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1134349

	registered interest
	date	24/06/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army: Apprentices
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to recruit Junior Soldiers to cyber apprenticeships.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL16634
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/07/2019 answer text <p>Junior soldiers are signed up for an apprenticeship when they join, which will be specific to the trade they wish to specialise in. The Army does not currently offer a 'Cyber' apprenticeship but does offer other apprenticeships relevant to those who work in this area.</p><p>Cyber security is vital to defence and training our personnel is of paramount importance to us. The Defence Cyber School, which celebrated its first-year anniversary in March, is a centre of excellence for cyber training established to meet the needs of defence and its partners, addressing all aspects of cyber training and education.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 04/07/2019 15:36:50 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1187972

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army Reserve: Coronavirus
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the first aid, (2) the trauma and triage, and (3) the security and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defence, capabilities of the Army Reserve; and what plans they have, if any, to deploy the Army Reserve to help address the COVID-19 pandemic.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL2986
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/04/2020 answer text <p>Defence has a number of existing contingency plans in place to provide support to civil authorities, including to the NHS. Our personnel are already providing assistance in a number of capacities and this includes those with specialist medical training. Considering the likely additional call on military assistance to mitigate COVID-19 related staff absences in civil authorities, and the increasing volume of patients requiring treatment by the NHS, Defence is consistently monitoring and enhancing its plans, training and readiness in order to support additional requests.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 06/04/2020 11:46:11 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1225412

	registered interest
	date	15/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	HMS Queen Elizabeth: South China Sea
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to send the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier to the South China Sea; and if so, (1) when the decision was made, and (2) what will be the objective.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6914
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/07/2020 answer text <p>No decision has yet been made. Cross Government consultation is in progress and we expect to finalise the details of the deployment soon. The UK has enduring interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and the Royal Navy has maintained a near persistent presence there for a number of years, conducting numerous activities promoting security and defence relationships with our partners and upholding the Rules Based International System. Building on this, the Royal Navy intends to continue to operate across the region, including in the South China Sea.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 23/07/2020 11:11:12 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1225413

	registered interest
	date	15/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia: Submarines
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment has been made of recent Russian submarine deployment into the Mediterranean and Baltic seas.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6915
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/07/2020 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence monitors the deployments of Russian submarines and makes assessments based on their operational capability. A nuclear-powered submarine transited from its Northern Fleet base to St Petersburg where it will take part in Russia's Navy Day on 26th July, as part of a predicted annual commitment. A further Russian submarine transited from its Black Sea base port to Tartus, Syria, as part of their routine presence operations in the eastern Mediterranean. Russia continues to be a significant state-based threat to the UK; monitoring and responding to this threat is a core priority for the Ministry of Defence.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 27/07/2020 10:33:11 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1226104

	registered interest
	date	17/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia: Navy
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the security of the Baltic and North Sea following recent reports that the Russian navy will commission 40 new vessels in 2020.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6988
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/07/2020 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence monitors the development of all new Russian vessels commissioned and makes assessments based on their operational capability. We continue to assess the impact of Russian naval investments to regional security, including the Baltic and North Seas. Russia continues to be a significant state-based threat to the UK; monitoring and responding to this threat is a core priority for the Ministry of Defence.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 29/07/2020 14:12:42 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1227894

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Aid: Coronavirus
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with reservist employers about mobilising (1) the Army Reserve, and (2) the Regular Reserves, in the event of any second wave of COVID-19.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL7258
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2020 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains regular contact with reservist employers (including the Army Reserve) through routine engagement activities. Should there be a requirement to mobilise more reservists for future tasks related to COVID-19, the MOD will engage with employers through the usual, well established channels.</p><p> </p><p>So far, there has been a very positive response from employers to the call-out of reservists as part of the national response to COVID-19. Details of call-out procedures, including the responsibilities of employers and reservists, and the financial compensation packages available, are set out on-line on www.gov.uk.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 30/07/2020 12:42:15 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1227895

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Aid: Coronavirus
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for mobilising (1) the Army Reserve, and (2) the Regular Reserves, in the event of any second wave of COVID-19.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL7259
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2020 answer text <p>As part of our normal contingency planning arrangements, the Ministry of Defence is currently scoping its potential input into the response to any potential second wave of COVID-19. A reserve call-out order is already in place for the use of Reserve forces in the response to COVID-19, which could be used to mobilise Army Reserve and Regular Reserves should a second wave occur. Defence seeks to mobilise intelligently, making the most of the expertise available through its Reserve forces, whilst giving them and their employers flexibility.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 30/07/2020 12:41:42 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1227896

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Aid: Coronavirus
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans are in place to mobilise (1) the Army Reserve, and (2) the Regular Reserves, to deal with any (a) second wave of COVID-19, and (b) any unrest following the end of the Brexit transition period.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL7260
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2020 answer text <p>Reservists undertake a variety of roles within Defence and provide a valuable contribution when called upon. As part of the national response to the Coronavirus pandemic circa 2,300 reservists (circa 1,850 of which were Army reservists) have been mobilised for Covid-19 related activities this year. The authority to mobilise reservists in Covid-19 roles is active until March 2021. This enables reservists mobilised prior to March 2021, under the Covid-19 Reserves Call Out Order to contribute to any Defence response to a potential second wave of Covid-19 if there is a need to do so.</p><p> </p><p>The maintenance of public order is the responsibility of the police. There are no plans to utilise Armed Forces personnel, including reservists, to deal with any unrest following the end of the transition period. Defence remains closely engaged on contingency planning related to the end of the EU Transition Period and remains available to support the civil authorities if necessary.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 30/07/2020 12:40:40 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1227897

