Every parliamentary written question tabled by Robin Swann this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–19 of 19 · Ministry of Defence
Will he publish the full details of MoU he has agreed with the Irish Government.
The Memorandum of Understanding referenced is an instrument of cooperation between the UK Government and the Government of Ireland. Any decision to publish the document must be taken jointly by both Governments.
How much funding his Department has provided to (a) the Invictus Games and (b) UK participants in the Invictus Games (i) in each of the last three games and (ii) how much funding she plans to provide to UK participants at the next games.
It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to him when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the library of The House.
If he will provide a breakdown of the recipients of the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme by (a) nation of the UK and (b) the branch of the Armed Forces in which their late spouse or partner served; and if he will provide a list of the regiments or corps of the recipients.
I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer recently provided to Questions 105112 and 105113. The Scheme received 381 applications, of which 249 were approved. Since its launch, the Scheme has successfully fulfilled its intended purpose, having awarded more than £21 million and providing meaningful recognition to those who were eligible. Following an internal review and a decline in application numbers, the Scheme closed on the 15 October 2025, as originally outlined at its inception.
With reference to the closure of the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme on 15 October 2025, what the final number of (a) applications received and (b) successful payments made was; and what his Department’s assessment is of the final uptake rate against the initial projected eligible cohort.
I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer recently provided to Questions 105112 and 105113. The Scheme received 381 applications, of which 249 were approved. Since its launch, the Scheme has successfully fulfilled its intended purpose, having awarded more than £21 million and providing meaningful recognition to those who were eligible. Following an internal review and a decline in application numbers, the Scheme closed on the 15 October 2025, as originally outlined at its inception.
How many people are in receipt of the war widowers recognition payment by (a) constituency and (b) regiment.
Following its launch on 16 October 2023, 249 applications were approved with more than £21 million awarded under the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme. Over 70 per cent of applications were submitted in the first three months, while only 14 claims were submitted in 2025. Given the continued reduction in application numbers, the Government proceeded with the planned closure of the Scheme on 15 October 2025 as outlined at its inception. Information relating to the constituency of the widow(er) and the regiment of the individual whose widow(er) has received payments under the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
What proportion of war widowers eligible for the war widowers recognition payment received the payment in each of the last five years.
While the exact number of individuals eligible for the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme is not known, the number of payments made under the Scheme between its launch on 16 October 2023 and closure on 15 October 2025 is shown below. 202302024237202512 Given the continued reduction in application numbers, the Government proceeded with the planned closure of the Scheme, as outlined at its inception.
If he will provide an assessment on the role of Chaplains in the Armed Forces.
Chaplains play a vital role in the provision of holistic care and support of service personnel and their families. Their role is multifaceted, focusing on spiritual, moral and pastoral support for personnel of all faiths and beliefs, reflecting the diversity of British society and the Armed Forces. A chaplain’s role is especially important in operational contexts, where they are among the few individuals accessible outside the command structure; this enhances trust and makes them an important source of support and advice for Service personnel. They bolster morale and cohesion, leading religious services and ceremonial or commemorative events, reinforcing tradition and collective identity. Chaplains also contribute advice to commanders on the moral dimensions of leadership and the human impact of military decisions. Their input can shape the command culture and aid decision-making, reinforcing the Armed Forces’ emphasis on values and standards and being a force for good.
Pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 83992 on Defence: Northern Ireland, did the officials in the Northern Ireland Executive include (a) the Northern Ireland Economy Minister and (b) officials from the Department of the Economy in Northern Ireland.
Ministry of Defence officials have engaged several stakeholders in Northern Ireland regarding the proposed Defence Growth Deal that was announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy. This has included officials in the Department for Economy and the Executive Office.
Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 80771 on Defence: Industry, whether he has had decisions with (a) the Northern Ireland Economy Minister and (b) Invest Northern Ireland on the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal.
Ministry of Defence officials have engaged several stakeholders in Northern Ireland regarding the proposed Defence Growth Deal that was announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy. This has included officials in the Northern Ireland Executive as well as industry and academia. Engagement on the development of the growth deal will continue over the coming months.
When he plans to announce the location of the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal.
The Ministry of Defence is continuing to consult with a range of stakeholders, including the devolved government, to finalise the details of the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal. Once finalised, the focus and scope of the Defence Growth Deal will be announced.
How much funding his Department allocated for cadet services in (a) each of the last three financial years, (b) the 2025-26 financial year and (c) the 2026-27 financial year.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 May 2025 to Question 55117 to the hon. Member for Fylde (Mr Andrew Snowden).
Who the delivery body will be for VALOUR centres in Northern Ireland.
VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. The details regarding the funding for VALOUR centres is currently being developed by officials. This includes the process by which centres can apply for funding, and the way in which funding is distributed across the UK. Further information, including on funding for centres, will be released in due course.
How much of the funding for VALOUR centres will be allocated to Northern Ireland.
VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. The details regarding the funding for VALOUR centres is currently being developed by officials. This includes the process by which centres can apply for funding, and the way in which funding is distributed across the UK. Further information, including on funding for centres, will be released in due course.
Pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2025 to Question 32722 on Reserve Forces: Retirement, whether the review will consider readmitting former reservists if the age of retirement is changed.
I am grateful for the contribution of our Reserve Forces who provide the UK with the ability to meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that it needs, in a cost-effective way. Alongside the Strategic Defence Review’s interest in Reserves, and in tandem with the transformational work already underway in Defence, I am reviewing the Reserves landscape, in a meaningful and impactful way, to ensure that we are making the most of the unique skills our Reserves offer Defence.
If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the mandatory retirement age for reservists.
As the Minister for Veterans and People, I have commissioned an internal review in Defence to ensure that we are making the most of the unique contribution our Reserve Forces offer. The review will examine the Reserves landscape and will include some aspects of their terms and conditions of Service, such as normal retirement age.
What recent progress he has made on the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment scheme; how many applicants have received payments; and what the (a) branch of service and (b) regiment of such recipients is.
This Government recognises the unique commitment that Service families make to our country. We remain sympathetic to those widows and widowers who forfeited pensions under historic rules because they remarried or cohabited. The War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme has received 357 applications and accepted and paid 240 claims since it was launched on 16 October 2023. Of those, 99% of all claims have been processed and the Recognition Payment Scheme is delivering effectively to those it was established to recognise. Information relating to the branch of service and regiment of individuals whose widows have received payments under the scheme is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Whether any Military Aid to the Civil Authorities requests have been made as a result of storm Bert.
No.
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4577 on Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: Resignations, what recent steps the Veterans Welfare Service NI has taken to support veterans.
The Veterans Welfare Service in Northern Ireland (VWS NI) delivers professional one-to-one support to veterans and their families, Service leavers and the bereaved families of Service personnel. Their role focuses on providing information, guidance and support to members of the Armed Forces community. This includes, but is not limited to, transitioning from service, bereavement, or changes affected income, finance, or housing. VWS NI also work alongside voluntary organisations, Service charities, other Government Departments, the devolved administrations and local authorities to ensure a joined-up approach which ensures our veterans, and their families receive the information and assistance they need.
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4577 on Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner: Resignations, what recent steps the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has taken to support veterans in Northern Ireland.
Since 2021 the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has provided £2.9 million funding for projects supporting veterans specifically in Northern Ireland (NI). In addition, £9.4 million has been provided for UK-wide projects, most of which have also benefitted veterans in NI. Together, this funding has supported 48 projects in NI and a further 68 UK-wide.