Written questions by Francois.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 17776 on Armed Forces: Recruitment, whether Capita met its key performance indicators in each of the last five years under the Recruitment Partnering Programme contract.

The new Government inherited a crisis in retention and recruitment. We have made it a priority to address this with a series of work streams designed to increase recruitment and renew the contract between the nation and those who serve to improve retention. Recruiting and retention remain one of our highest priorities - the Army/Capita Recruiting Partnering Project is completely focused on delivering a significant increase in recruitment in 2024-25. Working in a collaborative partnership, the Army and Capita have robust contract management measures, including Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and penalty deductions where KPIs are not met, to monitor performance against contractual requirements. However, as I am sure the right hon. Member will understand, detailed contractual arrangements, including performance measures, are not routinely disclosed by the Department in order to protect the commercial interests of all parties.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 17776 on Armed Forces: Recruitment, if his Department will publish the monthly measurements against key performance indicators for Capita’s performance in military recruitment over the last five years.

The new Government inherited a crisis in retention and recruitment. We have made it a priority to address this with a series of work streams designed to increase recruitment and renew the contract between the nation and those who serve to improve retention. Recruiting and retention remain one of our highest priorities - the Army/Capita Recruiting Partnering Project is completely focused on delivering a significant increase in recruitment in 2024-25. Working in a collaborative partnership, the Army and Capita have robust contract management measures, including Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and penalty deductions where KPIs are not met, to monitor performance against contractual requirements. However, as I am sure the right hon. Member will understand, detailed contractual arrangements, including performance measures, are not routinely disclosed by the Department in order to protect the commercial interests of all parties.

How the Integrated Procurement Model ensures equitable access for small and medium-sized enterprises in the defence supply chain.

Good progress has been made on design and implementation of the key features of a reformed model, which are part of the wider defence reforms announced by the Defence Secretary in October. The Ministry of Defence has a long-standing commitment to improve its engagement with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in order to broaden and strengthen its supply base. The recently published Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent recognises our intention to foster a more diverse community of suppliers, and will prompt a refresh of our SME Action Plan.

When the Integrated Procurement Model will be fully introduced across all defence procurement processes.

Good progress has been made on design and implementation of the key features of a reformed model, which are part of the wider defence reforms announced by the Defence Secretary in October. Implementation will continue into 2025.Through these changes we will deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, taking a One Defence approach to our requirements to secure the best possible value for money.

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Integrated Procurement Model in improving value for money for defence acquisitions.

Good progress has been made on design and implementation of the key features of a reformed model, which form part of the wider defence reforms announced by the Defence Secretary in October. We will take a more joined up, One Defence approach to our requirements to secure the best possible value for money from the defence budget. Improving value for money will be a key aim of the reforms and of the new National Armaments Director role being established. Its aim is to ensure the Armed Forces are properly equipped to defend Britain, to build up the British defence industry, and to cut waste.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the Integrated Procurement Model improves the delivery timelines of major defence projects.

Good progress has been made on design and implementation of the key features of a reformed model, which are part of the wider defence reforms announced by the Defence Secretary in October. We will improve delivery timelines for our major programmes through an integrated approach to ensure strategic alignment around outcomes, earlier expert advice including closer working with industry, and greater use of Spiral acquisition approaches to exploit technology and innovate. Improving delivery timelines will be an important part of the new National Armaments Director role being established. Its aim is to ensure the Armed Forces are properly equipped to defend Britain, to build up the British defence industry, and to cut waste.

What measures are in place to mitigate cost overruns in projects managed under the Integrated Procurement Model.

Good progress has been made on design and implementation of the key features of a reformed model, which are part of the wider defence reforms announced by the Defence Secretary in October. To set programmes up for success from the outset, the Department is taking steps to provide expert advice on cost estimating much earlier in the project lifecycle. This will help inform strategic balance of investment decisions, reduce optimism bias to improve future financial stability, and ultimately improve delivery and drive pace.

