Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

William Wragg Excerpts
Monday 7th November 2016

(8 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Fallon Portrait Sir Michael Fallon
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Yes, and I provided that certainty at the recent meeting of the EU Defence Ministers in Bratislava. I made it very clear that while we remain members of the European Union, we will be full members of it. We will continue to participate in Operation Sophia in the central Mediterranean, to which we currently contribute two ships, and in Operation Atalanta to curb piracy off the horn of Africa.

William Wragg Portrait William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con)
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During the passage of the Armed Forces Bill, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State undertook to review the current policy that means that not all sexual offences are referred to service police. Will he provide an update to the House?

Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton Portrait Mark Lancaster
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We have always made it clear that there is no place for sexual offending in the armed forces. However, following concerns raised in this House I have decided to bring before Parliament draft legislation to add the offences of sexual assault, voyeurism and exposure to schedule 2 of the Armed Forces Act 2006. I will write to those who have previously raised such concerns shortly.