Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any Military Aid to the Civil Authorities requests have been made as a result of storm Bert.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
No.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4577 on Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: Resignations, what recent steps the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has taken to support veterans in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Since 2021 the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has provided £2.9 million funding for projects supporting veterans specifically in Northern Ireland (NI). In addition, £9.4 million has been provided for UK-wide projects, most of which have also benefitted veterans in NI. Together, this funding has supported 48 projects in NI and a further 68 UK-wide.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4577 on Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: Resignations, what recent steps the Veterans Welfare Service NI has taken to support veterans.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Veterans Welfare Service in Northern Ireland (VWS NI) delivers professional one-to-one support to veterans and their families, Service leavers and the bereaved families of Service personnel. Their role focuses on providing information, guidance and support to members of the Armed Forces community. This includes, but is not limited to, transitioning from service, bereavement, or changes affected income, finance, or housing.
VWS NI also work alongside voluntary organisations, Service charities, other Government Departments, the devolved administrations and local authorities to ensure a joined-up approach which ensures our veterans, and their families receive the information and assistance they need.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the employment tribunal decision entitled Major C Milroy v Advocate-General for Scotland of 5 August 2024, reference 4103202/2020, whether he plans to provide pensions to army reservists (a) from and (b) who served in Northern Ireland.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence is currently in discussion with legal counsel on the implications of the judgment and the possibility of appealing.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date he became aware of resignation of the Northern Ireland Veterans' Commissioner; and whether he had discussions with the Commissioner prior to his resignation.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
I became aware on 5 September that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland had accepted the resignation of the Commissioner. We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support veterans in Northern Ireland following the resignation of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
I became aware on 5 September that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland had accepted the resignation of the Commissioner. We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.