Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 56 of the Concluding Observations on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the UK to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, published on 22 June 2023, whether he plans to accept the recommendation that an enlisted child should not be subject to a longer minimum service period than an enlisted adult.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Under 18 recruits are able to leave up to the day before their 18th birthday via a variety of mechanisms such as Discharge As Of Right or Discharge Under 18. Prior to their 18th birthday, they make an informed choice as to whether to remain in service beyond this age. These rights are exclusive to those Under 18, providing additional safeguards appropriate to their age. Subsequent adult service is only committed to having completed this period of enhanced rights and having attained the age of 18. Individuals who decide to leave the Armed Forces are supported for up to two years post discharge to gain a route into further education, training or employment.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 56 of the Concluding Observations on the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of the UK to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, published on 22 June 2023, whether he plans to accept the recommendation that a child from a separated family should not be enlisted if only one parent gives consent.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Applicants under the age of 18 are only accepted with the written consent by all appropriate persons – that is to say those with legal parental responsibility or a legal guardian. If an agreement cannot be reached, a parent can apply for a Specific Issue Order or Prohibited Steps Order. A judge will then make a decision based on the applicant’s best interests.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance his Department issues to parents of potential army recruits under the age of 18 on their child’s discharge rights.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Discharge as of Right (DAOR) is discussed during the candidate career discussion and the candidate Basic Training Readiness preparation briefs. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend these sessions and ask any questions.
DAOR information is also provided in the candidate final offer, in the Terms and Conditions of Service section, which parents/guardians can view via the application portal. DAOR is touched upon in the Commanding Officer Welcome Brief at Army Foundation College Harrogate for the U18 recruits and their parents/guardians who attend that establishment.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps the armed forces have taken to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
As part of a package of military and civilian support to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, a Royal Navy ship has been deployed to join the life-saving mission in the Eastern Mediterranean. UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed as planning teams with Allies and partners to support the wider delivery of humanitarian aid.
In March the RAF airdropped 28 tonnes of aid over Gaza, with a further 47 tonnes between 1-22 April, as part of the Jordanian led mission. With the exception of airdrops, the Ministry of Defence has not delivered humanitarian aid directly into Gaza.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria he uses to determine whether to hold a vote in Parliament on (a) military action and (b) the deployment of defence operations in the Middle East.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
Publicising operational activity to Parliament in advance could undermine operational effectiveness and potentially risk the lives of Armed Forces personnel involved. The deployment of the Armed Forces is a prerogative power, and the Government is under no legal obligation to seek Parliamentary approval. However, the Prime Minister and Government Ministers consistently update Parliament through written and oral statements, also through Oral and Topical questions.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Armed Forces have the capability to supply Gaza with desalinated water.
Answered by James Heappey
The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is coordinating the UK’s humanitarian response to deliver lifesaving assistance through trusted partners, including the UN, to the people who need it in Gaza.
The Ministry of Defence has provided military support when needed to facilitate the FCDO’s response. As of 13 November, three RAF flights have delivered a total of 51 tonnes of aid to Egypt. The shipments contained lifesaving items, including water purification equipment.
Royal Navy assets are in the region, and have the ability to support the humanitarian effort when the opportunity arises. We continue to monitor the situation and consider what further assistance Defence could contribute to the UK and international efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for the Royal Navy to support the humanitarian response in Gaza.
Answered by James Heappey
The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is coordinating the UK’s humanitarian response to deliver lifesaving assistance through trusted partners, including the UN, to the people who need it in Gaza.
The Ministry of Defence has provided military support when needed to facilitate the FCDO’s response. As of 13 November, three RAF flights have delivered a total of 51 tonnes of aid to Egypt. The shipments contained lifesaving items, including water purification equipment.
Royal Navy assets are in the region, and have the ability to support the humanitarian effort when the opportunity arises. We continue to monitor the situation and consider what further assistance Defence could contribute to the UK and international efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps is he taking to support the humanitarian effort in Gaza.
Answered by James Heappey
The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is coordinating the UK’s humanitarian response to deliver lifesaving assistance through trusted partners, including the UN, to the people who need it in Gaza.
The Ministry of Defence has provided military support when needed to facilitate the FCDO’s response. As of 13 November, three RAF flights have delivered a total of 51 tonnes of aid to Egypt. The shipments contained lifesaving items, including water purification equipment.
Royal Navy assets are in the region, and have the ability to support the humanitarian effort when the opportunity arises. We continue to monitor the situation and consider what further assistance Defence could contribute to the UK and international efforts to ease the humanitarian crisis.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many staff at the (a) Army Foundation College, (b) Infantry Training Centre and (c) Army Training Centre have been (i) prosecuted and (ii) found guilty of (A) sexual offences against recruits and (B) other offences related to the treatment of recruits.
Answered by Andrew Murrison - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I will write to the hon. Member once MOD officials have had an opportunity to collate the information . A copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
Asked by: Rachael Maskell (Labour (Co-op) - York Central)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to ban the sale of (a) munitions and (b) military equipment to countries found to use weapons against civilians.
Answered by James Cartlidge - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Government takes its strategic export control responsibilities very seriously and will not grant an export licence if to do so would be inconsistent with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria, including respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.