Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence
Monday 13th July 2015

(9 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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If the Minister would look at the House we would all be deeply obliged to him. I understand the natural temptation to turn round, but if he could face the House it would be helpful.

Keith Vaz Portrait Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab)
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I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to increase by 10% the number of our armed forces from ethnic minorities. Can the Minister confirm that that will include members of the reserve forces?

Julian Brazier Portrait Mr Brazier
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Yes, I can. We are strongly committed to our black, Asian and minority ethnic targets. It is a fact that the attraction of UK citizens from ethnic minorities—as opposed to Commonwealth citizens—to the reserve forces, has consistently run ahead of figures for the regular forces.