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Written Question
Korea: Politics and Government
Monday 11th June 2018

Asked by: Kevin Foster (Conservative - Torbay)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

What recent assessment he has made of the military situation on the Korean peninsula.

Answered by Gavin Williamson

Tensions on the Korean peninsula are lower than for some time.

We look forward to the summit between President Trump and Kim Jong-Un and hope that it results in an agreement that brings about complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

I urge Kim Jong-Un to heed the clear message that it is only through a change of course that he can realise the security and prosperity that North Korea claims to seek.


Written Question
North Korea: South Korea
Monday 11th June 2018

Asked by: Kevin Foster (Conservative - Torbay)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

What recent assessment he has made of the military situation on the Korean peninsula.

Answered by Gavin Williamson

Tensions on the Korean peninsula are lower than for some time.

We look forward to the summit between President Trump and Kim Jong-Un and hope that it results in an agreement that brings about complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

I urge Kim Jong-Un to heed the clear message that it is only through a change of course that he can realise the security and prosperity that North Korea claims to seek.


Written Question
Veterans: Military Decorations
Wednesday 12th October 2016

Asked by: Kevin Foster (Conservative - Torbay)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Legion d'Honneur applications are outstanding in his Department.

Answered by Harriett Baldwin

The Ministry of Defence has received approximately 5,300 applications from veterans for the French award of the Legion d'Honneur. We have passed the majority of these to the French in accordance with the maximum permitted rate of 100 per week. We now only have 85 remaining applications to pass to the French, which will be submitted next week, and 130 applications with missing information which, therefore, cannot be processed - the Department is working to resolve these.


Written Question
Armed Forces: Dyslexia
Wednesday 12th October 2016

Asked by: Kevin Foster (Conservative - Torbay)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Government plans to give people with dyslexia in the armed forces protection under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton

There are no plans to extend the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 to cover Service personnel who have dyslexia. The Defence Direction for Specific Learning Difficulties (contained within Joint Service Publication 898 'Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills') provides direction to all Service personnel who have dyslexia, and line managers, trainers and commanders who are required to manage Service personnel with dyslexia. It provides a learning support framework for those identified with dyslexia, ensuring that the Ministry of Defence meets its obligations as a responsible employer.


Written Question
Armed Forces: Dyslexia
Friday 9th September 2016

Asked by: Kevin Foster (Conservative - Torbay)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps are being taken to prevent discrimination against people with dyslexia in the Armed Forces.

Answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton

Dyslexia is one of four specific learning difficulties (SpLD, including dyspraxia, dyscalculia and scotopic sensitivity syndrome) recognised by the Armed Forces which are not a bar to recruitment or service in the Armed Forces, as long as all applicable recruitment, training and job performance standards are met in full. SpLD are viewed by the Armed Forces as naturally occurring differences in learning that, through targeted support and the implementation of coping strategies, can generally be successfully mitigated. Many dyslexic Armed Forces personnel are enjoying successful careers.

Individuals affected by SpLD are eligible for specific support which may include reasonable adjustments to training and working environments. SpLD is recognised as being an issue that is principally and proactively managed by the individual, supported where necessary by their Chain of Command and not a condition which should draw undue attention, impractical or unmanageable special measures or stigma.

Detailed policy guidance on SpLD is accessible at unit level through Joint Service Publication (JSP) 898 'Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills'. In addition, the single Services have trained SpLD advisors who can offer advice, guidance and a range of strategies to help individuals get the support they need. These advisors administer the dyslexia adult screening test (DAST) to assess personnel once a trainer, trainee, line manager or member of the Services suspect dyslexia. The test is not mandatory; it is administered only with the individual's consent. The DAST result will determine whether further specialist assessment by an educational psychologist is required and also provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses which will support any necessary remedial training programme.