Army Reservists: Employment Rights

Debate between Louise Sandher-Jones and Jim Allister

Tuesday 24th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the details, but I can assure the hon. Lady that we are considering the implications of the judgment very closely, and I am mindful of the point that she and others have made about the need for speed in coming to this judgment.

[Jim Allister (North Antrim) (TUV)]

Of course, the Government are considering whether to appeal. I trust that they will not, but if they do not and this is the end of the legal road on this, they will be faced with the next stage, which is to determine what remedy model they are going to develop for this case. Could I appeal to the Minister that, in arriving at that model, the Government do not make it tight and narrow specifically to this case but base it on the emerging strong principle of this case that there has to be an acceptance that part-timers should have pension rights? That is the fundamental principle. If the Government seek to avoid that by focusing only on this case and on the reservists, while ignoring the wider cadre of individuals who are equally part-timers and denying them what they will have to give to this applicant, would that not be a very wrong-headed approach?

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

I thank the hon. and learned Member for his point, and his comments have been noted. As soon as I have further details, I will provide an update.