Army Reservists: Employment Rights

Debate between Louise Sandher-Jones and Jim Shannon

Tuesday 24th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Jim Shannon]

I commend the hon. and gallant Lady. We understand that she has a personal intention to try to make things better. Whenever I met the pension people on Monday, they said that many part-time soldiers are not aware of their rights and the fact that they might be able to claim. Are the Government, and the Minister in particular, making any efforts to try to contact all those soldiers to ensure that they will be aware of their rights and can claim? As my right hon. Friend the Member for Belfast East (Gavin Robinson) said, the longer this goes on, some people will pass away. The opportunity for money should also go to their relatives; it should be retrospective.

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

I am not in a position to give details at this point, but I will absolutely take into account the hon. Member’s comments and ensure they are considered. I note his concerns.

Several Members have spoken about the importance of confidence—confidence among reservists that their service will be supported, and confidence among employers that the framework within which they operate is clear and predictable. The Government’s objective is a framework that supports reservist service, provides clarity for employers and is fully consistent with the law. Where the Milroy judgment indicates that greater clarity is needed, we will address that. Where it confirms existing arrangements, we will state that plainly.

Finally, on the wider message to those who serve, reservists across the United Kingdom make a substantial and valued contribution to our national defence. This judgment and the debate it has prompted reinforce the importance of ensuring that our systems reflect the realities of modern service and continue to command confidence.

The Government will give full and proper effect to the judgment in Advocate General for Scotland v. Mr Charles Milroy. We are considering its implications carefully and engaging with stakeholders, and we will act where action is required. We will do so in a way that is lawful, proportionate and firmly grounded in fairness. I again thank the right hon. Member for Belfast East for bringing this matter before the House, and everyone who has contributed to this important debate.

Question put and agreed to.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Louise Sandher-Jones and Jim Shannon

Monday 2nd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

My hon. Friend is right to point out that under the previous Government, forces families were severely let down on housing. Under the plans set out in the defence housing strategy, 90% of military homes will, as he rightly notes, be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

There is massive improvement in forces housing, but there is a site at Ballykinler that has been lying vacant for, I understand, five years. It is heated, and it has new windows. There has been lots of work done. I have written to the MOD, asking whether it is possible for properties that are not being used to be used for another purpose. For instance, they could be used for youth camps, for youth groups or for social housing, because this site in Ballykinler is secure. The Minister may not be able to answer that question now, but I would very much appreciate an answer on that.

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

As the hon. Member will be aware, I cannot provide an update on that specific instance now, but I will get an answer for him. We are exploring how we can make best use of the existing estate.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Louise Sandher-Jones and Jim Shannon

Monday 15th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

My hon. Friend has been a tireless campaigner for the armed forces, and I will of course meet him to discuss what we can do to support him.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

Thales and Spirit in Northern Ireland are leading the way in cyber-security and engineering. What steps are being taken to fund a potential Typhoon supply chain programme in which Northern Ireland can play its part in contributing to aircraft production across the United Kingdom?

Support for Disabled Veterans

Debate between Louise Sandher-Jones and Jim Shannon

Tuesday 28th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Jim Shannon]

I thank the Minister for all her answers, and I wish her well in her new position. She will be aware of the charity Beyond the Battlefield in Portavogie, in my constituency, which looks after soldiers across Northern Ireland who fall between the cracks. May I extend an invitation to her? It would be lovely to see her in Portavogie and Strangford, and I know that the people there would be encouraged by a visit from her.

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

I certainly hope to visit Northern Ireland soon, and I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s invitation.