1 Huw Merriman debates involving the Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Huw Merriman Excerpts
Monday 25th March 2019

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stuart Andrew Portrait Stuart Andrew
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I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that this is defence questions. The Prime Minister will be making a statement shortly. Perhaps that question would be best put to her.

Huw Merriman Portrait Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle) (Con)
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4. What steps he is taking to improve veterans’ access to support services.

Tobias Ellwood Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Tobias Ellwood)
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With your permission, Mr Speaker, may I pair question 4 with questions 11, 12, 19 and 23?

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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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It has been gently pointed out to me—not that one wishes to be pedantic, merely correct—that one might not be able to pair something, particularly when there are four. A grouping, on the other hand, is perfectly orderly. Mr Merriman, let us hear it man.

Huw Merriman Portrait Huw Merriman
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We were waiting for you to finish, Mr Speaker. [Laughter.] I know my place.

I thank the Minister for his answer. The charity sector plays an amazing role in enhancing support for veterans. What engagement has the Minister had with that sector?

Tobias Ellwood Portrait Mr Ellwood
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. It is so important that we engage as much as we possibly can. There are over 400 service-facing charities. They are co-ordinated by the Veterans’ Gateway and Cobseo, forming themselves into clusters so we can provide the necessary support in the various areas required. Every second Monday, the Defence Secretary and I meet people from the charity sector. In the coming weeks, we will be meeting charities based specifically in the arts.