Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Monday 20th September 2021

(2 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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Absolutely; I am delighted to put on the record our thanks. Amid the tragic scenes in Kabul, the bravery, professionalism and compassion of 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Royal Air Force and others was a light amid the darkness.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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For those eligible for the Afghan relocations and assistance policy scheme, arriving in the UK under Operation Warm Welcome has left friends and colleagues of our armed forces stranded in hotels without contact, support and help at the very time they need it. In the light of the outstanding skills of our armed forces, will the Minister talk to the Home Secretary about how his Department can lead on Operation Warm Welcome for those arriving under the ARAP scheme, so the right connections are made with those who served alongside these brave men and women to build vital bridges at each stage of the resettlement journey?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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We are extending that warm hand of welcome. Of course, there is the requirement for some people to be in quarantine, but I can assure the hon. Member that a very thorough effort is being put in place to ensure that that hand of friendship is extended to all who have arrived.