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Defence: Coronavirus
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of COVID-19 related deployments on the fulfilment of their standing defence commitments.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL7261
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2020 answer text <p>Throughout the pandemic, the Department has prioritised the delivery of critical Defence outputs, including standing commitments. The Department assesses that there has been no significant impact caused by its support to COVID-19 activity.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 30/07/2020 12:41:18 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1227898

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Aid: Coronavirus
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether military personnel are still assisting with COVID-19 testing; and if not, why not.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL7262
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/07/2020 answer text <p>As of Monday 27 July 2020, there are 96 Military Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) crews operational to assist with Covid-19 testing. This is inclusive of 22 Strategic Reserve crews. The Armed Forces have begun the process of handing over the operation of MTUs to civilian contractors for ongoing testing in line with Military Aid to the Civil Authorities principles regarding commercial solutions.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 29/07/2020 14:12:58 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1274607

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Mali: Armed Forces
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how long they expect members of the British Armed Forces to remain in Mali.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL11905
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/01/2021 answer text <p>The UK has forces in Mali deployed to the UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, and the French-led counter-terror operation, Operation BARKHANE. Beyond these operations, the UK also has a small Defence Section based in Bamako with a resident Defence Attaché (DA).</p><p> </p><p>As outlined in the recent Written Ministerial Statement HCWS622, the UK has committed to a three-year deployment to MINUSMA, with a review to be held at the 18-month point.</p><p> </p><p>The UK commitment to Operation BARKHANE was last extended in June 2020. The Government keeps this deployment under review on a continual basis to ensure it supports operations in the most effective way possible.</p><p> </p><p>The UK's resident DA, based in British Embassy Bamako, is in post for a two-year assignment. DA posts are reviewed on an annual basis.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 19/01/2021 15:52:28 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1360918

	registered interest
	date	18/10/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Refugees
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Afghan interpreters were evacuated during Operation Pitting.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL3190
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2021 answer text <p>From the beginning of the scheme in April 2021 until the final flight of Operation Pitting on 28 August 2021, around 650 Afghans were relocated to the UK under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) under category 2 of ARAP.</p><p>Around 400 of these were relocated prior to Operation Pitting, as they were identified to be most at risk and were therefore prioritised for relocation. The remaining 250 were relocated during Operation Pitting. This category predominantly consisted of interpreters, but also others in similarly exposed roles such as cultural advisers.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 29/10/2021 09:51:11 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

1537324

	registered interest
	date	31/10/2022
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	USA: Nuclear Weapons
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the decision of the government of the United States to stop developing a sea-based nuclear launch capability, and of the impact of this on the UK’s defence policy.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL3079
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/11/2022 answer text <p>Nuclear capability decisions remain sovereign decisions and so it would be inappropriate for the UK to comment on specifics. We are content that the US Nuclear Posture Review does not contain any negative impacts for UK deterrence or national security.</p><p>We welcome the US's continued commitment to the security of the NATO Alliance, and their actions to ensure that the Alliance's nuclear deterrent mission remains credible.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 14/11/2022 15:25:45 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

874395

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Eastern Europe: NATO
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what coordination exists between NATO partners and those Eastern European nations most vulnerable to cyber-attacks and hybrid threats.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6778
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/04/2018 answer text <p>At its 2016 Summit in Warsaw, NATO made a Cyber Defence Pledge to strengthen both individual and collective capability. The Alliance now engages regularly with its European partners to discuss Cyber and Hybrid threats at both the strategic and operational level. The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (based in Tallinn) and the European Centre of Excellence for countering Hybrid Threats (based in Helsinki) provide expertise and encourage cooperation and information-sharing among NATO Allies, EU Member States, and their partners. The UK is a leading participant in both Centres.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 11/04/2018 15:44:04 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

874400

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Hybrid Warfare
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to proactively engage and collaborate further with the private sector in the prevention of, and action against, hybrid threats, to combat critical skill shortages and bring in further expertise; and if so, how.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6781
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/04/2018 answer text <p>It is the responsibility of individual Government Departments to collaborate with their own sectors to ensure that the private sector is aware of the need to protect against hostile state activity, as part of their contribution to national resilience. For example, the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review made significant commitments on Cyber and the National Cyber Security Strategy and in 2016 launched the National Cyber Security Centre.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 13/04/2018 12:18:39 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

874401

	registered interest
	date	28/03/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Reserve Forces
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to train and use reservists in both the public and private sectors to deal with hybrid threats.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6782
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/04/2018 answer text <p>The need to respond to hybrid threats was recognised in the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2015 which established, as part of Joint Force 2025, two innovative brigades comprising a mix of Regulars and specialist capabilities from the Reserves able to contribute to our strategic communications, tackle hybrid warfare and deliver better battlefield intelligence.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 11/04/2018 15:43:24 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

