Tag: Maria Eagle

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-10-22.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with the Cypriot authorities about who has responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of refugees arriving at RAF Akrotiri.

Penny Mordaunt

Under the collaborative arrangements in place since 2003 between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBAA) and the Republic of Cyprus officials are co-operating on the handling and processing of the migrants. Their claims will be heard by the Republic of Cyprus should they claim asylum. The SBAA remains responsible for their safety and well-being in the Dhekelia transit facility until they are passed over to a Republic of Cyprus reception facility. If they are granted asylum they will be free to live and apply for work permits in the Republic of Cyprus and have the same rights as if they landed directly into the Republic of Cyprus. The SBAA has the obligation to meet the costs incurred by the Republic of Cyprus in handling the claims and supporting the migrants whilst their cases are being heard and, if they are successful, for up to one year.

If a migrant does not claim asylum, the SBAA as the territorial administration of this Overseas Territory remains responsible for their safety and wellbeing whilst detained pending deportation.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-10-22.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to prepare a deal with further refugees arriving by sea at RAF Akrotiri.

Penny Mordaunt

There is no evidence the migrants were intending to arrive in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA). The arrival was due to one of two boats having engine failure off the peninsula upon which RAF Akrotiri is located. The Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBAA) has a protocol with the Republic of Cyprus to consider claims by asylum seekers arriving directly in the SBAs. If they do not claim asylum or their claim to asylum is rejected the SBAA will take steps to remove the migrants to their country of origin.

The SBA Police Maritime unit is conducting increased patrolling of the waters within its jurisdiction, using enhanced navigational aids, including a 24-hour radar capability. The Cyprus Operational Battalion are providing additional manpower for base security. The Republic of Cyprus has indicated it has increased their maritime patrols in their adjacent territorial waters. Security is also supported by RAF Search and Rescue helicopters from 84 Squadron based at RAF Akrotiri.

If a boat is in distress in SBA territorial waters the SBAA has a duty under international law to provide aid and assistance to protect lives.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2015-10-22.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with colleagues in other Departments about the national security implications of Chinese state involvement in the UK’s domestic nuclear operations.

Michael Fallon

I have regular discussions with Ministerial colleagues on national security matters.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to expand the training provided by the Badger Vaccination Deployment Project.

George Eustice

We are working with our Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency to consider training needs and how these can be met, building on lessons from the Badger Vaccination Deployment Project. Announcements on this will be made in due course.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department (a) has funded or (b) plans to fund badger vaccination against bovine TB in this calendar year.

George Eustice

In April 2013, as part of the Government’s Strategy for achieving Officially Bovine Tuberculosis Free Status for England, the Secretary of State announced new support for privately led vaccination initiatives in the Edge Area. Building on ongoing work with stakeholders, including a key workshop held on 24 June, a new scheme will be launched shortly and will offer financial and other support, such as training and advice. Announcements about the future of the existing Badger Vaccination Fund, which has been available since 2012 and has offered more limited support, will also be made in due course. The total funds offered will be dependent on demand.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much resource his Department plans to provide as matched funding for badger vacination to tackle bovine TB in (a) 2014-15 and (b) 2015-16.

George Eustice

In April 2013, as part of the Government’s Strategy for achieving Officially Bovine Tuberculosis Free Status for England, the Secretary of State announced new support for privately led vaccination initiatives in the Edge Area. Building on ongoing work with stakeholders, including a key workshop held on 24 June, a new scheme will be launched shortly and will offer financial and other support, such as training and advice. Announcements about the future of the existing Badger Vaccination Fund, which has been available since 2012 and has offered more limited support, will also be made in due course. The total funds offered will be dependent on demand.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2014-06-25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how his Department defines surplus land; and what land held by his Department’s non-departmental public bodies can be so described.

Dan Rogerson

The Department defines surplus land as land surplus to its business requirements.

The attached table sets out land held by the Department’s Non-departmental public bodies that is surplus as at 23 June 2014.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Maria Eagle on 2014-06-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research his Department has undertaken of the effect of the Badger Vaccination Deployment Project on the incidence of bovine TB in cattle.

George Eustice

The purpose of the Badger Vaccination Deployment Project is to learn lessons about the practicalities of deploying an injectable vaccine; provide training for others who may wish to apply for a licence to vaccinate badgers; and build farmer confidence in the use of badger vaccination. It was not designed as a scientific trial to assess the impact of vaccination on bovine TB in cattle and the scale of the project is insufficient to produce statistically reliable data on this.