Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Scott Benton and Tom Randall

Wednesday 15th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con)]

6. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the implications for Scotland of plans to restructure the British Army.

[Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)]

13. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the implications for Scotland of plans to restructure the British Army.

[The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr Alister Jack)]

My office and I have regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence on all matters relating to defence in Scotland, including the latest plans to modernise and restructure the Army. I was pleased that the review included plans for the Army to expand its footprint in Scotland; it is going from six to seven units, and Scotland will have a greater proportion of the Army than today.

While I have the opportunity, I would also like to thank our fantastic British armed forces who are currently supporting the booster programme in Scotland. The Secretary of State for Defence announced yesterday that a further 100 military personnel will support the vital booster campaign, and today the MOD has announced that another 80 medics are going to three NHS boards in Scotland. That means that over 400 military personnel are supporting Scotland’s health services.