Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about (1) changes to employment contracts, and (2) the redundancy terms of EU-based staff.

The Ministry of Defence has been in regular contact with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission regarding the changes to the contractual arrangements for 30 UK staff based in Belgium and France. The Commission have advised that 21 staff have elected to remain in Europe, seven will return to new positions in the UK, and two have chosen to retire. As a result of this engagement, including between the Secretary of State for Defence and the Commission, the support package for all staff has been considerably enhanced.