Tag: Steven Paterson

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-02-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the reserve forces are cyber specialists.

Penny Mordaunt

We are significantly growing the number of dedicated Cyber specialists in the Reserves. Recruiting is on track to meet our target by April 2017. As with other sensitive Defence capabilities, I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-04-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK armed forces personnel are embedded in foreign armed forces; and with which forces such personnel are embedded.

Penny Mordaunt

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement released by the Defence Secretary on 17 December 2015 (HCWS431) which details "UK service personnel embedded in another nations’ armed forces, who are deployed on operations, together with those who work on operations in deployed coalition or single nation headquarters roles". It also explains that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) intends to publish details annually through the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts (ARAC). The MOD will publish the latest version of its ARAC shortly which will include an update about embeds.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-10-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions his Department has had with the government of Russia on Russian military drills in the North Sea in October 2016.

Mike Penning

The Department has held no formal discussions with the Government of the Russian Federation with regard to Russian military drills in the North Sea in October. All NATO Allies have a collective responsibility to monitor the path and activity of non-NATO ships and aircraft passing through NATO areas of responsibility. The UK fully upholds its commitments in this regard and will act accordingly. Russia is aware of these arrangements. We expect Russian activity to occur in international waters and airspace, and in accordance with international rules.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2015-11-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans the Government has for the decommissioning of (a) HMS Torbay, (b) HMS Trenchant, (c) HMS Talent and (d) HMS Triumph.

Mr Philip Dunne

The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) is looking across the spectrum to assess what defence capabilities will address the threats we face. The conclusions of the SDSR are due to be published on 23 November.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-01-18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the second report on the IAAF of the Independent Commission of the World Anti-Doping Agency, published on 15 January 2016.

Tracey Crouch

The findings of the report are disturbing. The government is committed to tackling corruption in sport and we will continue working with UK Anti-Doping and sport stakeholders to ensure that our athletes can compete in a clean sport environment.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-02-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many staff make up the Defence Cyber Operations Group.

Penny Mordaunt

The Defence Cyber Operations Group was designed to deliver cyber capability and mainstream cyber security throughout Defence by establishing a federation of cyber units. As this work matured it resulted instead in the formation of the Joint Forces Cyber Group in May 2013.

The Joint Forces Cyber Group (JFCyG) plans and co-ordinates cyber operations, and develops new tactics, techniques and plans to deliver military capabilities to confront high-end threats. It comprises Joint Cyber Units at Cheltenham and Corsham, the Joint Cyber Unit (Reserve) and Information Assurance Units.

I am withholding details on the JFCyG as their disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-04-28.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent discussions she has had with the Cabinet Office on a cross-governmental approach to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr Nick Hurd

The Secretary of State for International Development leads on this government’s approach to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with support from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster where appropriate. This will be a cross-government effort with individual Secretaries of State accountable through their single departmental plans. There will be continuous bilateral discussions with individual departments across Government. The Government also intends to produce a report in due course setting out how the UK is contributing to the Global Goals.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-10-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contingency plans his Department has for the decommissioning of nuclear-powered submarines if a suitable geological disposal facility is not identified.

Harriett Baldwin

Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) is the only type of waste from submarines that will require the use of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). A facility for the interim storage of ILW has been arranged at Capenhurst in Cheshire until the proposed GDF is available from 2040. In line with Government guidance, the interim ILW store will have a design life of at least 100 years – considerably longer than it is anticipated will be required.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2015-11-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the seaworthiness is of (a) HMS Torbay, (b) HMS Trenchant, (c) HMS Talent and (d) HMS Triumph.

Mr Philip Dunne

The safety of the UK submarine fleet is of paramount importance. The Ministry of Defence assesses seaworthiness for submarines through a robust sea clearance process. This assessment is kept under continuous review.

I am withholding the seaworthiness state of each submarine as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Steven Paterson on 2016-02-01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for milk.

George Eustice

We continue to support our hard-working dairy farmers by reducing inspections, extending the system of tax averaging, and opening new export markets.

The £26.2 million aid package we secured from the European Commission has helped to provide some immediate relief. A number of supermarkets have also pledged to pay a premium over and above the current market price.