Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Cooper Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Wes Streeting]

I can wholeheartedly give that commitment to the right hon. Member. This is a principle, but also a conviction that is held across the entire NATO alliance. Putin should be in no doubt that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of NATO territory. Let me place on record again that when I was in Washington last week, the United States, through the Secretary of War, thanked us for our leadership in Ukraine. It has not been an easy week for US-Ukraine relations—I would not pretend otherwise—but I think that we should recognise the support that the United States provides, and will continue to provide, for Ukraine. This country will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

[Andrew Cooper (Mid Cheshire) (Lab)]

My hon. Friend is aware of the unique case involving my constituent Rachel Gallagher, a former MOD civil servant who was released from her role under civil service nationality rules. While I accept that my constituent was not legally employable, I simply cannot accept that, after a decade of dedicated service, her accrued pension contributions have been declared void. Will the Minister meet me, so that we can ensure that an equitable resolution is found, and my constituent receives the full pension contributions that she earned in service to this country?

[Mr Calvin Bailey]

My hon. Friend is making a passionate case about a very complex and tragic issue. I agree to meet him, and I hope that we can find an equitable outcome for his constituent.