Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the contribution of the armed forces in tackling the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having plans and resources in place, coupled with effective military aid to civil authorities (MACA) mechanisms was key to delivering Defence's response in aid of Other Government Departments (OGDs).
Due to the public's adherence to lockdown measures, and the ability of OGDs to maintain essential services, it was not necessary to deploy most of those personnel held at higher readiness.
Defence remains committed to supporting the cross government COVID-19 response, along with delivering its critical outputs maintaining National Security.