874628

	registered interest
	date	29/03/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Hybrid Warfare
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have a definition of “hybrid threat”; if so, what is that definition; and which Government department is responsible for managing and coordinating the responses to such threats.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6848
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/04/2018 answer text <p>Hybrid threats should be considered as Hostile State Activity and the Prime Minister set out in the 2018 National Security Capability Review that &quot;we will harden our defences against all forms of Hostile State Activity&quot;. To achieve this we will &quot;use a new national security doctrine, the Fusion Doctrine, to improve our collective approach to national security, building on the creation of the National Security Council eight years ago so that we use our security, economic and influence capabilities to maximum effect to protect, promote and project our national security, economic and influence goals.&quot; As highlighted in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 we will continue to work with NATO and allies to tackle current threats and adapt to combat future threats, focusing on cyber and countering hybrid threats.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 13/04/2018 12:20:25 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

874629

	registered interest
	date	29/03/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Hybrid Warfare
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether sufficient resources are available to (1) pre-empt, and (2) address, a hybrid threat; whether those resources include mobilisation of the armed forces; and what other resources have been made available.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL6849
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/04/2018 answer text <p>Government Departments prioritise within their existing departmental budgets to adequately manage and mitigate all risks (including hazards, counter-terrorism and hostile state activity). The Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 will continue to be implemented including specialist Army brigades focused on hybrid warfare and notably the £1.9 billion National Cyber Security Strategy to ensure the country keeps pace with the threat, including through the National Cyber Security Centre.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 13/04/2018 12:21:30 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

932834

	registered interest
	date	29/06/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to disband (1) Headquarters 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales, (2) 31st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, or (3) HQ Northern Ireland; and if so why.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Waverley
	uin	HL9115
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/07/2018 answer text <p>There are no plans to disband Headquarters 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales, Headquarters 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, or Headquarters 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade. There is currently no 31st Infantry Brigade.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 04/07/2018 15:51:15 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	1744 label Biography information for Viscount Waverley

833579

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: DNA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what protocols are in place to share the genetic data of serving and retired members of the Armed Forces with the police and prosecuting authorities.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Astor
	uin	HL5204
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2018 answer text <p>All DNA samples taken by the Service Police or Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the course of their investigations are analysed and a DNA profile is produced. This profile is then uploaded onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the physical DNA samples are destroyed within six months unless they are required for disclosure as evidence, in which case they may be retained for as long as the need exists under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1996. The Service Police and MDP do not maintain their own databases, meaning that any Service Police and MDP DNA searches are carried out against the NDNAD. The retention periods for DNA profiles on the NDNAD depend on the outcome of the investigation, the age of the offender and the type of offence.</p><p> </p><p>Entirely separate from DNA profiles which are uploaded to the NDNAD because of a Service Police or MDP investigation, and which are accessible to all Home Office Police Forces during their investigations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains DNA reference samples which are voluntarily provided by Service personnel. These are used solely for the identification of deceased Service personnel and to reduce delays for grieving families, when other methods of identification such as visual and dental are not available. Such DNA reference samples are taken by consent, which means the consent given before death remains valid for a DNA sample intended for use after death. The MOD’s voluntary DNA reference sampling policy complies with the Human Tissue Act 2004.</p><p> </p><p>Each DNA reference sample is stored, unanalysed, in an “un-sequenced” physical state, preventing them from being entered onto any database or used for any purposes until authorised by either a Coroner for a post-mortem or as directed by the donor. These voluntary DNA samples will be destroyed upon leaving the Service, at the request of the donor, or after 45 years, whichever is soonest. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 prohibits the un-sequenced DNA voluntarily provided by Service personnel for identification purposes from being released to the Police.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe grouped question UIN HL5205 HL5206 HL5207 HL5208 HL5209 question first answered 07/02/2018 17:28:41 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	3429 label Biography information for Viscount Astor

833581

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: DNA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Ministry of Defence refused to share genetic data with the Kent constabulary in relation to an ongoing investigation into burglaries in that area; and, if so why.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Astor
	uin	HL5205
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2018 answer text <p>All DNA samples taken by the Service Police or Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the course of their investigations are analysed and a DNA profile is produced. This profile is then uploaded onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the physical DNA samples are destroyed within six months unless they are required for disclosure as evidence, in which case they may be retained for as long as the need exists under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1996. The Service Police and MDP do not maintain their own databases, meaning that any Service Police and MDP DNA searches are carried out against the NDNAD. The retention periods for DNA profiles on the NDNAD depend on the outcome of the investigation, the age of the offender and the type of offence.</p><p> </p><p>Entirely separate from DNA profiles which are uploaded to the NDNAD because of a Service Police or MDP investigation, and which are accessible to all Home Office Police Forces during their investigations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains DNA reference samples which are voluntarily provided by Service personnel. These are used solely for the identification of deceased Service personnel and to reduce delays for grieving families, when other methods of identification such as visual and dental are not available. Such DNA reference samples are taken by consent, which means the consent given before death remains valid for a DNA sample intended for use after death. The MOD’s voluntary DNA reference sampling policy complies with the Human Tissue Act 2004.</p><p> </p><p>Each DNA reference sample is stored, unanalysed, in an “un-sequenced” physical state, preventing them from being entered onto any database or used for any purposes until authorised by either a Coroner for a post-mortem or as directed by the donor. These voluntary DNA samples will be destroyed upon leaving the Service, at the request of the donor, or after 45 years, whichever is soonest. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 prohibits the un-sequenced DNA voluntarily provided by Service personnel for identification purposes from being released to the Police.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe grouped question UIN HL5204 HL5206 HL5207 HL5208 HL5209 question first answered 07/02/2018 17:28:41 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	3429 label Biography information for Viscount Astor

