Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Matt Vickers Excerpts
Monday 24th May 2021

(2 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Sunderland Portrait James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)
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What steps his Department is taking to protect veterans from vexatious legal claims.

Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers (Stockton South) (Con)
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What steps his Department is taking to protect veterans from vexatious legal claims.

Leo Docherty Portrait The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Leo Docherty)
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On 29 April 2021, we delivered the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act 2021, which is a landmark piece of legislation that will mean that our armed forces in the future can deploy with confidence when they are going around the world to do their duty.

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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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First, let me say how grateful I am for the work that my hon. Friend does in supporting veterans, particularly with the all-party parliamentary group on veterans and with other activities; it is appreciated. The statutory guidance will be published shortly. We are cognisant that the Armed Forces Bill needs to have teeth, and that statutory guidance will be part of our approach. When it comes to Northern Ireland, we have a shared interest in ensuring that this is dealt with. The Government will in due course bring forward a package that delivers for veterans, victims and their families.

Matt Vickers Portrait Matt Vickers
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I welcome the fact that the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Act will provide vital protections to those who put their lives on the line to defend our country and will introduce a new high bar for criminal prosecutions, but will my hon. Friend assure me that when members of the armed forces or our veterans do face prosecution, they will receive comprehensive support from the Ministry of Defence? Will he also join me on a visit to the Don War Memorial Museum & Veterans Hub to see the incredible work of Julie Cooper in celebrating and supporting our veterans?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I am pleased to confirm that that support is available, and it is only right that it should be. Who could resist an invitation to Teesside? I would be delighted to visit the Don War Memorial Museum with my hon. Friend, and to learn about the magnificent military heritage of which Teesside can be rightly proud.