What the cost overrun is on the Type 26 frigate programme; and what steps he is taking to (a) mitigate further (i) delays and (ii) costs in the development of the fleet and (b) reduce the impact of delays on the Royal Navy’s operational capacity.

As confirmed in a Written Ministerial Statement released on 2 November 2022 (HCWS352), the Ministry of Defence is forecasting a 12-month delay to the Type 26 Initial Operating Capability from October 2027 to October 2028. The associated cost growth is forecast to be £233 million; an increase of approximately 4.2%.Investment in new facilities at Govan to increase productivity include a new Shipbuilding Outfit Hall, Shipbuilding Academy and steelwork panel lines. The new Shipbuilding Hall will enable the construction of two ships undercover simultaneously. This will improve schedule performance and the pace of delivery, allowing the time between ship deliveries to be reduced.This will not result in a capability gap; Type 26 will be a world beating frigate and the class will be delivered in time to take on the anti-submarine warfare duties of the retiring Type 23 ships.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 December 2024 to Question 16450 on Armed Forces: Workplace Pensions, what role his Department will play in the consultation process; and whether his Department plans to provide (a) input and (b) guidance on how inheritance tax proposals may impact the Armed Forces Pension Scheme.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will not be responding to HM Revenue and Customs’ technical consultation on the proposed change for unused pension funds and death benefits to be included within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. The MOD will follow legislation as per Government proposals and guidance will be developed for members in due course.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 December 2024 to Question 16450 on Armed Forces: Workplace Pensions, whether his Department plans issue additional guidance to Armed Forces Pension Scheme (a) members and (b) nominees on potential changes to inheritance tax liabilities for death in service lump sums.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will follow legislation as per Government proposals. Following the conclusion of HM Revenue and Customs’ technical consultation, the MOD will assess the impact of death in service lump sums for members of the Armed Forces and relevant nominees. Guidance will then subsequently be developed and provided to members in due course.

What is the (a) total, (b) procurement and (c) sustainment cost of the F-35 Lightning II programme; and whether that programme has been delayed from its original schedule.

Portfolio data is published annually in support of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) Annual Report which includes a budget baseline and the latest HM Treasury approved estimates in respect of whole life costs. The reports are published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mod-government-major-projects-portfolio-data-2023 The financial data for the Lightning Programme in the IPA Gateway Review Report for June 2024 is withheld under Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Commercial Interests).

What the cost of the Challenger 3 main battle tank development programme is including budget increases due to delays.

Through the Armour Main Battle Tank programme, expenditure for Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank delivery as of 13 December 2024 is c£421.167 million.

What discussions his Department has had on the potential implications of Section 75 of the Belfast Agreement for (a) identifying and (b) supporting veterans in Northern Ireland; and whether he is taking steps to (i) ensure parity of care with veterans in Great Britain and (ii) adhere to the Agreement.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the (a) Veterans Welfare Service and (b) Office of Veterans Affairs (i) operate independently and (ii) are trusted by veterans in Northern Ireland.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

What support is available for families of veterans in Northern Ireland; and if he will supply additional resources for such needs.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

Whether he is taking steps to establish pathways for veterans in Northern Ireland to access healthcare services in Great Britain where suitable care is unavailable locally.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of disparities in healthcare waiting times for veterans in Northern Ireland compared to those in Great Britain; and what steps he plans to take to help ensure timely access to critical care for veterans in Northern Ireland.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

What steps he is taking to improve coordination between (a) the Northern Ireland Office, (b) other government Departments and (c) support charities to ensure comprehensive care for veterans in Northern Ireland.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of maintaining an independent body such as the Veterans Support Office to (a) coordinate and (b) deliver support services for veterans in Northern Ireland.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure that veterans residing in Northern Ireland receive the same level of support as those in Great Britain (a) in (i) health, (ii) housing, (iii) welfare, (iv) education and (v) employment and (b) generally.