833582

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: DNA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how long records of genetic data on members of the Armed Forces are held by the Ministry of Defence.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Astor
	uin	HL5206
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2018 answer text <p>All DNA samples taken by the Service Police or Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the course of their investigations are analysed and a DNA profile is produced. This profile is then uploaded onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the physical DNA samples are destroyed within six months unless they are required for disclosure as evidence, in which case they may be retained for as long as the need exists under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1996. The Service Police and MDP do not maintain their own databases, meaning that any Service Police and MDP DNA searches are carried out against the NDNAD. The retention periods for DNA profiles on the NDNAD depend on the outcome of the investigation, the age of the offender and the type of offence.</p><p> </p><p>Entirely separate from DNA profiles which are uploaded to the NDNAD because of a Service Police or MDP investigation, and which are accessible to all Home Office Police Forces during their investigations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains DNA reference samples which are voluntarily provided by Service personnel. These are used solely for the identification of deceased Service personnel and to reduce delays for grieving families, when other methods of identification such as visual and dental are not available. Such DNA reference samples are taken by consent, which means the consent given before death remains valid for a DNA sample intended for use after death. The MOD’s voluntary DNA reference sampling policy complies with the Human Tissue Act 2004.</p><p> </p><p>Each DNA reference sample is stored, unanalysed, in an “un-sequenced” physical state, preventing them from being entered onto any database or used for any purposes until authorised by either a Coroner for a post-mortem or as directed by the donor. These voluntary DNA samples will be destroyed upon leaving the Service, at the request of the donor, or after 45 years, whichever is soonest. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 prohibits the un-sequenced DNA voluntarily provided by Service personnel for identification purposes from being released to the Police.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe grouped question UIN HL5204 HL5205 HL5207 HL5208 HL5209 question first answered 07/02/2018 17:28:41 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	3429 label Biography information for Viscount Astor

833583

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: DNA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Ministry of Defence can share genetic data relating to serving and retired members of the Armed Forces following a request by the police for criminal investigations.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Astor
	uin	HL5207
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2018 answer text <p>All DNA samples taken by the Service Police or Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the course of their investigations are analysed and a DNA profile is produced. This profile is then uploaded onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the physical DNA samples are destroyed within six months unless they are required for disclosure as evidence, in which case they may be retained for as long as the need exists under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1996. The Service Police and MDP do not maintain their own databases, meaning that any Service Police and MDP DNA searches are carried out against the NDNAD. The retention periods for DNA profiles on the NDNAD depend on the outcome of the investigation, the age of the offender and the type of offence.</p><p> </p><p>Entirely separate from DNA profiles which are uploaded to the NDNAD because of a Service Police or MDP investigation, and which are accessible to all Home Office Police Forces during their investigations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains DNA reference samples which are voluntarily provided by Service personnel. These are used solely for the identification of deceased Service personnel and to reduce delays for grieving families, when other methods of identification such as visual and dental are not available. Such DNA reference samples are taken by consent, which means the consent given before death remains valid for a DNA sample intended for use after death. The MOD’s voluntary DNA reference sampling policy complies with the Human Tissue Act 2004.</p><p> </p><p>Each DNA reference sample is stored, unanalysed, in an “un-sequenced” physical state, preventing them from being entered onto any database or used for any purposes until authorised by either a Coroner for a post-mortem or as directed by the donor. These voluntary DNA samples will be destroyed upon leaving the Service, at the request of the donor, or after 45 years, whichever is soonest. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 prohibits the un-sequenced DNA voluntarily provided by Service personnel for identification purposes from being released to the Police.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe grouped question UIN HL5204 HL5205 HL5206 HL5208 HL5209 question first answered 07/02/2018 17:28:42 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	3429 label Biography information for Viscount Astor

