseeing conditions in the labour market.

This Government remains committed to workers’ rights and enforcement but there is also real pressure on parliamentary time. We are reviewing what this means for the creation of the Single Enforcement Body which would be a significant organisational change and requires primary legislation. In the meantime, we continue to invest significantly in the existing labour market enforcement bodies and are working with the Director of Labour Market Enforcement to provide strategic oversight of the system as a whole.

The Government is supporting legislation to enhance workers’ rights. This includes backing five Private Members’ Bills on neonatal leave and pay, pregnancy and maternity discrimination, flexible working, carers’ leave, and tipping.

Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
8th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial support for (1) academic, and (2) living, costs is available to English postgraduate students studying for a Masters degree at an English university.

The Postgraduate Master’s Loan scheme was introduced in summer 2016 to help remove the financial barrier often faced by those wishing to study at master’s level.

The Master’s Loan scheme is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study to make the UK more globally competitive by increasing the number of people with such high-level skills and knowledge.

Postgraduate students can borrow up to £11,570 for courses starting in the 2021/22 academic year. This loan is intended as a contribution to the cost of study, rather than specifically to cover tuition fees or living costs.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
7th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people have been identified by the Armed Forces “identifier” on to the Universal Credit system since it was introduced.

This information is not currently available. We are developing the way to determine numbers of people identified by the Armed Forces “identifier” and plan to release them later in the year.

7th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people have been assisted by Armed Forces Champions in (1) 2019, (2) 2020, and (3) 2021.

The information requested is not available as DWP does not keep such records.

30th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government which (1) NHS trusts, and (2) ambulance trusts, currently have UK armed forces deployed to them; and how many personnel are deployed to each trust.

The information on National Health Service trusts which have requested and received support from the armed forces is not held in the format requested. However, the following table shows the number of Military Aid to Civilian Authorities applications made by NHS England and the number of rejected applications in each month in 2021. Data for December 2021 is not yet available therefore we are unable to provide the information requested on the number of personnel currently deployed to all NHS trusts.

Military Aid to Civilian Authorities applications from NHS England

Number of rejected applications

January

32

2

February

14

0

March

2

0

April

1

0

May

1

0

June

1

0

July

1

0

August

3

0

September

0

0

October

0

0

November

2

0

30th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many NHS trusts have requested support from the UK armed forces in every month of 2021 so far; which NHS trusts made such requests; and of those that made such requests, which ones were (1) successful, and (2) rejected.

The information on National Health Service trusts which have requested and received support from the armed forces is not held in the format requested. However, the following table shows the number of Military Aid to Civilian Authorities applications made by NHS England and the number of rejected applications in each month in 2021. Data for December 2021 is not yet available therefore we are unable to provide the information requested on the number of personnel currently deployed to all NHS trusts.

Military Aid to Civilian Authorities applications from NHS England

Number of rejected applications

January

32

2

February

14

0

March

2

0

April

1

0

May

1

0

June

1

0

July

1

0

August

3

0

September

0

0

October

0

0

November

2

0

7th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many referrals Operation Courage received in (1) June, (2) July, and (3) August.

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.

7th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government when care co-ordinators will be appointed as a result of the £2.7 million funding increase for Operation Courage.

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.

7th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many care co-ordinators will be appointed as a result of the £2.7 million funding increase for Operation Courage.

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.

7th Sep 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what the timeframe is for the £2.7 million funding increase for Operation Courage.

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.

16th Jan 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to withdraw from the 1951 Refugee Convention.

The UK Government does not have any plans to withdraw from the Refugee Convention.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish a statement setting out their strategy on expanding NATO membership, in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The UK has always been a committed supporter of NATO's Open Door Policy, enshrined in Article 10 of the Washington Treaty which founded NATO in 1949. NATO's expansion has been pivotal in spreading democracy, free speech and the rule of law across Europe. Each nation has the right to choose its own security arrangements. Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed European security and it is understandable that faced with this threat, countries may review their security arrangements, including considering applying to join the alliance and to benefit from its collective security guarantees.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Jan 2023
To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish their Modern Slavery Bill.

As the Prime Minister set out in his statement to the House of Commons on 13 December, the Government is determined to tackle the misuse of our modern slavery system. We continue to examine the case for legislative changes to improve the operation of the system and we will make a further announcement in due course.

