Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to engage with people affected by the ban on LGBT people serving in the British Armed Forces prior to the start of discussions on a financial settlement.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Government has engaged with people affected by the Ban throughout the response to the Independent Review; the response can be viewed at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lgbt-veterans-independent-review-government-response.
Defence has worked closely with key stakeholders on the design of the scheme, enabling the voices of the veterans to be heard. Indications of interest were invited through the application process for non-financial restorative measures, aiding Defence in understanding more about the affected community and ensuring that the scheme considers the needs of the community. Further information regarding the restorative measures can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lgbt-veterans-apply-for-restorative-measures.
I recently held a briefing in which I welcomed questions and listened to the concerns of veterans directly from their MPs. This Government is committed to holding a Parliamentary debate to ensure Parliamentary scrutiny is given to the design of the scheme and that all veterans concerns may be represented.
Further information about available support and next steps can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/lgbt-veterans-support-and-next-steps
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department allows the transfer of (a) retired, (b) surplus civilian (i) vehicles and (ii) vehicle fleets from the UK to support military units in Ukraine.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence has prioritised its support to Ukraine, including establishing processes to ensure equipment that is retiring, or is surplus to UK military requirements, is considered for donation to Ukraine. Similarly, the Ministry of Defence has enabled the transfer of donated equipment e.g. vehicles, to Ukraine from private organisations, or Other Government Departments such as the Home Office.
We will continue to support and enable donations of equipment.
Asked by: David Taylor (Labour - Hemel Hempstead)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
What steps he is taking to support people and organisations wishing to donate and deliver vehicles to Ukraine.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
We welcome support for Ukraine from across civil soceity. In coordination with the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) cohere donation offers from Industry and assists companies in achieving this goal. DBT regularly meets with defence and security trade associations to discuss requirements, based on Ukraine’s specific requests for equipment.