Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the reserves play in domestic civil contingency responses.

The Reserve Forces play an important role in strengthening Defence's ability to protect the United Kingdom and support wider national resilience. As part of the Whole Force, Reservists provide specialist skills, additional capacity and regional presence that can be called upon to support military operations and domestic civil contingency responses when required.

Reservists have a strong track record of supporting the nation during times of emergency. During Op RESCRIPT, the UK's military response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,800 Army Reservists were mobilised to support the national effort. They helped deliver personal protective equipment, operated mobile testing units and contributed to the construction and operation of Nightingale hospitals, demonstrating the unique value that Reservists bring through their military training and civilian expertise.

Their contribution demonstrated the important role that Reservists play in strengthening national resilience.