Military Aid to Civilian Authorities

Defence – in the House of Commons at on 15 March 2021.

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Photo of Stuart Anderson Stuart Anderson Conservative, Wolverhampton South West

What recent assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the armed forces’ capacity to deliver military aid to civilian authorities operations.

Photo of James Heappey James Heappey The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

Defence remains able to assist other Departments where appropriate and, through prudent planning, has continued to provide support when required throughout the pandemic. Mitigation measures such as testing of key personnel and adaptation of working practices have ensured that Defence has maintained both its UK operational and contingent readiness, as well as being able to generate the forces we require for our commitments overseas.

Photo of Stuart Anderson Stuart Anderson Conservative, Wolverhampton South West

As a proud veteran, I am delighted to see what our great armed forces have done throughout this pandemic. They continue to go over and above. Will my hon. Friend go over and above in honouring our armed forces by seeing that they have everything they need in the integrated review to stand proud on the world stage?

Photo of James Heappey James Heappey The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

I look forward to the announcement later in the week and next Monday, but I have a strong suspicion that it will be jam-packed full of opportunities for our men and women to serve at home and around the world in really fulfilling roles that keep our country safer for the future.