Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much and what proportion of his Department's procurement spend was spent in each UK region in 2022; and what the per capita expenditure was for each region.
Answered by Alex Chalk
The report containing this information for Financial Year 2021-22 is due to be published on 26 January 2023.
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the online application form linked from the Gov.uk webpage entitled Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy: further information on eligibility criteria, offer details and how to apply, can no longer be accessed; and what steps his Department has taken to ensure its immediate reinstatement.
Answered by James Heappey
On 22 November 2021, we became aware of a technical issue affecting the ARAP online application form, and the Contact Us form. Resources were quickly re-directed in order to fix this and ensure immediate reinstatement of both forms. I can confirm that the Contact Us form was restored on 23 November, and the Application form was restored on 24 November. The forms can be found at the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy-information-and-guidance
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the disposal of the Kinnegar Logistics Base in Holywood, County Down, in the last 18 months.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
Ministry of Defence officials have continued to discuss the future plans and disposal options for Kinnegar Logistics Base with Ards and North Down Borough council, their planning team and their regeneration team on a regular basis over the last 18 months. The last meeting was on 30 September 2021.
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the Ballymurphy Inquest.
Answered by Leo Docherty
The Coroner's findings were comprehensive and detailed, running to over 700 pages. We are now taking the time to review the report and carefully consider the conclusions drawn. The Prime Minister has made it clear that the terrible events of Ballymurphy should never have happened and has apologised unreservedly for this.
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK's departure from the EU has created obstacles to moving military equipment between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Answered by James Heappey
The Protocol is clear that it respects the essential state functions and territorial integrity of the UK. It therefore places no restrictions on military movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the capacity of the Northern Ireland criminal justice system to address vexatious investigations or prosecutions against veterans of the UK armed forces; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Johnny Mercer
Questions regarding the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland are for the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to offering comprehensive legal and pastoral support for all veterans facing investigations as a result of their service on Operation Banner.
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on plans for the disposal of Kinnegar Logistics Base in Holywood, County Down.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
Kinnegar Logistics Base was announced for disposal through 'A Better Defence Estate' in November 2016 with an intended disposal date of 2022. The capabilities in Kinnegar Logistic Base will be re-provided for in Palace Barracks and Flying Station Aldergrove.
Detailed re-location assessment work will now take place over the next 12 to 18 months during which the Department will ensure appropriate levels of engagement will take place with the relevant local authorities.
The disposal will be handled in accordance with the Department's standard disposal process as mandated by the Treasury.
Asked by: Stephen Farry (Alliance - North Down)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many investigations of veterans in relation to the conflict in Northern Ireland have been found to be vexatious.
Answered by Johnny Mercer
Questions about the administration of justice in Northern Ireland are for the relevant authorities. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to offering comprehensive legal and pastoral support for all veterans facing investigations as a result of their service on Operation Banner.