833584

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: DNA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times in the last ten years the Ministry of Defence has refused to share genetic data relating to serving and retired members of the Armed Forces with the police and prosecuting authorities.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Astor
	uin	HL5208
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2018 answer text <p>All DNA samples taken by the Service Police or Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the course of their investigations are analysed and a DNA profile is produced. This profile is then uploaded onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the physical DNA samples are destroyed within six months unless they are required for disclosure as evidence, in which case they may be retained for as long as the need exists under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1996. The Service Police and MDP do not maintain their own databases, meaning that any Service Police and MDP DNA searches are carried out against the NDNAD. The retention periods for DNA profiles on the NDNAD depend on the outcome of the investigation, the age of the offender and the type of offence.</p><p> </p><p>Entirely separate from DNA profiles which are uploaded to the NDNAD because of a Service Police or MDP investigation, and which are accessible to all Home Office Police Forces during their investigations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains DNA reference samples which are voluntarily provided by Service personnel. These are used solely for the identification of deceased Service personnel and to reduce delays for grieving families, when other methods of identification such as visual and dental are not available. Such DNA reference samples are taken by consent, which means the consent given before death remains valid for a DNA sample intended for use after death. The MOD’s voluntary DNA reference sampling policy complies with the Human Tissue Act 2004.</p><p> </p><p>Each DNA reference sample is stored, unanalysed, in an “un-sequenced” physical state, preventing them from being entered onto any database or used for any purposes until authorised by either a Coroner for a post-mortem or as directed by the donor. These voluntary DNA samples will be destroyed upon leaving the Service, at the request of the donor, or after 45 years, whichever is soonest. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 prohibits the un-sequenced DNA voluntarily provided by Service personnel for identification purposes from being released to the Police.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe grouped question UIN HL5204 HL5205 HL5206 HL5207 HL5209 question first answered 07/02/2018 17:28:42 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	3429 label Biography information for Viscount Astor

833586

	registered interest
	date	30/01/2018
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: DNA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government under which circumstances the sharing of genetic data held by the Ministry of Defence with the police would breach data protection legislation.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Astor
	uin	HL5209
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/02/2018 answer text <p>All DNA samples taken by the Service Police or Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in the course of their investigations are analysed and a DNA profile is produced. This profile is then uploaded onto the National DNA Database (NDNAD) and the physical DNA samples are destroyed within six months unless they are required for disclosure as evidence, in which case they may be retained for as long as the need exists under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1996. The Service Police and MDP do not maintain their own databases, meaning that any Service Police and MDP DNA searches are carried out against the NDNAD. The retention periods for DNA profiles on the NDNAD depend on the outcome of the investigation, the age of the offender and the type of offence.</p><p> </p><p>Entirely separate from DNA profiles which are uploaded to the NDNAD because of a Service Police or MDP investigation, and which are accessible to all Home Office Police Forces during their investigations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains DNA reference samples which are voluntarily provided by Service personnel. These are used solely for the identification of deceased Service personnel and to reduce delays for grieving families, when other methods of identification such as visual and dental are not available. Such DNA reference samples are taken by consent, which means the consent given before death remains valid for a DNA sample intended for use after death. The MOD’s voluntary DNA reference sampling policy complies with the Human Tissue Act 2004.</p><p> </p><p>Each DNA reference sample is stored, unanalysed, in an “un-sequenced” physical state, preventing them from being entered onto any database or used for any purposes until authorised by either a Coroner for a post-mortem or as directed by the donor. These voluntary DNA samples will be destroyed upon leaving the Service, at the request of the donor, or after 45 years, whichever is soonest. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 prohibits the un-sequenced DNA voluntarily provided by Service personnel for identification purposes from being released to the Police.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe grouped question UIN HL5204 HL5205 HL5206 HL5207 HL5208 question first answered 07/02/2018 17:28:42 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	3429 label Biography information for Viscount Astor

101281

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iraq
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Royal Air Force sorties there have been over Iraq in the last three weeks; how many of them have resulted in the deployment of ordnance; and what the assessed results of such deployments have been.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2486
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/11/2014 answer text <p>From 8 October to 29 October 2014, the total number of sorties (individual flights by individual aircraft, alone or as part of a mission group) flown over Iraq by all UK military aircraft including Tornado GR4, Air-Air Refuelling aircraft, C-130 transport aircraft and Reaper/Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft was 109. The total number of missions was 46. Of these, the number of missions involving deployment of ordnance was four. Analysis indicates that all four engagements were successful.</p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 11/11/2014 17:27:50 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

101282

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iraq
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many United Kingdom military personnel are currently deployed on the ground in Iraq; and in what capacities.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2487
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/11/2014 answer text <p>The UK has a small Defence Section working in the British Embassy in Baghdad. As at 3 November, this permanent presence is supplemented by around 30 personnel acting in support of operations against ISIL terrorists. These personnel are performing a range of non-combat roles including: supporting humanitarian operations; providing training to Kurdish forces; and supporting coalition planning activities.</p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 11/11/2014 17:27:07 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1092442

	registered interest
	date	20/03/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Syria: USA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the announcements by the government of the United States on 18 December 2018 and 21 February about the withdrawal of United States troops from Syria and the deployment of a small United States peacekeeping force in Syria, what is their current estimate of the number of United States troops who will remain in Syria; and whether those decisions have any implications for UK deployments.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL14698
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/03/2019 answer text <p>The territorial defeat of Daesh was announced by the Syrian Democratic Forces on 23 March 2019, but this does not signal the end of the Coalition or the campaign. Even without territory, Daesh will continue to pose a threat in Iraq and Syria as well as to the wider world. Like the United States, we remain committed to the Global Coalition and its objective of ensuring Daesh's enduring defeat. We are in close contact with the US and other allies regarding the next steps in the successful campaign against Daesh.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 28/03/2019 16:09:14 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1105680

