Asked by: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the earliest date by which the UK could begin supplying (a) star streak, (b) high velocity and (c) man portable anti-aircraft missiles to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Answered by James Heappey
The UK Government has taken the decision to explore the donation of Starstreak high velocity, man-portable anti-air missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to better defend its skies.
We will update the House at the appropriate time but due to operational sensitivities, the Ministry of Defence cannot comment further at this stage.
Asked by: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his oral contribution of 9 March 2022 on Ukraine Update, when the Government will decide on supplying the Ukrainian armed forces with Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles.
Answered by James Heappey
The UK Government has taken the decision to explore the donation of Starstreak high velocity, man-portable anti-air missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We believe that this system will remain within the definition of defensive weapons but will allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to better defend its skies.
We will update the House at the appropriate time but due to operational sensitivities, the Ministry of Defence cannot comment further at this stage.
Asked by: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will meet me and my constituent, Thomas Leigh, to discuss Mr Leigh's award of compensation for injury from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Answered by Leo Docherty
As this is a sensitive matter, it is taking time to collate the information needed to respond to the right hon. Member's request. I will write to her as soon as I am able to.
Asked by: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase Armed Forces Compensation Scheme tariffs for back injuries.
Answered by Leo Docherty
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme tariff levels are under constant review by the Department to ensure that they remain fair and fit for purpose. As part of this process, the Independent Medical Expert Group provides impartial, evidence-based, medical and scientific advice and recommendations on these issues.
Asked by: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will rake steps to ensure that members of the armed services returning from duty overseas are not asked to pay for covid-19 tests.
Answered by James Heappey
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for raising the question. I am looking into this as a matter of urgency and will write to her in due course.
Asked by: Theresa Villiers (Conservative - Chipping Barnet)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that Ministry of Defence land is included in Government programmes to (a) plant trees and (b) create new forests.
Answered by Jeremy Quin
Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials are working closely with colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Forestry Commission to ensure suitable MOD land is included within Government Programmes.
MOD officials are undertaking an extensive UK wide survey to establish how much potential land is available for woodland creation on its estate.
Site specific areas for new woodland are currently being finalised in Long-Term Forest Plans. MOD officials have identified potential tree planting opportunities across 25 UK sites, totalling some 750ha, potentially 1.5 - 2 million trees dependent on planting schemes.
Advanced planning work is already underway at Otterburn, Okehampton and Driffield Training Areas.