Reserve Forces (Iraq)

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 2:15 pm on 23 March 2005.

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Photo of Mr Huw Edwards Mr Huw Edwards Labour, Monmouth 2:15, 23 March 2005

I apologise for my mistake, but if the hon. Gentleman were to have the opportunity to go on board HMS Monmouth, I would encourage him to do so. I have been on board the ship several times.

I have an interest in the debate: Monmouth is the regimental headquarters of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, which is the senior reserve regiment in the British Army. Mr. Gray always disputes that; however, although it is not the oldest regiment in the Army reserve, it is the senior one, and it is the only regiment in the British Army that has two "Royals" in its name. There is not sufficient time now to go into the history of the regiment, but if any Members want to visit the regimental museum in Monmouth, they will find it very interesting.

When we had the strategic defence review, many Members wanted to save their local TA regiment. The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers was not only saved, but its role was enhanced, although there was a minor reduction in one of its bases in the midlands. Good representation, and the case that it makes for its important role in serving the Army and in having engineering expertise, helped to protect it.

The regiment provided the largest reserve force deployment in Iraq. About 40 of its members were deployed in Operation Telic 1, and about 140 in Operation Telic 2. I had the great privilege of attending its medal ceremony a few months ago, when His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester presented medals to all those who had served in Iraq. Their role there was largely threefold. First, they contributed to the post-conflict infrastructure: they were involved in developing new water and sewerage systems, and in establishing electricity supply and restoring power in general, and they helped in the reconstruction of what became known as Aldershot bridge. Secondly, they performed a humanitarian role: in the post-conflict situation in Iraq, they supported communities in the Basra area. However, that role was curtailed by the need for force protection, and the regiment was also greatly involved in that.

The hon. Member for Croydon, South has made some important points about support from employers for the TA. I would have been appalled if any employer had discriminated against someone who had served in the reserve forces and had been deployed abroad. However, there is a concern about that. It is my understanding that reservists cannot be deployed more than once in three years, that the norm is about once in five years, and that the general feeling is that that norm should be adhered to. Many of the families of those who serve in the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers are worried that, as members of the regiment served in Iraq more than a year ago, they might be deployed again next year. If the Minister can give an assurance that that is not the case, I am sure that they would welcome that. Members of the regiment are aware of the responsibilities that they take on when they join, and they want to use their skills to the best effect.