Oral Answers to Questions

Margaret Ferrier Excerpts

Monday 20th September 2021 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

I am grateful for that question. I would like to put on record my thanks to my hon. Friend’s good offices for making that happen. Of course, there will be a very significant role for the wider community and the third sector to play in welcoming our Afghan friends. I recently visited an Afghan cricket team that had been put together by a local pastor. The whole community is quite demonstrably coming together.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

The Scottish Refugee Council recently called for the UK Government to extend Operation Warm Welcome to Afghans who are still stuck in the asylum process waiting on decisions or who have previously been declined protection. Can the Minister confirm what discussions he has had with colleagues across Government on extending the programme in such a way?

[Leo Docherty]

I will, of course, pass that question on to the Home Office, but my expectation is that Operation Warm Welcome will run for as long as is necessary.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jeremy Quin]

Absolutely; it did play a key role. It is a very valuable asset, alongside others, including the A400M, which also has a connection with my hon. Friend’s constituency. I have visited his constituency, where there are great skills in the defence sector. I was delighted to make that announcement and I am delighted to see that investment going into that part of our country.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact of the introduction of operational MGS—MOD Guard Service—employment contracts on levels of staff fatigue and security at UK military bases?

[Mr Wallace]

Whenever we examine new arrangements for services for our military, of course we examine all the impacts on security, accountability and indeed performance.