26th Oct 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government which Minister is responsible for modern slavery where no illegal immigration has occurred, given that modern slavery has been removed from the remit of Minister for Safeguarding and placed under the heading ‘Illegal migration and asylum’ within the remit of the Minister for Immigration.

The Government remains committed to tackling the heinous crime of modern slavery and supporting victims, regardless of policy portfolio.

There are close links between modern slavery and migration; about two thirds of potential victims are foreign nationals, and often potential victims have ongoing engagement with the immigration system.

While a Ministerial portfolio hopes to group together related policies, there will be elements of complex policy areas which fall across multiple portfolios. Home Office Ministers work together on complex policy issues.

26th Oct 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government which Minister is responsible for British victims of modern slavery, given that 31 per cent of all potential victims referred to the National Referral Mechanism in 2021 were UK nationals which do not fit under the heading ‘Illegal migration and asylum’ within the new remit of the Minister for Immigration.

The Government remains committed to tackling the heinous crime of modern slavery and supporting victims, regardless of policy portfolio.

There are close links between modern slavery and migration; about two thirds of potential victims are foreign nationals, and often potential victims have ongoing engagement with the immigration system.

While a Ministerial portfolio hopes to group together related policies, there will be elements of complex policy areas which fall across multiple portfolios. Home Office Ministers work together on complex policy issues.

26th Oct 2022
To ask His Majesty's Government which Minister is responsible for the National Referral Mechanism, given that it (1) is no longer alongside modern slavery within the remit of the Minister for Safeguarding, and (2) has not been added to the remit of Minister for Immigration.

Modern Slavery now falls under the remit of The Rt.Hon Robert Jenrick as the Minister of State for Migration.

There are close links between modern slavery and migration. About two thirds of potential victims are foreign nationals, and often potential victims have ongoing engagement with the immigration system so having one minister overseeing both modern slavery and migration will help to ensure the interaction works effectively.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
6th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government which articles and sections of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking they have identified as being incompatible with the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

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.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
6th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation they (1) have had, and (2) plan to undertake, with respect to the Modern Slavery Bill announced in the 2022 Queen's Speech.

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

Lord Sharpe of Epsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
6th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of section 65 (Temporary Leave) of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 on the victims of modern slavery.

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.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
6th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government which sections of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 that allow the Secretary of State to make regulations (1) have, and (2) have not, been used to make such regulations.

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 28th June 2022. The provisions listed in Schedule 1 of the Act (Commencement No. 1, Transitional and Saving Provisions) came into force on 28th June 2022 and the provisions listed in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 (Commencement No. 2) Regulations 2022 came into force on 24th 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.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
6th Sep 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of section 68 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 on the rights of victims of modern slavery.

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.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
14th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many schoolchildren from the EU who visited UK schools in the last year used identity cards to enter the UK.

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.

Baroness Williams of Trafford
Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
9th Jun 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many children visited the United Kingdom on school visits using identity cards in the last year for which figures are available.

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.

Baroness Williams of Trafford
Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
11th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to reviewing defence spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

As the Secretary of State for Defence has made clear, Defence spending and our capabilities will be based on the threat picture and to that end we are constantly evaluating our priorities.

Following SR20, Defence spending increased by over £24 billion over the next four years up to 2025: the biggest investment in the UK's Armed Forces since the end of the Cold War.

This commitment cements our position as the second largest Defence spender in NATO, clearly exceeding the 2% of GDP target.

11th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent progress they have made in delivering actions set out in their policy paper Global Britain in a Competitive Age: Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, published on 16 March 2021 and updated on 2 July 2021.

The Integrated Review (IR) sets out the vision for a Global Britain in a more competitive age, by integrating foreign, security, defence and development policies. It addressed the unprecedented challenges and geopolitical shifts posed by a deteriorating global security environment.

We believe the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper hold true, but we are continuing to monitor the situation in Ukraine to ensure our strategic approach remains threat-led and in line with the agile planning and delivery mechanisms developed following the Integrated Review. We will continue to review our capabilities and readiness levels accordingly.

