Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Jack Lopresti Excerpts
Monday 11th September 2023

(1 year, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Murrison Portrait Dr Murrison
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The hon. Member is right to raise that. The armed forces compensation scheme is up and running for them. I am afraid that there have been delays in some of those applications; I referred to that earlier on. On the science behind it, obviously, we in Defence comply with the best available, as assessed by the independent medical expert group, and we will make policy accordingly. I understand the point he is making and would be happy to discuss it with him further.

Jack Lopresti Portrait Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)
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Ukrainian and UK defence companies are going up against barriers and bureaucracy when trying to set up joint working and joint projects. Could my hon. Friend update the House on how he is reducing that, so that bilateral collaboration can be made easier and quicker?

James Cartlidge Portrait James Cartlidge
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My hon. Friend has been an absolute champion of all matters relating to our relationship with Ukraine. We have seen very rapid procurement, particularly in relation to urgent requirements going into Abbey Wood in his constituency. I understand that he will hold a meeting shortly with some major Ukrainian defence industrialists, which he has kindly invited me to, and I look forward to engaging with him and those companies soon.