	registered interest
	date	27/03/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Yemen: Military Intervention
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether UK forces have been involved in any direct military action in Yemen in the last six months.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL14863
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2019 answer text <p>The UK provides information, advice and assistance to Saudi Arabia to respond to the threat of strategic weapons fired by the Houthis into Saudi Arabia. We are not and have never been a member of the Saudi-led Coalition. Our assistance is clearly limited to addressing this specific threat. UK military personnel in Saudi Arabia remain under UK command and control.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 01/04/2019 16:22:11 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1109877

	registered interest
	date	04/04/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Unmanned Air Vehicles
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what methods they use to estimate the numbers of civilian deaths resulting from the use of remote-controlled drones in counter-terrorist operations either directly by the UK or by their allies in (1) Yemen, (2) Pakistan, and (3) North Africa; and what figures are available for such casualties.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL15069
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/04/2019 answer text <p>The United Kingdom has not conducted airstrikes from any platform, either manned or unmanned, in counter-terrorism operations in Yemen, Pakistan or North Africa. We do not comment on the operations of other countries.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 16/04/2019 14:38:27 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1129543

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Nuclear Weapons
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Renata Dwan, Director of the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, warned on 21 May that the risk of nuclear weapons being used is at its highest since World War Two, and that the world should take this threat more seriously.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL16028
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/06/2019 answer text <p>Today's security climate is challenging, with the threats faced by the United Kingdom increasing in scale, diversity and complexity. However, Her Majesty's Government does not believe that the risk of nuclear war is greater today than it was during the Cold War.</p><p>While the operation of an independent, minimum, credible nuclear deterrent continues to be necessary to protect the United Kingdom from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, the UK has taken a number of unilateral actions that build confidence and reduce international tensions. Our negative security assurances, as set out in the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, are designed to give Non-Nuclear Weapons States in compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty confidence that nuclear weapons will not be used against them. Further, since 1994, UK Trident missiles have not been targeted at any State; our Vanguard class submarines are at several days' notice to fire; only the Prime Minister has the authority to launch nuclear weapons maintaining political control at all times; and the UK has been transparent about its nuclear capability, including missile and warhead numbers.</p><p>The Government is committed to the long-term goal of a world without nuclear weapons and continues to work internationally, within the framework of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, towards achieving the conditions in which all nuclear weapons possessor states are willing to relinquish their nuclear weapons.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 11/06/2019 15:17:19 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1140648

	registered interest
	date	19/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Turkey: F-35 Aircraft
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the overall cohesion and effectiveness of NATO of the decision by the government of the United States, announced by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment on 17 July, to remove Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet programme.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL17331
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/07/2019 answer text <p>We are disappointed that Turkey has chosen to acquire the Russian S-400 air defence system. We will continue to discuss our concerns with Turkey as a valued NATO Ally and we remain committed to our strategic partnership. Our officials are in on going discussions with the F-35 Joint Programme Office and F-35 partners on the impact of Turkey's suspension from the F-35 programme.</p> answering member printed Earl Howe question first answered 25/07/2019 13:13:19 answering member 2000 label Biography information for Earl Howe
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1140651

	registered interest
	date	19/07/2019
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Middle East: Shipping
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United States about the plans, outlined by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 9 July, to create a multinational military coalition to safeguard the waters around Iran and Yemen; and what assessment they have made of the practicality of those proposals.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL17334
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/08/2019 answer text <p>The UK is part of ongoing conversations with international allies including the US on how best we can ensure maritime security in the Gulf and protect freedom of navigation. Work to assess the practicality of any proposals continues in parallel with the ongoing conversations with our partners.</p><p> </p><p>Freedom of navigation is in every nation's interest. It is therefore unacceptable to illegally seize a ship going about legitimate business in an internationally recognised shipping lane.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We continue to work for stability in the region with the international community and uphold the international rules that protect us all.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 02/08/2019 12:10:37 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1169287

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Qassem Soleimani
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made as to whether the government of the United States' drone strike on 3 January constituted defensive action under international law.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL143
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/01/2020 answer text <p>Article 51 of the UN Charter recognises that all States have an inherent right of self-defence. It is for the United States to say how the criteria for self-defence are met. The Government of the United States has now set out its case for self-defence in a letter to the UN Security Council dated 8 January.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 13/01/2020 15:55:29 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1169288

	registered interest
	date	07/01/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Sahel: Armed Conflict
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current situation in Mali and the wider Sahel region; what discussions they have had with the government of the United States about the number of US troops in West Africa further to reports that that government is considering a full or partial withdrawal; and what assessment they have made of the impact of any such withdrawal on the operational ability of UK military personnel in that region.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL144
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/01/2020 answer text <p>Her Majesty's Government is concerned about the security situation in Mali and the spread of insecurity across the region. We remain in close contact with our key partners, including the US and France, to share assessments and coordinate activity. No decisions on the status of US forces in West Africa have been formally communicated by the US Government to HMG. We assess that any possible withdrawal of US forces will have a minimal impact on our deployed forces, but we will keep this under close review.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 15/01/2020 12:41:07 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1189901