Recent examples of progress delivering on the IR's objectives can be seen respectively through:

(i) Defence's commitment of least £6.6 billion for next generation capabilities and research, especially cyber and space, with investment currently forecasted to surpass this target;
(ii) CSG21's deployment in the Indo-Pacific and the permanent deployment of HMS Tamar and HMS Spey to the Western Pacific, an example of a multilateral deployment of cutting-edge military capabilities focused on developing global partnerships and strengthening existing alliances;
(iii) our response to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, which has shown the UK at its best, united with our allies to deter Russian aggression on NATO's eastern flank;
(iv) from a peak of 5,000 personnel in March 2021 in support of the COVID response, Defence's continued provision of personnel and support across the UK and in support of the Devolved Administrations to manage the pressure on their health services.

11th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to assist NATO allies in providing military assistance to Ukraine.

The UK is at the forefront of the international effort in support of Ukraine and was instrumental in the convening of two International Defence Donor Conferences for Ukraine, which included representation from the EU and NATO. Alongside partner nations, the UK established an International Donor Coordination Centre in Stuttgart in February. This plays a leading role in the international community that ensures the military aid to Ukraine is as coordinated and effective as possible. The UK will continue to give military support and is conducting logistics operations to support the delivery of donations from partner nations.

10th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to maintaining, rather than reducing, army size targets since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

There are currently no plans to reverse the decision to reduce the number of regular Army personnel to 73,000. The Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper made clear that we must focus on Defence capability rather than troop numbers in response to changing threats and priorities. The British Army will be more integrated and active, with a whole force of over 100,000 regulars and reservists, to address current and future threats.

We are continuing to monitor the situation globally, including in Ukraine, and, in line with planning and delivery mechanisms developed following the Integrated Review, we will continue to review our capabilities and readiness levels accordingly.

10th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent progress they have made on delivering outstanding Ajax armoured vehicles.

I refer the Noble Lord to the written statement (HCWS42) made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin) in the House of Commons on 19 May 2022.

10th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government to provide a summary of the military assistance being provided to Ukraine.

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.

10th May 2022
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it remains their policy to only provide defensive military assistance to Ukraine.

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.

30th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK armed forces personnel are currently deployed in the UK to deal with the supply chain issues.

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.

30th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK armed forces personnel are currently deployed in the UK; and of these, to which local authorities they are deployed.

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.

29th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to remarks made by Baroness Goldie on 25 November (HL Deb, col 1057), what electromagnetic capabilities are being developed for use by the army; and when they will be operational.

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.

29th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to remarks made by Baroness Goldie on 25 November (HL Deb, col 1057), how many regional hubs for army deployment and training are being created; where they are being created; and when they will be operational.

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.

29th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK armed forces personnel have been injured during testing of Boxer armoured personnel carriers.

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.

29th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK armed forces personnel have been injured during testing of Challenger 3.

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.

29th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK armed forces personnel have been injured by challenger tanks in each year from 2016 to 2021; and what injuries were sustained.

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

Injury Type

Count

2016-17

18

2017-18

21

2018-19

10

2019-20

15

2020-21

16

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

Injury Type

Number

Superficial Injury (e.g. bruise)

8

Crush

12

Cut / Laceration

12

Fracture

10

Pain

10

Muscle Spasm / Muscle Strain

6

Other1

22

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

29th Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many UK armed forces personnel have been injured by warrior vehicles in each year from 2016 to 2021; and what injuries were sustained.

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

Injury Type

Count

2016-17

20

2017-18

23

2018-19

23

2019-20

30

2020-21

14

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

Injury Type

Number

Superficial Injury (e.g. bruise)

15

Crush

10

Cut / Laceration

14

Fracture

10

Pain

19

Muscle Spasm / Muscle Strain

9

Other1

20

Not Specified

13

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.

22nd Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the carrier strike group will return to the UK.

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.

22nd Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British Navy vessels have been sent to the Black Sea in response to the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukraine border; and what type of vessels have been sent.

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.

22nd Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British armed forces personnel have been sent to (1) Poland, (2) Lithuania, (3) Latvia, and (4) Estonia, in 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.

22nd Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will issue a tender for a new medium helicopter to replace the Puma.

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.

22nd Nov 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many briefings the Secretary of State for Defence has received on the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukraine border.

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.

13th Oct 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government when David Marsh will produce recommendations on the Ajax programme; and when these recommendations will be published.

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.

13th Oct 2021
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they have made with General Dynamics to recover taxpayer money from that company if the Ajax programme is terminated.

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.