Asked by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of amending NHS dental contracts so that they apply to armed forces personnel and their families.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Defence is committed to maintaining a dentally fit Armed Forces to ensure operational capability and force generation. The Defence Medical Services (DMS) deliver dental care for all our Armed Forces personnel, from routine checkups, hygiene appointments and general dental care, while also deploying dentists on operations. Given the nature of this occupationally focussed care, it could not be delivered by the NHS.
Defence does not routinely provide dental care to Armed Forces families; this care is delivered by the NHS or Private Dental Practice. It is however recognised that families can face challenges in accessing this care owing to regular geographical moves. To address this, DMS have established a ‘Tiger Team’ in conjunction with Family Federation representation, NHS England (NHSE) and the Devolved Administrations. This cross-departmental team has already developed and launched significant signposting on the ‘Discover My Benefits’ website, providing families with the most up to date information on dentistry provision in their local area.
Defence remains committed to collaborating cross-government to ensure those who support our Armed Forces personnel are treated fairly and face no disadvantage when accessing public services.
Asked by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the adequacy of armed forces personnel and their families' access to dental services.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Defence is committed to maintaining a dentally fit Armed Forces to ensure operational capability and force generation. The Defence Medical Services (DMS) deliver dental care for all our Armed Forces personnel, from routine checkups, hygiene appointments and general dental care, while also deploying dentists on operations. Given the nature of this occupationally focussed care, it could not be delivered by the NHS.
Defence does not routinely provide dental care to Armed Forces families; this care is delivered by the NHS or Private Dental Practice. It is however recognised that families can face challenges in accessing this care owing to regular geographical moves. To address this, DMS have established a ‘Tiger Team’ in conjunction with Family Federation representation, NHS England (NHSE) and the Devolved Administrations. This cross-departmental team has already developed and launched significant signposting on the ‘Discover My Benefits’ website, providing families with the most up to date information on dentistry provision in their local area.
Defence remains committed to collaborating cross-government to ensure those who support our Armed Forces personnel are treated fairly and face no disadvantage when accessing public services.
Asked by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Armed Forces Bill 2026 which, what assessment he has made if the (a) proportion of the cohort aged between 55 and 65 that would meet the physical requirements of service and (b) other forms of service appropriate to those who are not physically capable.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
This measure would only apply to those personnel leaving the Regulars or Volunteer Reserves after the Bill comes into force, unless they opt out. It also would not affect existing leavers unless they wish to opt in.
Any former personnel recalled into Service would undergo routine medical checks to ensure that they are employed appropriately. We already have role-based medical standards that allow us to employ Reservists across a wide range of Defence activities. This approach would be equally applied to all of those eligible for recall.
Asked by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that SME defence manufacturers are able to access banking services.
Answered by Maria Eagle
The Strategic Defence Review has recommended the development of a Defence Finance and Investment Strategy, to be published in 2026, which will focus on improving Defence’s relationship with the financial services sector. This strategy aims to support SMEs in accessing tailored financial products and services, ensuring they are better positioned to contribute to the growth and resilience of the defence sector. These measures reflect the Government’s determination to support SMEs and strengthen the UK’s world-leading defence industry.
Asked by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of prioritising manufacturers based in the UK for (a) defence and (b) aerospace procurements.
Answered by Maria Eagle
The Ministry of Defence is actively prioritising UK businesses and manufacturing through its Defence Industrial Strategy, aiming to boost economic growth and national security. This strategy focuses on supporting domestic businesses, fostering innovation, and enhancing the UK's sovereign defence capabilities, including in the aerospace sector (eg GCAP, Typhoon upgrades).
Asked by: Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the monthly payment of war pensions.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005. There are two main types of WPS awards depending on the level of disablement:
Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/war-pension-scheme-wps