Armed Forces: Covid-19 Deployment Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Covid-19 Deployment

Rachael Maskell Excerpts
Tuesday 10th November 2020

(3 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Quin Portrait Jeremy Quin
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My hon. Friend is never shy, and neither is the Ministry of Defence shy in being very proud of the capabilities that we have and can deploy. He is absolutely right that those capabilities include logistics and support of that nature, and we are absolutely ready to provide that support as required.

Rachael Maskell Portrait Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)
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The excellence of our armed forces in civil contingency operations, whether in support, service or strategic planning, is noted by us all.

In York, we have the medical services training centre. How is that being deployed at this time to make sure that our NHS is not overwhelmed this winter? How are we planning to ensure that the support is there when it is needed?

Jeremy Quin Portrait Jeremy Quin
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I thank the hon. Lady for her question. I believe that there are 1,600 medics currently deployed and embedded in the NHS, and we will do all we can to support them throughout the winter period. I do appreciate her interest. We will continue to provide that support to the NHS in the months ahead.