Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Jenkinson Excerpts
Monday 3rd February 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Heappey Portrait James Heappey
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On the Fleet Solid Support Ships, the competition has not yet been restarted. May I draw the hon. Gentleman’s attention to the Type 31, where there is a requirement that it should be built in the United Kingdom? That is a model we should be looking to emulate as much as possible.

Mark Jenkinson Portrait Mark Jenkinson (Workington) (Con)
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4. What steps his Department is taking to support veterans and their families.

James Wild Portrait James Wild (North West Norfolk) (Con)
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8. What steps his Department is taking to support veterans and their families.

Johnny Mercer Portrait The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Johnny Mercer)
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The strategy for our veterans outlines a 10-year vision. The MOD has launched a new holistic transition policy, broadening the support offered to our people. Resettlement policy and the career transition partnership provide this employment support.

Mark Jenkinson Portrait Mark Jenkinson
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Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking businesses in my constituency, such as Iggesund, James Walker & Co and TSP Engineering, among others, that have actively recruited veterans? Will he pledge his support for companies like them to help veterans after their valued service?

Johnny Mercer Portrait Johnny Mercer
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I certainly pay tribute to my hon. Friend and the company he mentions. Veterans in this country are a significant untapped resource, and one primary objective of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is to re-evaluate what the perception of veterans is in this country. They bring so much to so many companies across the land, including the one he mentions.