Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Wendy Chamberlain and Louise Sandher-Jones

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)]

7. What steps the armed forces take to inform residents of low-flying drills by military aircraft.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Louise Sandher-Jones)]

Low flying plays an indispensable role in achieving and maintaining our warfighting capability. I understand it can be disruptive, but it is spread throughout the whole of the UK to minimise that disturbance. The amount of low-flying training conducted is limited to the operational requirement, and night flying is only conducted when necessary.

[Wendy Chamberlain]

Just over a month ago, my constituent had a Chinook helicopter fly extremely low over their farm on two occasions with no prior warning or engagement. Despite guidance that the Minister referred to that farms and livestock should be avoided, the flights caused significant distress, with a vet bill for urgent treatment for an animal who collapsed as a result of the flights. Can the Minister assure me that such incidents are investigated, and will she meet me to discuss this particular one further?

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

Absolutely, we will certainly meet the hon. Member at the earliest opportunity. Otherwise, I invite her to write to me in the meantime with the specifics of the case. There is a mechanism, so I will be happy to help her with it.