Mark Francois MP: written questions 2024
113 published records · newest first.
Written questions
Armed Forces: RecruitmentMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19639More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 17776 on Armed Forces: Recruitment, how the Army measures Capita’s performance against key performance indicators in the Recruitment Partnering Programme con
Answer: 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 retentio...
Answered 17 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19265More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support is available for families of veterans in Northern Ireland; and if he will supply additional resources for such needs.
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19264More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19263More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19262More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to help tackle challenges faced by veterans in Northern Ireland in accessing support services.
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordOffice for Veterans' Affairs and Veterans Welfare Service: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19261More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19260More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19259More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19258More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordVeterans: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19257More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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
Answer: 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...
Answered 6 Jan 2025
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces Compensation Scheme: Widowed PeopleMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19256More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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
Answer: 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...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces: Workplace PensionsMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19255More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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) inp
Answer: 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. Th...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordType 26 Frigates: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19254More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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
Answer: 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 for...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordChallenger Tanks: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19253More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost of the Challenger 3 main battle tank development programme is including budget increases due to delays.
Answer: 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.
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordF-35 Aircraft: ProcurementMinistry of DefenceTabled 11 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 19252More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, 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.
Answer: 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:...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18902More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the transfer of sovereignty over Diego Garcia to Mauritius on restrictions on the (a) storage, (b) deployme
Answer: Our primary goal within the Agreement is to protect the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a crucial role in regional and international security. Our approach will ensure the operation of the base will continue unchanged with strong pr...
Answered 18 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18901More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the potential impact of transferring sovereignty over Diego Garcia on existing agreements on (a) nuclear capa
Answer: The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with Secretary Blinken on a range of issues, including the British Indian Ocean Territory / Chagos Archipelago.We look forward to continuing to engage with the current and incoming US Administrations in the usua...
Answered 17 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18900More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Mauritius on (a) Mauritius' policy on nuclear weapons and (b) the future operation of the military base in Diego Garcia.
Answer: The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met the then Mauritian Prime Minister in London on 23 July. The political agreement between the Prime Minister and then Mauritian Prime Minister was reached on 3 October. The new Mauritian Prime Minister has since ...
Answered 17 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 10 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18899More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has negotiated legal agreements with Mauritius that preserve the operational freedom of the military base on Diego Garcia in relation to nuclear-relate
Answer: Our primary goal within the Agreement is to protect the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a crucial role in regional and international security. Our approach will ensure the operation of the base will continue unchanged with strong pr...
Answered 18 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordRoyal Fleet Auxiliary: Labour Turnover and RecruitmentMinistry of DefenceTabled 9 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18511More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his long-term strategy is to help tackle (a) recruitment and (b) retention challenges within the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, in the context of the ongoing pay dispute.
Answer: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are highly valued, specialist personnel. We are committed to listening to their concerns and maintaining a continued dialogue to address issues they have raised during the ongoing pay dispute.As well as working to resolve t...
Answered 12 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordRoyal Fleet Auxiliary: PayMinistry of DefenceTabled 9 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18510More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational missions involving the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have been affected by the current pay dispute; and what contingency plans are in place to mitigate disruptions.
Answer: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary remains essential in supporting operations alongside the Royal Navy and our global allies. They continue to meet their operational commitments, and we are dedicated to resolving this dispute through ongoing dialogue with their tr...
Answered 12 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordRoyal Fleet Auxiliary: Pay and Working ConditionsMinistry of DefenceTabled 9 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18509More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel on their concerns over pay and working conditions; and what his planned timeline is for resolving these issues.
Answer: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are highly valued, specialist personnel.We are committed to listening to their concerns and maintaining a continued dialogue to address issues they have raised during the current pay dispute.As these negotiations are ongoin...
Answered 12 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordRoyal Fleet Auxiliary: Conditions of Employment and PayMinistry of DefenceTabled 9 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18508More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review the pay structures and conditions of employment for Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel to ensure alignment with inflation and comparable roles within the armed forces.
Answer: The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are highly valued, specialist personnel.We are committed to listening to their concerns and maintaining a continued dialogue to address issues they have raised during the current pay dispute.As these negotiations are ongoin...
Answered 12 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordTyphoon Aircraft: ExportsMinistry of DefenceTabled 9 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18507More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the production of 12 additional Typhoon jets for Qatar on the defence supply chain.
Answer: Following the Amir of Qatar’s State Visit to the UK, we have agreed to deepen cooperation in support of regional security while supporting growth and prosperity in both nations. This includes undertaking opportunities to strengthen our respective defence ...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament recordTyphoon Aircraft: ExportsMinistry of DefenceTabled 9 Dec 2024AnsweredUIN 18506More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has agreed a provisional timeline with Qatar for the (a) signing and (b) delivery of the 12 additional Typhoon jets.
Answer: Following the Amir of Qatar’s State Visit to the UK, we have agreed to deepen cooperation in support of regional security while supporting growth and prosperity in both nations. This includes undertaking opportunities to strengthen our respective defence ...
Answered 16 Dec 2024
Original Parliament record
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