The Government is committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access appropriate support wherever they live in the UK and is working to coordinate and cohere the range of support available, including in Northern Ireland, more effectively. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome David Johnstone to his new role as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. David will play a crucial role in supporting veterans across Northern Ireland. I look forward to working with him, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, other Government Departments and across society to ensure veterans and their families in Northern Ireland receive the best possible support. The Armed Forces Covenant continues to be a key Government priority, with a commitment to fully implement the Covenant in law. The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Armed Forces community is treated fairly across the UK, although its delivery is shaped by local and regional factors and jurisdictions. We are making good progress in delivering the Covenant in Northern Ireland, where unique circumstances require a different approach to be taken, and the new Duty will apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extensive engagement has taken place on the new Covenant duty with a range of stakeholders, including the Devolved Governments, with whom the UK Government will continue to work proactively on tailored approaches. The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), a charity and Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), supports the Thrive Together programme. In Northern Ireland, this is led by the charity Brooke House and brings together a range of local service providers to establish sustainable and resilient networks that ensure veterans and their families receive prompt, effective and tailored support in Northern Ireland. The initiative builds on the first iteration of the AFCFT’s Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme and the ongoing work of the 11 Veterans’ Champions in councils across Northern Ireland. The Prime Minister recently announced an additional £3.5 million funding to continue the UK-wide Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme, which includes Op FORTITUDE, a Government-backed centralised referral pathway designed to support veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. In March 2024, Beyond the Battlefield were awarded £100,000 by the RVH programme to provide services for veterans in Northern Ireland who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. A range of cross-Government employment support is also available to veterans and their families after their time in service. This includes the Ministry of Defence (MOD)-hosted Career Transition Partnership, which is the initial point of resettlement provision for veterans leaving military service, with directly provided support usually available for two years before and two years after leaving service. In addition, a government-backed veterans’ sector-based employment scheme supports veterans to access employment opportunities across the UK, including enabling access to qualifications and training, to veterans and their families at any stage in their lives after leaving service. The Office for Veterans Affairs’ (OVA) in the MOD has recently established a presence in Northern Ireland to support strategic coordination of organisations, programmes and initiatives for veterans’ wellbeing. The OVA works closely and routinely with the Northern Ireland Office, the Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland (VWS NI) and the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner to ensure alignment of effort where possible and as appropriate. The Veterans’ Support Office (VSO) played a role in coordinating and signposting to statutory and charity provision. It closed in June 2024 as the way support for veterans is provided in Northern Ireland continues to evolve. Veteran support services have continued, including those grant-funded posts and projects previously facilitated by the VSO. MOD representatives from the OVA and VWS NI additionally co-chair the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Committee, a voluntary coalition of organisations that specialise in delivering support services to veterans and their families in Northern Ireland, and the quarterly NI Veterans’ Champion Committee. There are now Veterans’ Champions in all eleven local authorities. Both committees help further situational awareness, facilitate better coordination of effort, and provide an effective pool of subject matter expertise to drive continuous improvement in service delivery for veterans in Northern Ireland. VWS NI is a trusted statutory provider of specialist and holistic support for service leavers, veterans, their families and the bereaved in Northern Ireland. Following the merger in April 2023 of the UDR and R IRISH Home Service Aftercare Service with Defence Business Services, VWS NI successfully retained the unique medical services it offers eligible veterans in Northern Ireland, whilst expanding the provision of guidance, information and support to all service personnel transitioning into civilian life, veterans, their families and the bereaved across Northern Ireland. This includes physiotherapy and psychological therapies for eligible veterans. VWS NI's Welfare Managers - many of whom previously worked in the Aftercare Service - work exceptionally hard to build a good rapport with clients, and this is demonstrated by the consistently positive feedback the service receives at every level.In addition, the £500,000 Defence Medical Welfare Service pilot, which supports veterans’ health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland, provides timely assistance and guidance to veterans who require healthcare. This is achieved by linking veterans with local services to ensure they are receiving the help available; advising on physical health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, pain management and lifestyle; and providing help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bereavement. The pilot works closely with VWS NI and is providing valuable insight to improve our understanding of veterans’ health needs locally.