	registered interest
	date	23/04/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iran: USA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the maritime incident involving Iranian vessels and United States naval forces on 15 April in the Arabian Gulf; and what discussions they have had with the governments of Iran and the United States, in particular with regard to each of those governments’ differing versions of events.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL3412
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/05/2020 answer text <p>We are aware of an interaction between US and Iranian vessels in the international waters of the northern Gulf on 15 April. Reports of IRGC harassment are concerning. It is important that all mariners uphold the highest standards of conduct at sea, and that states are able to safely undertake legitimate naval activity in International Waters. We are regularly in contact with US and some Iranian counterparts to discuss bilateral issues and to urge de-escalation on all sides.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 05/05/2020 13:12:12 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1203100

	registered interest
	date	11/06/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iran: USA
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need for a military-to-military channel of communication between the United States of America and Iran, particularly in relation to naval incidents in the Persian Gulf.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL5609
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/06/2020 answer text <p>The UK continues to seek a de-escalation of tensions in the Gulf, and urges restraint from all parties. Specific channels of communication are a matter for the US and Iran.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 19/06/2020 12:24:58 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1231388

	registered interest
	date	03/09/2020
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Military Aid
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Campaign Against Arms Trade publication in August of a list of 17 countries which received some form of British military training between 2018 and 2020, (1) what defence engagement has taken place in each such country, and (2) how they have ensured that such engagement complies with international humanitarian law.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL7802
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/09/2020 answer text <p>The nature and scale of Defence Engagement with the countries mentioned in the CAAT publication varies considerably according to the nature of the wider UK relationship with these countries. Information on all forms of Defence Engagement is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.</p><p>Our Defence Engagement programmes, and particularly the Defence Education &amp; Training we provide to foreign nations, will stress the need to respect International Law and the importance of adhering to international standards, for example with regard to human rights, human security, transparency &amp; corruption, and civilian oversight and control of the Armed Forces.</p><p>All Defence Engagement is informed by an assessment of the potential impact of providing assistance on risks relating to human rights and International Humanitarian Law.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 17/09/2020 11:10:55 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1299863

	registered interest
	date	04/03/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iraq: Asylum
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the request of sanctuary in the UK from the eight Iraqi interpreters employed by TBW Global to interpret for UK forces at Camp Taji; and what steps they are taking to support those interpreters.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL13920
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/03/2021 answer text <p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes all claims of intimidation or threats to locally recruited workers (LRWs) very seriously and as such has responded to these allegations, directly engaging with the interpreters in question. MOD has set contracting standards which require that people must be as safe and secure as reasonably possible when working in our support. We continue to hold our contractors to these high standards.</p><p> </p><p>As part of the MOD's own investigation a specialist investigator interviewed all eight of the LRWs. Individual risk assessments were completed, and bespoke security advice was given pertaining to their situation. Further work will now be undertaken to decide if subsequent interventions are required, however it is unlikely that the situation would warrant relocation to the UK. The contractor has also offered advice and support.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 16/03/2021 11:47:47 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1306705

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia: China
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Prime Minister last spoke to (1) the President of Russia, and (2) the President of China, about the military presence of those countries within the Arctic Circle; and what discussions they have had with (a) the government of Russia, and (b) the government of China, at any ministerial level about that issue.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL14645
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/04/2021 answer text <p>The UK's primary objective in the Arctic is to maintain the region as one characterised by high levels of international cooperation and low tensions. We support the Arctic Council and continue to play an active role in its work as a state observer, and are committed to working with our partners to ensure that increasing access to the region and its resources is managed safely, sustainably and responsibly. Russia and China's military presence in the Arctic has not been part of any recent Prime Ministerial or Ministerial discussions.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 01/04/2021 14:53:00 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1332183

	registered interest
	date	10/06/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Ajax Vehicles: Procurement
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports of design flaws in the Ajax armoured fighting vehicles, what is the timetable for delivery of the Ajax Armoured Vehicle programme; and what assessment they have made of whether the programme will be delivered (1) on time, and (2) in budget.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1010
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/06/2021 answer text <p>The current forecast Initial Operating Capability, or IOC, is 30 June 2021, with a 50% confidence, and a 90% confidence for September 2021. To be clear the Department will not take the programme into IOC until we are confident that we have achieved what we need to achieve at this stage of the vehicle’s development.</p><p> </p><p>The contract with General Dynamics Land Systems UK is a firm price contract to deliver the requirement in a set budget.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 17/06/2021 14:02:38 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1351737

	registered interest
	date	18/08/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what has been the total cost of British military operations in Afghanistan since 2001.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2367
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/09/2021 answer text <p>The total cost of British military operations in Afghanistan since 2001 (up to and including financial year 2019-20) was £22.7 billion.</p><p> </p><p>Details of expenditure for financial year 2020-21 will be included in the MOD's Annual Report and Accounts that will be published later this year.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 02/09/2021 16:04:58 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1364518

