Flood Relief Operations (Call-out Order)

Mark Francois Excerpts

Monday 24th February 2014 Written Statements

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois)]

A call-out order has been made under section 56(1) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable reservists to be called into permanent service to assist with flood relief operations in the United Kingdom. A number of high readiness reserves have already been mobilised in support of local authorities and Government agencies. This order will enable the call-out of additional reservists. Currently, we envisage calling out up to 500 reservists to fulfil a range of specialist and general roles. We plan to call out only willing and available reservists, who have the support of their employer. The order takes effect from 14 February 2014 and ceases to have effect on 13 February 2015.