Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

James Sunderland Excerpts
Monday 24th May 2021

(2 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Heather Wheeler Portrait Mrs Heather Wheeler (South Derbyshire) (Con)
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What steps his Department is taking to protect veterans from vexatious legal claims.

James Sunderland Portrait James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)
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What steps his Department is taking to protect veterans from vexatious legal claims.

Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)
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What steps his Department is taking to protect veterans from vexatious legal claims.

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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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My hon. Friend is right to raise investigations, which are a critically important component of the service justice system. It is in the interests of serving personnel that we have a rigorous and transparent system. That is why the Secretary of State has tasked Justice Richard Henriques to conduct a thorough review of our approach to investigations. We much look forward to him reporting in the autumn.

James Sunderland Portrait James Sunderland
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I believe that support for our veterans continues to improve under this Government, but, as the Minister knows, there are two pressing issues that require immediate resolution: Northern Ireland legacy; and the statutory guidance for the Armed Forces Bill. Will he please assure me that both are forthcoming?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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First, let me say how grateful I am for the work that my hon. Friend does in supporting veterans, particularly with the all-party parliamentary group on veterans and with other activities; it is appreciated. The statutory guidance will be published shortly. We are cognisant that the Armed Forces Bill needs to have teeth, and that statutory guidance will be part of our approach. When it comes to Northern Ireland, we have a shared interest in ensuring that this is dealt with. The Government will in due course bring forward a package that delivers for veterans, victims and their families.