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	China: Nuclear Weapons
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of China is developing a new nuclear weapon delivery system.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL3528
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2021 answer text <p>China is continuing to undertake a significant modernisation of its nuclear forces. We keep under review all global nuclear risks to the UK, our interests and our allies. The UK will continue to work with international partners to prevent proliferation and make progress on multilateral nuclear disarmament so we can take tangible steps toward a safer and more stable world.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 04/11/2021 13:59:09 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1388378

	registered interest
	date	15/12/2021
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iraq: Armed Forces
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British troops are serving in Iraq; and in what capacity such troops are serving.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL5022
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2021 answer text <p>At the request of the Iraqi Government, 151 personnel are deployed to Iraq in support of the Global Coalition against Daesh.</p><p>UK personnel are deployed in an 'advise, assist, enable' capacity, serving in support of the Iraqi Security Forces to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 17/12/2021 13:51:47 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1417808

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2022
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Eastern Europe
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British troops they are preparing to deploy to the countries on NATO's eastern flank, including (1) the Baltic States, (2) Bulgaria, and (3) Romania; and how many British troops they are preparing to deploy to those NATO countries which directly border Ukraine.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL5771
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/02/2022 answer text <p>The UK is currently finalising its contribution to NATO's reinforced deterrence and defence posture. We already make a long-term enduring contribution to NATO enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia and Poland (Op CABRIT) totalling just over 1,000 Service personnel.</p><p> </p><p>NATO is and has always been a defensive Alliance, which does not threaten Russia or any other country. We remain committed to our dual-track approach of strong defence and meaningful dialogue. In the NATO-Russia Council earlier this year, Allies made clear to Russia that any further aggression that threatens Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity would carry a significant cost.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 09/02/2022 17:33:10 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1454408

	registered interest
	date	25/03/2022
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Turkey: Guided Weapons
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, either (1) unilaterally, or (2) with NATO partners, with the government of Turkey about the future of the S-400 missile defence system which that country acquired from Russia in 2019.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL7360
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/04/2022 answer text <p>As a close ally of Turkey, the UK has expressed its disappointment on numerous occasions, both publicly and privately since 2019, that Turkey purchased the S-400 system. As one of Turkey's closest international partners, the UK has emphasised repeatedly that this system poses a threat to NATO systems. We continue to encourage Turkey to recommit to find a way through this impasse with the US and other Allies.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 08/04/2022 13:19:41 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1472995

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2022
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Refugees
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many former Locally Employed Staff have made applications for relocation or other assistance under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy; how many of these applications have (1) been processed, and (2) are waiting to be processed; what is the average length of time for an application to be processed; and how long they expect it will take to clear any backlog.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1237
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/07/2022 answer text <p>Since January 2022 we have received approximately 3,000 ARAP applications per month. Given many of these are speculative or duplicates, we cannot provide precise data as to processed or waiting to be processed numbers.</p><p> </p><p>Application processing times can vary given the complexities of individual circumstances such as, but not limited to, their ability to respond to requests for information, their location, access to IT or employment checks.</p><p> </p><p>However, the speed of decision making in HM Government does not solely determine the speed of evacuation. Many ARAP applicants are undocumented and cannot leave Afghanistan through any official route. We are bringing them out at the speed our partners in the region will allow.</p><p> </p><p>To date, we have relocated over 9,600 eligible individuals and their dependents and we estimate that there are 8,000 (inclusive of their dependents) ARAP eligible individuals still to be relocated to the UK. This figure is subject to change as we continue to work through the outstanding applications.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 07/07/2022 16:12:32 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

155699

	registered interest
	date	17/11/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Islamic State
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are aware of any military terrorists fighting for ISIL who have ever been trained by the British Army or are using British weapons.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2883
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/12/2014 answer text <p>The Government exercises robust and comprehensive processes to minimise the risk of the unauthorised transfer of British weapons supplied to overseas partners. There is no evidence of British manufactured weaponry being used by ISIL and the Government is not aware of any individuals, who are fighting in ISIL's ranks, having received training by the British Armed Forces at any time.</p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 01/12/2014 16:20:46 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1586015

	registered interest
	date	09/02/2023
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Germany: Defence Equipment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government what restrictions are placed on the use of defence equipment supplied to the Ministry of Defence by German arms manufacturers, including the new Boxer armoured transport vehicles due to enter UK service in 2023.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL5608
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/02/2023 answer text <p>Equipment supplied to the Ministry of Defence by German arms manufacturers has no restriction on use while it remains in our possession and under our control. Should the UK wish to subsequently sell, loan, or transfer such equipment to our allies and partners then all such sharing would be subject to the relevant laws on intellectual property, national export regulations and licence conditions that identify and control the end user, and reflect international arms controls and human rights legislation.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 23/02/2023 16:29:18 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1586017

	registered interest
	date	09/02/2023
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Espionage: China
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask His Majesty's Government whether any Chinese spy balloons incursions have been detected over UK airspace in the past two years; and whether they have received any reports from European countries of any similar incursions into European airspace during that time.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL5610
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/02/2023 answer text <p>I refer the Noble Lord to the answer the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (James Heappey) provided to the right hon. Member for Wentworth &amp; Dearne (John Healey) on 14 February 2023 to Question 140019 in the House of Commons.</p><p>The Government and partners will also undertake a security review of UK and international airspace.</p> answering member printed Baroness Goldie question first answered 23/02/2023 16:29:56 answering member 4306 label Biography information for Baroness Goldie attachment 1 file name UIN 140019.docx title Airspace
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian