[{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"44214","proposer":"24728","edm":"82","session":"2012-13","title":"1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards","text":"That this House notes that the Government plans to reduce the number of UK troops by 2020; understands the concern of the people of Wales that the future retention of the name of the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG), popularly known as the Welsh Cavalry, is threatened; praises the work the QDG's brave and committed soldiers do on behalf of the UK, including their recent service in Afghanistan; extols the service and sacrifices that previous generations of the regiment have made for the nation; acknowledges that the QDG has strong geographical recruitment ties and strong regional connections with Wales and the Borders; and urges the Government to retain this senior, skilled and first-class regiment.","date":"2012-05-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"44199","proposer":"10368","edm":"67","session":"2012-13","title":"Armed Forces Veterans","text":"That this House is deeply concerned at the number of former armed service personnel, who are currently experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder often exacerbated by self-medicationwith alcohol; urges the Government to organise a co-ordinated response from departments to support former soldiers; and further urges that the responsibility for such co-ordination rests in the Cabinet Office.","date":"2012-05-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"44175","proposer":"11333","edm":"43","session":"2012-13","title":"Black Watch And The Basing Review","text":"That this House deplores the threat to the Black Watch as part of the Basing Review; acknowledges the heritage and tradition of the former Scottish regiments and the affection the Black Watch has particularly enjoyed from its recruiting area amongst the communities of Tayside and Fife; believes that if the Black Watch identity is lost or further compromised it would end generations of a geographical link with these communities and will further depress recruitment; recalls the commitment made that a golden thread would be maintained as a battalion within the Royal Regiment of Scotland; is greatly concerned that this commitment can be so casually discarded; and calls on the Government to abandon any plans to further compromise the identity of the Scottish battalions and instead build on the fantastic community connections of Scotland's army units.","date":"2012-05-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"44139","proposer":"10521","edm":"7","session":"2012-13","title":"Ministry Of Defence Police And Value For Money","text":"That this House applauds the efficiency of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in protecting the UK's defence assets from terrorist threats, through armed security at key defence sites, as well as protecting Britain's nuclear deterrent and Critical National Infrastructure; believes that MDP officers perform a vital role in ensuring the safety of Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel, their families and the British public; notes the work of the MDP's CID and Fraud Squad in protecting MOD resources from misappropriation and defending the interests of thousands of contractors who supply goods and services to the MOD; congratulates the MDP officers currently deployed overseas, most notably in Afghanistan and Kosovo, where they have been highly commended for their success in training local police forces; recognises that their training andhighly specialised roles and the armed security they provide enable MDP officers to fulfil these vital tasks more economically and with fewer personnel than non-armed alternatives or private security firms; and accordingly calls on the Government to reject any suggestion that the MDP's duties can satisfactorily be carried out by others.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"44157","proposer":"10521","edm":"25","session":"2012-13","title":"Pension Rights For HM Forces","text":"That this House believes that all ex-servicemen and womenshould receive equal pension rights regardless of when they retired from HM Forces.","date":"2012-05-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43987","proposer":"10415","edm":"2882","session":"2010-12","title":"Blackpool Councillors James Houldsworth And Mary Smith","text":"That this House pays tribute to the life and work of Blackpool councillors James Houldsworth and Mary Smith who, though from different political parties, exemplified the best traditions of public service in local government for the dedicated service they gave to the communities they represented and particularly in their concern and advocacy for the welfare of servicemen and servicewomen, veterans and their families in Blackpool, and who were always prepared to put those interests at the centre of their work as local councillors; and extends condolences to their families, friends and all those who were supported and enriched by the service they gave.","date":"2012-03-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43989","proposer":"10383","edm":"2884","session":"2010-12","title":"Ministry Of Defence Job Cuts","text":"That this House notes with concern the loss of 15,000 staff within the Ministry of Defence (MoD)since 2010 as a result of voluntary redundancy and a recruitment freeze; further notes that over 14 billion was spent on procurement in the last 12 months within the MoD; believes that cuts on such a scale will have a hugely negative impact on front-line services; and calls on the Government to work with trade unions to protect services and recognise the invaluable work which is provided by civil servants within the MoD.","date":"2012-03-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43967","proposer":"10203","edm":"2863","session":"2010-12","title":"Repatriation Of British Troops","text":"That this House notes the success without detriment of the withdrawal of Canadian and Dutch combat troops from Afghanistan after suffering many fatalities;and calls for the immediate consideration of a similar independent repatriation of British combat soldiers.","date":"2012-03-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43811","proposer":"13864","edm":"2711","session":"2010-12","title":"Service Personnel","text":"That this House recognises the bravery of Flight Lieutenant Wales as air and sea rescue pilot and his fellow service personnel in their posting to the Falkland Islands; thanks them, and all the UK's service personnel across the world for the service they perform for Queen and country; and continues to uphold them in prayer.","date":"2012-02-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43631","proposer":"11732","edm":"2536","session":"2010-12","title":"Queen's Jubilee Medal And St John Ambulance","text":"That this House welcomes the Queen's Jubilee Medal which will honour those serving in the UK's armed forces and emergency services who risk their lives in support of the public; but asks the Government to consider extendingthe award of the Queen's JubileeMedal to volunteer organisations such as St John Cymru Wales in order to recognise the over 18,000 people they train in first aid who offer life-saving skills as community first responders in assisting the emergency services.","date":"2011-12-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43615","proposer":"10467","edm":"2520","session":"2010-12","title":"Armed Forces Pay","text":"That this House notes the Government's announcements on limiting Armed Forces' pay; is concerned about the impact this will have on the living standards and morale of the UK's forces and their families; and, while recognising budgetary pressures, urges the Government to think again by commissioning the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body to form proposals to support the lowest paid members of the Armed Forces over the course of this Parliament.","date":"2011-12-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43543","proposer":"11863","edm":"2451","session":"2010-12","title":"Swansea, Democracy And The Spanish Civil War","text":"That this House recognises the courage of all those who served in the International Brigades defending Spanish democracy during 1936 to 1938; welcomes the memorial to be unveiled on 14 December 2011 honouring those from the City and County of Swansea who served in Spain; welcomes too that the memorial recognises the Swansea seafarers led by Potato Jones who broke the Franco blockade; and pays tribute to all those who helped establish refugee homes across Britain, including in Swansea, to embrace and sustain the Basque children who fled the bombing of their towns and villages, including Guernica.","date":"2011-11-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43477","proposer":"11199","edm":"2388","session":"2010-12","title":"Representation Of British Overseas Territories And Crown Dependencies On Remembrance Sunday","text":"That this House calls on Her Majesty's Government to recognise the enormous contribution made by members of Her Majesty's Armed Services from each of the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies in wars and conflicts over centuries, fighting for Queen, or King and country; believes that the sacrifices of all these brave men and women should be fully acknowledged in a similar way to members of the Commonwealth, by inviting representatives from the Overseas Territories of Ascension Island, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the Crown Dependencies of the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark to lay a wreath in their own right at the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday; and further calls on the Government to make appropriate arrangements for this to happen on 13 November 2011 and in future years.","date":"2011-11-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43450","proposer":"24966","edm":"2361","session":"2010-12","title":"Service Of Lance Corporal Michael Sheard","text":"That this House notes the brave and loyal service of Lance Corporal Michael Sheard of 207 Signals Squadron who served in Helmand Province between March and October this year; resolves to thank Lance Corporal Michael Sheard and allthe UK'sbrave service personnel wherever in the world they are serving; and further notes the opportunity provided by Armistice Sunday to commemorate such service.","date":"2011-11-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43426","proposer":"10415","edm":"2338","session":"2010-12","title":"Blackpool Armed Forces Covenant And Veterans Charter","text":"That this House notes with approval the signing of the Blackpool Armed Forces Community and Veterans Charter at Blackpool Town Hall which commits its signatories, Blackpool's Council and hon. Members, NHS Blackpool and a range of communities, the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee as well as 42 Brigade North West representing the military, to mutual support between the community and Armed Forces and Veterans; further notes Blackpool's strong and continued support for the armed forces, both through its annual armed forces and veterans week, the Blackpool Royal British Legion's Poppython and a host of other activities; and commends the tireless work of Councillor Jim Houldsworth of the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee in bringing this initiative about.","date":"2011-10-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43401","proposer":"24966","edm":"2313","session":"2010-12","title":"Protests At St Paul's Cathedral And The National Remembrance Sunday Service","text":"That this House notes that protesters have created a permanent camp outside St Paul's Cathedral; further notes that the Cathedral is closed indefinitely as a resultandthat this means that the National Remembrance Sunday service is threatened; recalls the important role that St Paul's Cathedral played during The Blitz; respects the right of protest, but believes that the right to protest should not mean the cancellation of a service which commemorates those who sacrificed themselves for this very right; and therefore believes that the protesters should vacate the site so that the National Remembrance Sunday Service is not cancelled.","date":"2011-10-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43391","proposer":"24790","edm":"2303","session":"2010-12","title":"Mr Tadeusz Sawicz","text":"That this House expresses its condolences to the family of Mr Tadeusz Sawicz, one of the last surviving Polish pilots to take part in the Battle of Britain, who passed away on 19 October 2011, in Toronto, Canada; further expresses its profound appreciation for his commitment to the defence of the UK; and pays tribute to all pilots and aircrew from Poland and other nations who were prepared to fight for a free Europe during World War Two.","date":"2011-10-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43293","proposer":"10780","edm":"2213","session":"2010-12","title":"Ministry Of Defence Recognition For Bravery In Afghanistan","text":"That this House notes the bravery and distinguished service undertaken by the armed forces from all across the UK, particularly in recent years in Afghanistan; is acutely aware of the heroism that has been demonstrated time and time again by British men and women serving there; acknowledges that those who paid the supreme sacrifice included Ranger Aaron McCormick, Ranger David Dalzell and Lance Corporal Stephen McKee from Northern Ireland; and calls on the Ministry of Defence to review the system whereby such bravery is acknowledged in order that relatives of the deceased know that the nation cherishes them and will not forget their sacrifice.","date":"2011-10-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43180","proposer":"10372","edm":"2108","session":"2010-12","title":"Explosion At Cyprus Naval Base","text":"That this House sends condolences to the island of Cyprus and its people, particularly to the families and friends of those who have died or been injured in the explosion at the Cyprus naval base on the south coast of Cyprus, the family of the navy commander who is among the 12 people known to have died, to the 62 people injured in the explosion, to those affected in the nearby villages of Mari and Zygi, and to those working in the island's main power station nearby which was affected causing widespread power cuts; understands that the Cyprus government has declared a three-day mourning period with all flags flying at half mast; regrets the circumstances of the containers being confiscated from the Cypriot-flagged ship, Monchegorsk; hopes that the Government can offer expertise, if required, to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the appropriateness of the storage of such material on the island; welcomes the appointment of an inquiry committee to investigate the events which led to the deadly explosion; and requests the Government either directly or through the EU to respond with urgency to any requests from the Cyprus government for assistance with the investigation or support to repair the damage after the explosion.","date":"2011-07-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43170","proposer":"24848","edm":"2099","session":"2010-12","title":"Yorkshire Regiment","text":"That this House notes that the 2nd Battalion (the Green Howards) of the Yorkshire Regiment's Freedom March which will take place on 20 July 2011 in Guisborough; recognises the work that the Battalion's brave and noble soldiers do on behalf of the UK; applauds the efforts and sacrifices that other generations of this Battalion have made for the nation; understands the importance of supporting the armed forces when they are overseas and at home, representing and serving the UK; praises the honourable and exemplary work of the Battalion as shown in the recent BBC television documentary series; hopes that the parade will help to raise awareness of their collective and individual sacrifices; acknowledges the importance of respecting this honourable and noble parade; and wishes them a safe and speedy return following their upcoming tour to Afghanistan.","date":"2011-07-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"43100","proposer":"10203","edm":"2029","session":"2010-12","title":"Tributes To The Fallen","text":"That this House records its pride in the valour and professionalism of our military forces; calls on the Government to agree with the request of the people of the Brize Norton area to allow them to honour the fallen in a similar manner to the tributes made by the people of Wootton Bassett; regrets that hon. Members are no longer permitted to read the names of the fallen in the House and that on two occasions the reading of the names by the Prime Minister was moved from Wednesdays to other days; and believes it is the wish of the bereaved and the rest of the nation to recognise fully and publicly the sacrifices of our armed services in order that the true cost of war is never forgotten and so that hon. Members are reminded of the full consequences of our decisions.","date":"2011-07-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42883","proposer":"24966","edm":"1817","session":"2010-12","title":"Housing For Former Members Of The Armed Forces","text":"That this House notes the significant contribution that the armed forces make to the UK; recognises the considerable progress being made on this issue following the recent statement to this House on the Armed Forces Covenant; and calls on the Secretaries of State for Defence and Work and Pensions to put in place a system by which former members of the armed forces are given priority in allocation of social housing.","date":"2011-05-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42830","proposer":"11816","edm":"1770","session":"2010-12","title":"Military Covenant","text":"That this House believes in enshrining in law the Military Covenant, in so doing fulfilling the Prime Minister's pledge of 25 June 2010 to have a new military covenant that is written into the law of the land; further believes that a career in the armed forces is unique and that our Service personnel and their families deserve the highest levels of care and support; supports the defence community's call for a legally-binding military covenant which enshrines in law the principles that should guide defence policy; and urges hon. Members to support the News of the World's Justice for the Brave campaign and to support amendments to the Armed Forces Bill which would make sure that the armed forces suffer no inequalities as an outcome of service and to strengthen the bond between the nation and the armed forces community.","date":"2011-04-28","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42723","proposer":"10521","edm":"1668","session":"2010-12","title":"Ministry Of Defence Police And Value For Money","text":"That this House applauds the efficiency of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) in protecting the UK's defence assets from terrorist threats, through armed security at key defence sites, as well as protecting Britain's nuclear deterrent and Critical National Infrastructure; believes that MDP officers perform a vital role in ensuring the safety of Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel, their families and the British public; notes the work of the MDP's CID and Fraud Squad in protecting MOD resources from misappropriation and defending the interests of thousands of contractors who supply goods and services to the MOD; congratulates the MDP officers currently deployed overseas, most notably in Afghanistan and Kosovo, where they have been highly commended for their success in training local police forces; recognises that their training, highly specialised roles and the armed security they provide enables MDP officers to fulfil these vital tasks more economically and with fewer personnel than non-armed alternatives or private security firms; and accordingly calls on the Government to reject any suggestion that the MDP's duties can satisfactorily be carried out by others.","date":"2011-03-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42695","proposer":"10143","edm":"1644","session":"2010-12","title":"Assetco And The United Arab Emirates","text":"That this House notes that AssetCo has secured a 120 million contract to provide a firefighting service to the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE); further notes that UAE forces have been involved in crushing the pro-democracy uprising in Bahrain; further notes that AssetCo owns and maintains all of the London Fire Authority's appliances; condemns AssetCo's dealings with such an autocratic and tyrannical government; and calls on the Chairman of the Fire Authority, Brian Coleman and the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurstto distance themselves publicly from AssetCo's actions.","date":"2011-03-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42693","proposer":"13864","edm":"1642","session":"2010-12","title":"Support For The Armed Forces","text":"That this House expresses its support for the armed forces as they enforce the no-fly zone over Libya; understands that this latest commitment will stretch the armed forces even further; and consequently calls on the Prime Minister to initiate a further assessment of the Strategic Defence and Security Review to ensure that the armed forces have enough funding and personnel to be able to meet all the UK's international obligations to the high standard expected of them.","date":"2011-03-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42606","proposer":"24910","edm":"1560","session":"2010-12","title":"Parliamentary Approval Of War","text":"That this House calls on the Government to introduce legislation to make it mandatory that any decision to commit our troops to war should be approved by Parliament.","date":"2011-03-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42495","proposer":"10383","edm":"1464","session":"2010-12","title":"Immigration And Nationality (Fees) Order 2011","text":"That this House regrets the decision to approve the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Order 2011 because for the first time it introduces the power of Government to charge fees for the registration as British citizens of the children born to British armed forces personnel serving overseas; believes that military personnel serving their country abroad should not be penalised in this way; and calls on the Secretary of State for the Home Department to exercise her discretion to waive the fee charges in these cases.","date":"2011-02-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42420","proposer":"10298","edm":"1395","session":"2010-12","title":"Barry Albin-Dyer Obe","text":"That this House congratulates Barry Albin-Dyer OBE of Bermondsey on reaching his 60th birthday; pays tribute to him for his lifetime of service in countless ways to individuals, families and organisations in his own community, more widely across south-east London and in recent years increasingly in other parts of Britain and abroad; congratulates him and his family on the work done by the family firm F.A. Albin Sons since its foundation over 200 years ago; gives special recognition to the difficult and nationally important work done by Barry Albin-Dyer and his firm in supporting families of those killed in action in Her Majesty's armed forces and bringing home with dignity and honour the bodies of the fallen, first to Bermondsey and then to their homes throughout the world; and wishes Barry, his two sons Jonathan and Simon, his grandchildren and all the wider family the very best of health and success in the many years which this House sincerely hopes will remain to Barry Albin-Dyer in the community he loves and where he is so much loved and appreciated.","date":"2011-02-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42393","proposer":"24728","edm":"1367","session":"2010-12","title":"Indexation Of Benefits And Pensions For Armed Service Personnel","text":"That this House recognises and honours the immense courage and patriotism shown by UK armed service personnel and their dependants; commits to providing them with the highest levels of support and reward; notes with concern the Government's proposed permanent switch to the consumer prices index from theretail prices index for the annual indexation of benefits and pensions since this represents a year-on-year reduction which will impact when the economy has returned to growth; further notes the cumulative financial loss this will cause service personnel and their dependants, including war widows and those serving in Afghanistan now; warns that a double amputee 28 year old corporal will lose 587,000 by the age of 70 and a 34 year old widow of a staff sergeant killed in Afghanistan will lose almost 750,000 over the course of her lifetime; and urges the Government to commit to making this switch temporary so that as soon as the fiscal climate allows and the deficit has been paid off our forces and their dependants receive the higher rate of pensions and benefits they deserve.","date":"2011-01-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42388","proposer":"10197","edm":"781A1","session":"2010-12","title":"Under-18s In The Armed Forces","text":"leave out from `birthday' to end and add `and believes that those recruited at 16 should have the right to leave at the completion of each year's service.'.","date":"2011-01-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42334","proposer":"10383","edm":"1315","session":"2010-12","title":"Future Of The Royal Fleet Auxiliary","text":"That this House is concerned at the substantial cuts proposed for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) fleet; notes that the RFA is Britain's essential supply service to the Royal Navy and recognises that the service also demonstrates unrivalled technical expertise through training, the deployment of ships in peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks around the world, in addition to its work in combating piracy and drug smuggling; acknowledges that the RFA also plays a very significant rolein underpinning UK maritime skills; further notes that in addition to the planned loss of ships under the Strategic Defence and Security Review, a value for money exercise is also being undertaken that could mean a further 10 per cent. cut in ships and crew numbers; and therefore urges the Government to protect the Royal Fleet Auxiliary from these proposed cuts which threaten to undermine this lifeline service to the Royal Navy.","date":"2011-01-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42292","proposer":"24832","edm":"1277","session":"2010-12","title":"Gulf War 20th Anniversary 2011","text":"That this House commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Gulf War and the efforts made by British Armed Forces personnel in the expulsion of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991, praising the sacrifices they made and continue to make today, both mentally and physically; notes the evidence from the United States of the effects of Gulf War Syndrome; calls for research to be urgently undertaken in the UK; and congratulates the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association for their tireless social welfare work and campaigning on behalf of Gulf War veterans.","date":"2011-01-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42259","proposer":"10521","edm":"1244","session":"2010-12","title":"Pension Rights For Hm Forces","text":"That this House believes that all ex-servicemen and women should receive equal pensions rights regardless of when they retired from HM Forces.","date":"2011-01-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42101","proposer":"10088","edm":"1097","session":"2010-12","title":"Future Of Raf Leuchars","text":"That this House wishes to record its appreciation and admiration for the essential role in the defence of the UK played by RAF Leuchars; commends the professionalism and dedication of all the military personnel who serve or are based there; acknowledges the exemplary service in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere of those who have been deployed away from Leuchars on active service; believes that existing plans to deploy three squadrons of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft at Leuchars are strategically correct; calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to confirm these plans at the earliest possible date and to recognise that Leuchars is a centre of defence excellence not only for RAF fighter squadrons but also 71 TA Engineer Regiment, 58 Squadron of the Royal Air Force Regiment, the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron, the regimental headquarters of the RAF cadets in Scotland, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and other units; further calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to acknowledge that RAF Leuchars is in the right place at the right time and doing the right job for which it is uniquely qualified by way of experience, expertise, preparation and capability; and invites him to confirm the long-term role of RAF Leuchars in the defence of the UK.","date":"2010-11-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42027","proposer":"10203","edm":"1038","session":"2010-12","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 17)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Gunner Zak Cusack, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 20 from Stoke-on-Trent, Corporal Stephen Curley, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 26 from Exeter, Marine Scott Gregory Taylor, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 20 from Buxton, Marine Anthony Dean Hotine, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 21 from Warminster, Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), aged 23 from St Asaph, North Wales, Corporal Terry Webster, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), aged 24 from Chester, Lance Bombardier Mark Chandler, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, aged 32 from Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, Private Jonathan Monk, 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, aged 25 from London, Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze, B (Malta) Company, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), aged 31 from Manchester, Marine Steven James Birdsall, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 20 from Warrington, Kingsman Ponipate Tagitaginimoce, aged 29, from Nausori, Fiji, Corporal Taniela Tolevu Rogoiruwai, aged 32, from Nausori, Fiji, Trooper Ashley Smith, Royal Dragoon Guards, aged 21, from York, Marine Richard Hollington, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23, from Petersfield, Marine Paul Warren, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23, from Leyland, Lancashire, Lance Corporal Michael Taylor from Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 30, from Rhyl, Sergeant Steven William Darbyshire, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 35, from Wigan and Private Alex Isaac, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 20, from the Wirral.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42028","proposer":"10203","edm":"1039","session":"2010-12","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 18)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Private Douglas Halliday, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 20 from Wallasey, Merseyside, Lance Corporal David Ramsden, 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, aged 26 from Leeds, Colour Sergeant Martyn Horton, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 34 from Runcorn, Bombardier Stephen Raymond Gilbert, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 36 from Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick, 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), aged 32 from Llanelli, Royal Marine Corporal Seth Stephens, Trooper James Anthony Leverett, Royal Dragoon Guards, aged 20 from Sheffield, Private Thomas Sephton, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 20 from Warrington, Bombardier Samuel Joseph Robinson, 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 31 from Carmarthen, Marine David Charles Hart, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23 from Upper Poppleton, North Yorkshire, Corporal Arjun Purja Pun, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, aged 33 from Khibang village in the Magdi District in Nepal, Lieutenant Neal Turkington, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, aged 26 from Craigavon, Major James Joshua Bowman, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, aged 34 from Salisbury, Marine Matthew Harrison, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23 from Hemel Hempstead, Marine Jonathan David Thomas Crookes, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 26 from Birmingham, Senior Aircraftman Kinikki `Griff' Griffiths, aged 20, Sergeant David Thomas Monkhouse, The Royal Dragoon Guards, age 35 from Aspatria, Cumbria and Staff Sergeant Brett George Linley, The Royal Logistics Corps, aged 29 from Birmingham.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42030","proposer":"10203","edm":"1041","session":"2010-12","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 19)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Lance Corporal Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, aged 28 from Greenock, Corporal Matthew James Stenton, The Royal Dragoon Guards, aged 23 from Wakefield, Sapper Mark Antony Smith, 36 Engineer Regiment, aged 26 from Swanley, Kent, Lance Sergeant Dale Alanzo McCallum, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, aged 31 from Hanover, Jamaica, Marine Adam Brown, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 26 from Burtle, near Glastonbury, Lieutenant John Charles Sanderson, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), aged 29 from Oklahoma, USA, Rifleman Remand Kulung, 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), aged 27 from Nepal, Sapper Darren Foster, 21 Engineer Regiment, aged 20 from Carlisle, Sapper Ishwor Gurung, 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, 21 Engineer Regiment, aged 21 from Pokhara, Nepal, Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft, 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 25 from Burnley, Lance Corporal Joseph McFarlane Pool, The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, aged 26 from Greenock, Captain Andrew Griffiths, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 25 from Richmond, North Yorkshire, Kingsman Darren Deady, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 22 from Bolton, Trooper Andrew Martin Howarth, The Queen's Royal Lancers, aged 20 from Bournemouth, Sergeant Andrew James Jones, Royal Engineers, aged 35 from Newport, South Wales, Corporal Matthew Thomas, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Rifleman Suraj Gurung, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, aged 22 from Gorkha in Nepal.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42031","proposer":"10203","edm":"1042","session":"2010-12","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 20)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 34 from Bradford, Corporal David Barnsdale, 33 Engineer Regiment, aged 24 from Tring, Sapper William Bernard Blanchard, 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), aged 39 from Gosport in Hampshire, Senior Aircraftsman Scott `Scotty' Hughes, 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, aged 20 from North Wales, and Ranger Aaron McCormick, aged 22 from Coleraine in County Londonderry.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42035","proposer":"11199","edm":"1046","session":"2010-12","title":"Crown Dependencies And Remembrance Sunday","text":"That this House recognises the enormous contribution by members of Her Majesty's Armed Services from each of the UK Crown Dependencies in wars and conflicts over the years, fighting for Queen orKing and Country; believes that the sacrifices of all these brave men and women should be fully acknowledged in a similar way to members of the Commonwealth of Nations, by granting representatives from the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark the right to lay a wreathin their own rightat the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, each year on Remembrance Sunday; and calls onthe Government to ensure that all the appropriate arrangements for this to happen are in place in time for Remembrance Sunday to be held on 13 November 2011.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"42036","proposer":"11199","edm":"1047","session":"2010-12","title":"British Overseas Territories And Remembrance Sunday","text":"That this House recognises the enormous contribution by members of Her Majesty's Armed Services from each of the British Overseas Territories in wars and conflicts over the years, fighting for Queen, or King and Country; believes that the sacrifices of all these brave men and women should be fully acknowledged in a similar way to members of the Commonwealth of Nations, by granting representatives from Ascension Island, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands the right to lay a wreath in their own right at the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, each year on Remembrance Sunday; and calls on the Government to ensure that all the appropriate arrangements for this to happen are in place in time for Remembrance Sunday to be held on 13 November 2011.","date":"2010-11-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41999","proposer":"10436","edm":"1010","session":"2010-12","title":"Campaign Medal For Bomber Command","text":"That this House considers that it is more than time that a campaign medal should be issued for those who served in Bomber Command between the start of World War Two in 1939 and victory in 1945; recognises the enormous achievement of all Bomber Command's volunteer members of the bomber crew acting as a team in crippling the Nazi war machine and paving the way for the 1944 invasion of Europe, in the course of which Bomber Command lost 1,500 heavy bombers and 56,000 lives, mainly air crew, all sacrificed for their country; and further considers that the failure of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals at the end of the war to recognise service in Bomber Command as a operational qualification for decorations was a mistake that should now be rectified for this unique service.","date":"2010-11-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41977","proposer":"24852","edm":"988","session":"2010-12","title":"Women's Land Army And Timber Corps","text":"That this House recognises the tremendous contributions made by the members of the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps in maintaining agriculture, forestry and food supplies throughout both World Wars until the organisations were disbanded 60 years ago in October 1950; notes that it was not until 2000 that veterans of these organisations were invited by the British Government to offer their respects at the Cenotaph during Remembrance Sunday ceremonies; commends the decision of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2008 at last officially to acknowledge the input of former Land Girls and Lumber Jills through the introductionof a commemorative badge; welcomes the supportof the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution for disadvantaged veterans of the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps; and calls on the Government to continue to acknowledge and raise awareness of the valuable work done by these women during wartime.","date":"2010-11-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41960","proposer":"24784","edm":"971","session":"2010-12","title":"Remembrance Service By Harlow British Legion And Harlow Council","text":"That this House notes the recent memorial service at the Netteswell Memorial Garden in School Lane, Harlow, to mark the building of the new memorial to fallen soldiers who have died in action since the Second World War; believes that it is a tribute to Harlow British Legion and Harlow Council that they ensured the memorial was built; concludes that for too long at remembrance services only the names of those in action before or in the Second World War have been read out; welcomes the fact that in future, all those who have passed away since 1945 will be remembered, including those who died serving recently in Iraq and Afghanistan; and therefore commemorates the day of remembrance for the UK's brave armed forces, which is also a day of dignity for Harlow.","date":"2010-11-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41865","proposer":"11397","edm":"884","session":"2010-12","title":"Armed Forces","text":"That this House recognises the risks taken and the sacrifice made by all members serving in UK armed forces overseas and the commitment to duty of those based at home; and further recognises the need to encourage public supportfor the dedication and bravery shown by those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and to use every opportunity available to the House to raise public awareness and appreciation towards those serving their Queen and country.","date":"2010-10-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41870","proposer":"10023","edm":"889","session":"2010-12","title":"Royal British Legion March For Honour","text":"That this House notes that on 4 November 2010 four teams of serving and ex-serving individuals from each of Her Majesty's Armed Forces will begin an epic March For Honours, starting in four separate locations across the UK and dedicating a mile for every British military life lost on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001; further notes that each team will march an average of 30 miles a day and a total distance of 250 miles, wearing military uniform and carrying40 pounds of equipment, uniting along the route and marching into London on 11 November to deliver the Book of Remembrance to the Royal Albert Hall for The Royal British Legion's National Festival of Remembrance; applauds their aim to raise 1 million for The Royal British Legion; and commends The Royal British Legion's continuing hard work in supporting the welfare, interests and memories of the whole armed forces family.","date":"2010-10-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41837","proposer":"10780","edm":"856","session":"2010-12","title":"Child Soldiering","text":"That this House notes the ongoing international abuse scandal whereby child soldiers are used in the most horrific and brutal causes; commends the work being done by many charitable bodies, churches and others, including a recent campaign by students in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, to expose the continuing outrage of using thousands of young children as pawns in disputes which continue in many developing countries; and calls on the Government to exert pressure in every available international forum to ensure these practices are stopped as soon as possible.","date":"2010-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41825","proposer":"24794","edm":"846","session":"2010-12","title":"Abf Soldiers Charity And Challenge 66","text":"That this House applauds the attempts by Mr Andy McMenemy to run 66 marathons in 66 days in each of the 66 official cities of the UK; notes the support he has given to the ABF Soldiers Charity; recognises the problems of readjustment and the difficulties UK forces face when returning home from the front line; recognises also the important work that the ABF Soldiers Charity continues to do in providing assistance to those returned forces; and congratulates the ABF Soldiers Charity on its 66 years of excellent work.","date":"2010-10-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41790","proposer":"13864","edm":"824","session":"2010-12","title":"Housing For Ex-Service Personnel","text":"That this House recognises the great sacrifice given by serving soldiers; believes that after being discharged from the armed services they should be granted priority status for housing; and calls on the Ministry of Defence to work closely with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to ensure that appropriate housing points are apportioned.","date":"2010-10-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41747","proposer":"24892","edm":"781","session":"2010-12","title":"Under-18s In The Armed Forces","text":"That this House notes that 16 to 18 year olds currently entering the armed forces commit themselves to a period of four years beyond their 18thbirthday; further notes that after a period of six months they are unable to leave as of right; further notes that no other country in mainland Europe recruits at the age of 16; welcomes the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Human Rights in its report on children's rights that the UK adopts a plan of action for implementing the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and urges the Government to implement the Joint Committee's recommendations and raise the age of recruitment to 18.","date":"2010-10-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41637","proposer":"10521","edm":"678","session":"2010-12","title":"Housing For Members Of Hm Armed Forces","text":"That this House urges the Government to implement recommendations based on the findings of a poll commissioned by The Royal British Legion just before the 2010 General Election which stated that 84 per cent. of the public wanted bringing armed forces accommodation up to the highest standard to be a top priority for the new Government, a conclusion which endorses the Legion's `Time to do your bit' manifesto to all election candidates to show their support for the armed forces, which included a specific call for thenew Government `to bring all single and family accommodation up the highest standard within the lifetime of the next parliament.'","date":"2010-09-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41638","proposer":"10521","edm":"679","session":"2010-12","title":"Honourable Members And The Royal British Legion","text":"That this House notes with approval an independent survey of hon. Members which showed that The Royal British Legion is the charity that is most effective at campaigning, with 51 per cent. of hon. Members ranking it as `very effective' , 34 per cent. ranking it as 'somewhat effective' and most hon. Members naming The Royal British Legion as the charity that first comes to mind on issues affecting the armed forces.","date":"2010-09-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41608","proposer":"10884","edm":"651","session":"2010-12","title":"Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign","text":"That this House recognises the leadership shown by Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park in leading to victory those who fought in the air during the Battle of Britain; congratulates the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign on its success in erecting a permanent bronze statue of Sir Keith in Waterloo Place on 15 September 2010, the 70th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain; believes that public acknowledgement of Park's leadership in the defence of Great Britain is long overdue; and furtherrecognises that this statue will provide a fitting reminder of the selfless action shown not just by British pilots who flew alongside the Royal Air Force under Park's command but also those from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Poland, Rhodesia, South Africa and the United States.","date":"2010-07-27","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41577","proposer":"10521","edm":"620","session":"2010-12","title":"70th Anniversary Of Airborne Forces","text":"That this House pays tribute to those who served in Airborne Forces since its inception in 1940 and the 7,000 who serve today in its current formation as 16 Air Assault Brigade; records with admiration the sterling service undertaken during the past 70 years; notes that the current airborne capability goes well beyond paratroops and includes air assault forces deliverable by helicopter and aircraft, together with a wide range of vital support roles undertaken by professional and dedicated service personnel; and sends its best wishes to the men and women of 16 Air Assault Brigade as they prepare for the Brigade's fourth deployment to Afghanistan, the third to Helmand province, in the knowledge that they will uphold the proud record of the Airborne Forces.","date":"2010-07-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41498","proposer":"10934","edm":"541","session":"2010-12","title":"Mark Wright Project","text":"That this House congratulates the Mark Wright Project on winning the Royal British Legion's National Community Group prize at the recent Friends of the Forces Awards; commends the organisation for its dedication to men and women from all branches of the armed forces in addressing post-conflict issues, providing hands-on, active and practical support to help ease their transition to civilian life; believes that the organisation is a fitting tribute to Corporal Mark Wright, a paratrooper with the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, who died aged 27 whilst serving in Helmand province; notes that this award recognises the huge achievement made by all involved with the Mark Wright Project in the short time since it started in July 2009; hopes that the Mark Wright Project will endeavour to continue this good work; and offers its staff and supporters its gratitude and best wishes.","date":"2010-07-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41500","proposer":"11707","edm":"543","session":"2010-12","title":"Hire A Hero Campaign","text":"That this House applauds the work of the Hire a Hero campaign which isstriving to help the nation's brave armed forces personnel find employment and retraining once they leave the services; and urges the Government to take steps to make sure that soldiers are getting the assistance they need to move on with their lives after serving their country.","date":"2010-07-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41437","proposer":"10436","edm":"484","session":"2010-12","title":"Rank And Pension Of Soldiers Killed On Active Service","text":"That this House, convinced that the courage and devotion to duty of members of the British armed forces who are killed while on active service for their country should be recognised and rewarded in every possible way, particularly by the pensions and help given to the families they leave behind; recommends that the Ministry of Defence's rule providing that pensions on promotion are payable only after the role for the new rank has been held for a year should be revoked for those killed in the service of their country, so that their families are paid the rate appropriate to the rank held at the time of death; and considers that the family of Sergeant Matthew Telford of Grimsby, promoted to the rank in June 2009 but killed by an assassin in Afghanistan in November of that year, along with Guardsman Jimmy Major of Cleethorpes and three other soldiers, should be paid the full pension appropriate to the rank he was proud to honour at the time of his death.","date":"2010-07-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41429","proposer":"24938","edm":"360A1","session":"2010-12","title":"Names Of The Fallen","text":"leave out from `bereaved;' to end and insert `recognises that in addition to this solemn remembrance of the fallen, Parliament has a duty to mark the achievements and skill of UK forces in theatre; supports the recent trend to receive returned servicemen and servicewomen at Parliament; acknowledges the importance of demonstrating to the armed forces that Parliament understands and appreciates the difficulty of their work; and calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to consider how best the achievements as well as the sacrifices of the UK's forces can be communicated to the House.'.","date":"2010-07-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41300","proposer":"10203","edm":"360","session":"2010-12","title":"Names Of The Fallen","text":"That this House believes that reading the names of the fallen at Prime Minister's Question Time honours the sacrifices made and brings some comfort to the bereaved; regrets the change in the practice on 28 June 2010 when the names of seven soldiers were included in a statement on the G20 conference; calls for such readings to be restored to the time of maximum House and media attendance in order that hon. Members can be reminded of the consequences of their decisions; and further calls for the consideration of an annual reading in the Chamber of the names of all those courageous soldiers who have died in conflict in the previous year.","date":"2010-06-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41288","proposer":"13864","edm":"348","session":"2010-12","title":"Funding For Cadet Forces","text":"That this House notes the difficulties cadet forces across the United Kingdom are having regarding funding; and calls on the Government to reiterate its position on cadets in relation to its wider youth policy and to give reassurance that there is an intention to promote and develop the cadet movement and to protect it from resource reductions that might be implemented as part of a Strategic Defence Review.","date":"2010-06-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41289","proposer":"10203","edm":"349","session":"2010-12","title":"Afghan Army","text":"That this House questions the optimistic claim that the Afghan army can create stability in Afghanistan; recalls the retreat of 300 members of the Afghan army from a convoy they were guarding following a challenge from seven Taliban fighters; notes the words of Afghan General Jabbar Karaman that `the Afghan soldiers do not believe in the government, they do not believe in the system and they do not believe in the international community'; and believes that it is unreasonable to expect these mercenaries to risk their lives or to take the lives of brother Afghans in the service of foreign governments and an election-rigging president.","date":"2010-06-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41192","proposer":"10203","edm":"269","session":"2010-12","title":"Afghanistan Strategy","text":"That this House believes that the Government's Afghanistan strategy is self-serving and unachievable; is convinced that a stable government cannot be built on the crumbling foundations of an election-rigging President, a mercenary drug-ridden army and a corrupt and depraved police force; rejects the claim that terrorism is deterred by NATO's presence in a small area of Afghanistan when Al Qaeda is free to operate in vast tracts of Asia, North Africa and the Persian Gulf; welcomes the freeze on the number of British troops; and hopes that swift progress will be made to the inevitably unsatisfactory deal with diverse Afghan power groups that will allow the country's courageous troops to end their impossible mission and return home.","date":"2010-06-17","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41112","proposer":"24932","edm":"189","session":"2010-12","title":"Armed Forces Identity Card","text":"That this House notes with concern that the Armed Forces Identity Card (MOD Form 90) is still not being recognised as a document capable of verifying age by licensees of public houses across the country; recognises the many problems this policy creates through requiring the armed forces to carry additional identification that they may not have access to; and calls for swift action to remedy this policy, that is damaging the morale of the armed forces.","date":"2010-06-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"41046","proposer":"10258","edm":"130","session":"2010-12","title":"Royal Navy And Royal Marines Children's Fund","text":"That this House strongly supports the work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund, the only charity dedicated to helping the children of serving, and ex-serving naval services personnel; notes that the charity has been running for over 100 years and helps children deal with the long-term psychological, emotional, physical, financial and social impacts that can result from having a parent work in the naval services; commends the charity for helping over 1,500 children each year, especially when demand is increasing due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; believes that the Government should encourage local authorities to provide greater assistance for the children and families left vulnerable by the effects of conflict; calls on Ministers to take into account the unique pressures and challenges being faced by the children of serving and ex-serving personnel when formulating policies; and urges support for the excellent work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund.","date":"2010-06-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40970","proposer":"10521","edm":"56","session":"2010-12","title":"Lives On The Line Campaign","text":"That this House recognises the bravery, dedication and sacrifice of members of the armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq; applauds the review and enhancement of the Armed Forces' Compensation Scheme; and calls on the Government to amend the qualifying date of 6 April 2005 to 1 January 2001, which marks the beginning of the war on terror, that ensures equality of treatment for personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and thereby honours its duty of care to this loyal and dignified group of service men and women and their families.","date":"2010-05-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40878","proposer":"10295","edm":"1218","session":"2009-10","title":"Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2009","text":"That this House notes that the 2009 Poppy Appeal raised a total of \u00a331,940,348; congratulates the Royal British Legion on another successful annual poppy appeal; commends the nation for its annual expression of support for the Legion's work and for our armed forces veterans and current personnel; and thanks all those who wore a poppy for remembrance.","date":"2010-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40753","proposer":"10057","edm":"1071A1","session":"2009-10","title":"Ending Of Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme Medals, Honorary Rank And Uniforms","text":"leave out from `Scheme' to end and add `; recognises the valued initiative, contribution and great work by Sir Neil Thorne in founding and running this scheme throughout the past 22 years for the benefit of improved practical understanding of the armed forces and all who serve in them, for the education of hon. Members of most parties and of no party from both Houses who have experience of the scheme at a junior level, seeing at first hand the dedication, bravery and heroism of those who serve in the regular and reserve forces often in dangerous circumstances to the admiration of the UK's NATO allies who wish their national political representatives had a similar opportunity; notes that there is no medal available to hon. Members taking part in the scheme and that the use of appropriate clothing in the field is necessary; and invites hon. Members from any party which has not yet taken part in the scheme to volunteer to do so.'.","date":"2010-03-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40717","proposer":"11189","edm":"1082","session":"2009-10","title":"Help For Heroes Charity","text":"That this House pays tribute to our ex-servicemen and women, who have served this country with such courage and distinction; applauds the contribution of the Help for Heroes charity in supporting those wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan; recognises the organisation's work in facilitating the transition of veterans from the battlefield back into civilian life; and welcomes the financial support of the Scottish Government via the Scottish Veterans' Fund towards Help for Heroes projects throughout Scotland.","date":"2010-03-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40685","proposer":"10436","edm":"1053","session":"2009-10","title":"Rank And Pension Of Soldiers Killed On Active Service","text":"That this House, convinced that the courage and devotion to duty of members of the British armed forces who are killed while on active service for their country should be recognised and rewarded in every possible way, particularly by the pensions and help given to the families they leave behind, recommends that the Ministry of Defence's rule providing that pensions on promotion are payable only after the role for the new rank has been held for a year should be revoked for those killed in the service of their country, so that their families are paid the rate appropriate to the rank held at the time of death; and considers that the family of Sergeant Matthew Telford of Grimsby, promoted to the rank in June 2009 but killed by an assassin in Afghanistan in November of that year, along with Guardsman Jimmy Major of Cleethorpes and three other soldiers, should be paid the full pension appropriate to the rank he was proud to honour at the time of his death.","date":"2010-03-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40703","proposer":"10368","edm":"1071","session":"2009-10","title":"Ending Of Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme Medals, Honorary Rank And Uniforms","text":"That this House recognises the advantages and understanding of the work of the armed forces generated by the work of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, but calls for an immediate end to the practice of awarding medals, honorary rank and a uniform to hon. Members as part of this scheme; believes that these awards cheapen the real day-to-day experiences undergone by members of the armed forces; pays tribute to the bravery and heroism of the armed forces in difficult circumstances; and further recognises that these circumstances are often forced upon members of the armed forces as a result of political decisions made by hon. Members.","date":"2010-03-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40648","proposer":"10521","edm":"1022","session":"2009-10","title":"Lives On The Line Campaign","text":"That this House recognises the bravery, dedication and sacrifice of members of the armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq; applauds the recent review and enhancement of the Armed Forces' Compensation Scheme; and calls on the Government to amend the qualifying date of 6 April 2005 to 1 January 2001, which marks the beginning of the war on terror, that ensures equality of treatment for personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and thereby honours its duty of care to this loyal and dignified group of service men and women and their families.","date":"2010-03-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40511","proposer":"10564","edm":"902","session":"2009-10","title":"Honour Our Troops Campaign","text":"That this House congratulates the Snow Heroes from Milton Keynes who completed a 500 mile sponsored walk in support of the Honour Our Troops campaign and who raised thousands of pounds for the cause.","date":"2010-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40462","proposer":"10262","edm":"862","session":"2009-10","title":"Armed Forces Voting","text":"That this House expresses concern that a third of service personnel are not currently registered to vote; notes the difficulties which many servicemen and women experience in voting; further notes that the extremely tight timetable for a general election with candidates only being nominated 11 days before polling day, does not leave enough time thereafter for postal ballot papers to be printed, distributed to service personnel deployed abroad, particularly those who are at present in Afghanistan, and returned in time to be included in constituency counts; and calls on the Government to amend the timetable for general elections to match the local election timetable, with candidates being nominated 16 days before polling day, thus easing the logistical barrier to service personnel exercising their right to vote.","date":"2010-02-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40387","proposer":"10491","edm":"788","session":"2009-10","title":"Royal Fleet Auxiliary","text":"That this House applauds the work of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and the dedication and bravery of its personnel, who provide such invaluable support to the Royal Navy often in war zones around the globe; is extremely concerned that the future of the RFA is under threat due to the proposal to scrutinise its role through the Treasury Operational Efficiency Programme; is dismayed that a further review could be contemplated so soon after a similar exercise in 2006 which resulted in a stable evolved crewing strategy until 2020; believes that the RFA has consistently demonstrated the value in retaining a civilian crewed fleet to provide strategic support to the Royal Navy; and urges the Government to retain the RFA in its traditional role on the grounds of security, efficiency and integration, and support for the armed forces.","date":"2010-02-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40382","proposer":"10240","edm":"752A1","session":"2009-10","title":"Repatriation Ceremonies","text":"leave out from `in which the Prime Minister leads this House's' and insert `the people of Wootton Bassett lead the nation's'.","date":"2010-02-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40383","proposer":"10240","edm":"752A2","session":"2009-10","title":"Repatriation Ceremonies","text":"leave out from `calls' to end and add `thanks the good people of Wootton Bassett for what they do at repatriation ceremonies.'.","date":"2010-02-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40344","proposer":"11522","edm":"752","session":"2009-10","title":"Reception Of Fallen Heroes At Repatriation Ceremonies","text":"That this House notes the solemn way in which the Prime Minister leads this House's remembrance and expression of the utmost respect for our fallen heroes and our deepest condolences to the bereaved relatives and friends of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country; and in the cause of supporting the bereaved and marking with proper dignity the return of the valiant men and women who have died in combat, calls on service chiefs of staff to agree that a Minister of the Crown should be in attendance at repatriation ceremonies.","date":"2010-01-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40264","proposer":"10021","edm":"675","session":"2009-10","title":"Compensation Payments For Service Personnel Killed In Action","text":"That this House is concerned that payments made by the Ministry of Defence to families in respect of a relative killed in action are counted as income by the Department for Work and Pensions in calculation of income support and other income-related benefits as well as housing and council tax benefits; notes that this results in families on benefit receiving no compensation and in some cases suffering financial loss; further notes that payments in respect of those who went into captivity in the Far East during the Second World War and in respect of those killed in the bombing and attempted bombing of the London transport system in July 2005 were disregarded for calculation of income-related benefits; and believes that the same disregard should be applied to payments to surviving relatives of personnel killed on active service with HM armed forces.","date":"2010-01-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40173","proposer":"11814","edm":"594","session":"2009-10","title":"Bereavement Leave And Conflict","text":"That this House acknowledges the bravery and the selflessness of UK Armed Forces personnel, who risk everything to defend the country and its values; feels great sadness and sympathy for the relatives of those who lose their lives in conflict; notes that there is a statutory right to bereavement leave but not on a paid basis; calls on the Government to introduce a legal right to paid bereavement leave for the close relatives of those who die in conflict; and further calls on the Government to issue guidance making it clear that these relatives should be given leave which reflects the very difficult and highly emotional nature of their loss.","date":"2010-01-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40110","proposer":"10179","edm":"534","session":"2009-10","title":"Proposed Closure Of Raf Cottesmore","text":"That this House regrets the Ministry of Defence's decision to close RAF Cottesmore, home to the Harrier Force as part of changes to the defence programme announced in December 2009; notes the decision pre-empts the Government's prior pledge to consider the capabilities and configuration of the armed forces as part of a Strategic Defence Review; expresses concern at the considerable impact the closure of RAF Cottesmore will have on the community in Rutland; and calls on the Government to postpone the closure of RAF Cottesmore until the conclusion of the Strategic Defence Review.","date":"2010-01-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"40041","proposer":"10295","edm":"469","session":"2009-10","title":"British Troops At Christmas","text":"That this House recognises the courageous work and immeasurable sacrifices made by all members of the UK armed forces serving around the world this festive season; acknowledges how hard this time of year is for troops' families and friends; and wishes all service personnel at home and abroad a safe and happy Christmas.","date":"2009-12-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39936","proposer":"11189","edm":"375","session":"2009-10","title":"Army Cadet Force","text":"That this House expresses concern at UK Government plans to cut the Army Cadet Force budget by \u00a34 million; believes that the army cadets are the soldiers of tomorrow and these short-sighted cuts risk the future of an organisation which has given young people a taste of military discipline and leadership for nearly 150 years; notes the UK Government's turnaround on residency rights for the Gurkhas and planned cuts to the Territorial Army; and now calls for Ministers to abandon proposed cuts to the Army Cadet Force.","date":"2009-12-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39791","proposer":"11245","edm":"248","session":"2009-10","title":"British Forces Post Office Enduring Free Post Service","text":"That this House recognises the importance of the British Forces Post Office (BFPO), Enduring Free Post Service to the families of armed forces personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan; notes that this service is regarded as invaluable and represents a considerable financial saving to the families concerned; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure the Enduring Free Post Service is maintained for the lifetime of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.","date":"2009-11-25","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39667","proposer":"10295","edm":"130","session":"2009-10","title":"Communication At Christmas For Frontline Troops","text":"That this House calls for the Ministry of Defence to repeat last year's provision of extra minutes of free talk time over the festive period for British military personnel serving overseas; further calls for an assessment of the adequacy of mobile broadband internet terminals to ensure adequate access to email; and recognises how valuable being able to communicate with family and friends at home is for troops particularly during the Christmas holidays.","date":"2009-11-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39560","proposer":"11245","edm":"23","session":"2009-10","title":"Royal British Legion","text":"That this House recognises the important role that the Royal British Legion plays in the provision of financial, social and emotional support to veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces, and their dependants; congratulates the Legion for safeguarding the Military Covenant and encouraging the nation's moral commitment to its armed forces; and calls on the Government to honour its life-long duty of care to those making a unique commitment to their country.","date":"2009-11-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39475","proposer":"10262","edm":"2215","session":"2008-09","title":"Armed Forces Pay","text":"That this House commends the bravery, professionalism and dedication of Her Majesty's armed forces and pays particular tribute to those who have been killed or injured on active service; believes the reputation of British forces as some of the best in the world is well founded; notes that the increased burden placed on the armed forces by recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan has not been matched with comparable increases in pay and conditions, and believes the Government has failed to honour its obligations under the Military Covenant; further notes that the current average wage of a private soldier is \u00a36.74 per hour; and therefore calls on the Government to raise the salary of the regular ranks to bring them into line with their equivalents in the police force and fire service.","date":"2009-11-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39399","proposer":"11672","edm":"2154","session":"2008-09","title":"Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal","text":"That this House supports the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal which raises both money and awareness for ex-servicemen and women who have served this country bravely and with distinction; supports the wearing of poppies as a manner through which to express our gratitude to members of the armed services both past and present; encourages all hon. Members and members of the public to observe the tradition of wearing poppies in remembrance during the weeks leading up to Armistice Day; notes that the traditional period for wearing poppies commenced on 22 October 2009; calls on all hon. Members who wish to wear poppies to observe this convention and wear their poppies with pride during this period; and hopes that the appeal will be, yet again, a huge success and that it raises in excess of the \u00a388 million that the Royal British Legion spent carrying out work among the serving and ex-Service community last year.","date":"2009-10-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39377","proposer":"10065","edm":"2143","session":"2008-09","title":"Territorial Army","text":"That this House expresses its continued support for the role of the Territorial Army; notes that the reserve forces have contributed some 20,000 personnel to operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans since 2002, most of them from the Territorial Army, and that 14 Territorials have died on those operations; further notes that TA units live by the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of their members; expresses the hope that the recent decision to suspend most paid training in the Territorial Army over the next six months is reconsidered; and further notes that the \u00a323 million saving achieved will be around one per cent. of the contingency reserve allocated to the war in Afghanistan, yet reserves form over five per cent. of those currently deployed there.","date":"2009-10-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39309","proposer":"10295","edm":"2078","session":"2008-09","title":"Communication At Christmas For Frontline Troops","text":"That this House calls for the Ministry of Defence to repeat last year's provision of extra minutes of free talk time over the festive period for British military personnel serving overseas; further calls for an assessment of the adequacy of mobile broadband internet terminals to ensure adequate access to email; and recognises how valuable being able to communicate with family and friends at home is for troops, particularly during the Christmas holidays.","date":"2009-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39315","proposer":"10780","edm":"2084","session":"2008-09","title":"Glasgow Rangers","text":"That this House notes the generous gesture of Glasgow Rangers Football Club in ensuring that around 1,200 British soldiers will have access to free tickets for their home Champions League game against Unirea Urziceni; supports all military personnel serving in difficult and hostile locations across the world; recognises that it is sometimes the case that British football teams playing in Europe can host visiting teams not taking up their ticket allocation, as on this occasion; and calls on other UK-based clubs currently in European competitions and in similar circumstances to do likewise.","date":"2009-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39326","proposer":"10646","edm":"2067A1","session":"2008-09","title":"Territorial Army Training Cuts","text":"at end add `and thereby rejects the recommendation of the service chiefs.'.","date":"2009-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39294","proposer":"10213","edm":"2067","session":"2008-09","title":"Territorial Army Training Cuts","text":"That this House salutes the service of members of the Territorial Army (TA); deplores the freezing of TA training; notes the adverse impact this will have on generic war fighting capability, morale, recruitment and retention; further notes that the measure conflicts with the Cottam Strategic Review of Reserves published in April 2009 which the Government accepted in full; and calls on the Government to reverse its decision immediately.","date":"2009-10-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39276","proposer":"10295","edm":"2046","session":"2008-09","title":"Major Tom Ronaghan Td","text":"That this House pays tribute to Major Tom Ronaghan who is retiring after a military career spanning 47 years; notes that Major Ronaghan joined the Infantry Junior Leaders in 1962 before being posted to the Kings Own Border Regiment in 1964, retiring from the Regular Army in 1989 and then embarking upon a career in the Territorial Army until the present day; recognises that his operational tours included Aden, Northern Ireland and Bosnia in addition to providing aid to civil authorities during the Aberfan disaster and the foot and mouth outbreak; commends his dedication to the Territorial Army, particularly in Chorley, where he formed the Medical Detachment from scratch; thanks him for his exemplary service; and wishes him well for his retirement.","date":"2009-10-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39256","proposer":"11245","edm":"2027","session":"2008-09","title":"Gurkha Veteran Pensions","text":"That this House is concerned that all Gurkha veterans do not receive the same monthly payment as their UK counterparts; notes that over 12,000 Gurkha veterans who retired prior to 1997 and would qualify for a pension if they had been UK soldiers presently receive no pension and are thus discriminated against; recognises that the inferior Gurkha pension is leading many elderly, infirm and increasingly vulnerable Gurkha veterans to believe that UK residency is the only option to receive fair treatment by the UK; further notes that if the pressure to settle in the UK were reduced, considerable savings would be made and less pressure would be placed on the UK welfare system; and therefore urges the Government to address the issue of Gurkha pension inequality.","date":"2009-10-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39257","proposer":"10295","edm":"2028","session":"2008-09","title":"Stop On Territorial Army Training","text":"That this House expresses its concern that Territorial Army (TA) training is to be frozen for six months in order to cut back on Army budget spending; fears that this cut represents the beginning of a dangerous neglect of this part of the UK's armed services; notes the contributions made by the TA to both Iraq and Afghanistan in the last six years and questions the effect the cuts will have on the TA's operational contributions in the future; notes with concern the effect on existing TA soldiers' skills, morale and publicly perceived value; and calls on the Ministry of Defence to reconsider its position as a priority.","date":"2009-10-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39164","proposer":"10521","edm":"1938","session":"2008-09","title":"16 Air Assault Brigade","text":"That this House congratulates 16 Air Assault Brigade on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; registers with appreciation and admiration the professionalism of the men and women of all ranks who have served in the Brigade over the past 10 years in this country and overseas, and remembers with pride those who lost their lives serving their country; welcomes the decision by Colchester Borough Council to grant the Freedom of the Borough to the Brigade, which took place on 17 July 2009 with a parade through the town centre; and wishes the Brigade further success in the years ahead.","date":"2009-07-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39085","proposer":"11189","edm":"1865","session":"2008-09","title":"Service Personnel Travelling Time","text":"That this House notes that the Ministry of Defence currently counts travel time to and from service areas as part of forces personnel's well-deserved vacations; believes that servicemen and women who risk their lives for their country should be afforded full vacations excluding time in transit and therefore allowing them to have more contact with family and friends; and calls on the Government to make the necessary changes as soon as is practically possible.","date":"2009-07-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39086","proposer":"10677","edm":"1866","session":"2008-09","title":"Princess Of Wales Royal Regiment","text":"That this House praises the soldiers of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment for their courageous effort in Iraq and Afghanistan and the commitment they give to their country; mourns the passing of Private John Brackpool who tragically lost his life in Helmand province on 9 July; acknowledges the Regiment for its commendable march through both the town of Romsey and the City of Southampton on Tuesday 14 July 2009; and congratulates the people of Hampshire for their continuing support for the Regiment.","date":"2009-07-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39090","proposer":"11194","edm":"1809A1","session":"2008-09","title":"Elizabeth Cross","text":"after `terrorists', insert `including the families of the brave men and women of the former Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross, the former Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment in Northern Ireland who lost their lives at the hands of terrorists,'.","date":"2009-07-13","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"39016","proposer":"10295","edm":"1809","session":"2008-09","title":"Elizabeth Cross","text":"That this House welcomes the introduction of the Elizabeth Cross, the first time that the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940; welcomes the fact that the new award will be granted to armed forces personnel killed in battle or by terrorist attacks since 1945 to honour the sacrifices made, with 8,000 families being eligible for the new military award; pays tribute to all those who have lost their lives whilst on active service for their dedication and commitment to serving their country; further welcomes the fact that the award will also cover those killed by terrorists, as they pose a major threat to national security; further notes that the contract for manufacture of the silver emblem will have to go out to tender across the European Union; and urges the Ministry of Defence to review this process and ensure that the striking of the new military medal is undertaken in the UK.","date":"2009-07-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38970","proposer":"11333","edm":"1771","session":"2008-09","title":"Black Watch Territorial Army","text":"That this House expresses concern at the proposed removal of the Red Hackle from the caps of Black Watch Territorial Army soldiers; recognises that the Red Hackle is the most recognisable symbol of the Black Watch; notes the proud and honourable history of the regiment; understands that the identity of the historic regiment must be protected; and hopes that the retention of the regiment's distinct identity, promised on the creation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, will be upheld.","date":"2009-06-29","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38939","proposer":"10295","edm":"1741","session":"2008-09","title":"National Armed Forces Day","text":"That this House acknowledges the first national Armed Forces Day on 27 June 2009; welcomes the event as an opportunity for the nation to show recognition and support for the men and women, both serving and veteran, who make up the Armed Forces community.","date":"2009-06-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38732","proposer":"11245","edm":"1555","session":"2008-09","title":"De Havilland Comet C2 At Raf Lyneham","text":"That this House is deeply concerned by the proposal to scrap the De Havilland Comet C2 Sagittarius, currently displayed at the gate of RAF Lyneham; appreciates the cost of restoring a large airframe but notes the significance of the Comet C2 Sagittarius as probably the last complete short fuselage Comet in the world; and calls on the Government to do all it can to protect this important part of the nation's history by transferring ownership of the aircraft to the RAF museum.","date":"2009-06-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38686","proposer":"10521","edm":"1516","session":"2008-09","title":"Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry Vc","text":"That this House calls on all decent British citizens to condemn the British National Party (BNP) for stating on its website that Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross, not for bravery in the face of the enemy in Iraq in 2005 and saving the lives of comrades in two individual acts of great heroism as set out in the Citation, but for what the BNP disgracefully says was a `politically correct' decision by the Ministry of Defence for an action limited to the Grenada-born soldier driving away very fast from a combat zone; is proud that HM Armed Forces comprises men and women from all ethnic backgrounds, from the UK and the Commonwealth, plus Gurkhas from Nepal; notes as an historic fact that people of all racial groups served, and lost their lives, fighting fascism in the Second World War and thus helped to preserve this country's freedoms against such evils; deplores the use in BNP election literature of a false photograph of a British soldier, with false quote, claiming support for the BNP; and urges the Government to ensure that the British people are made fully aware that the BNP represents the views which Britain went to war to defeat.","date":"2009-05-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38611","proposer":"10295","edm":"1446","session":"2008-09","title":"Centenary Of Naval Aviation","text":"That this House notes with pride the centenary anniversary of the Admiralty's visionary decision on 7 May 1909 to embark on a development programme for military aviation by ordering the first airship HMS Airship 1; notes that consequently when the First World War broke out the British Royal Navy was not only prepared but was able to be the forerunner of innovative military strategy; recognises the continually valuable contribution being made by the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm to UK defence commitments worldwide; commends the flexibility, adaptability and professionalism that has become the hallmark of the Fleet Air Arm; and looks forward to the Fleet Air Arm continuing to make an invaluable contribution to UK defence in its hundredth year and going forward.","date":"2009-05-07","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38606","proposer":"10133","edm":"1442","session":"2008-09","title":"Radioactive Leaks From Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base","text":"That this House is deeply disturbed at the revelations of at least eight liquid radioactive leaks into the sea loch over the past 10 years from radioactive waste storage facilities at HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, near Glasgow, the home port for British nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed submarines, made public on 27 April 2009 following an investigation carried out by Channel Four News and investigative reporter Rob Edwards; notes with alarm that these latest leaks bring the total number of leaks acknowledged at Faslane over the last three decades to more than 40; welcomes the release of around 400 pages of internal e-mails, letters and reports by the environmental regulator, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA); further notes with concern that one of SEPA's internal reports indicates that many of the ageing facilities used to process, store and dispose of radioactive waste at Faslane are `not fit for purpose'; further notes that the Ministry of Defence has admitted its facilities fail to meet modern safety standards requiring that the `best practicable means' are used to minimise and control waste; further notes SEPA is pressing for the legal power to inspect and control Faslane's nuclear operations; therefore calls upon the Ministry of Defence to urgently tighten safety standards at Faslane, and to evaluate the future environmental hazards to those living around the River Clyde, from Faslane; and calls upon the Government to consider urgently the benefits to the economy and the environment of abolishing Britain's current nuclear weapons, including the planned \u00c2\u00a376 billion Trident replacement.","date":"2009-05-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38446","proposer":"10261","edm":"1053A1","session":"2008-09","title":"Return Of The Royal Anglian Regiment","text":"leave out `Muslim leaders and preachers' and insert `all people, including Muslims and Muslim clerics.'.","date":"2009-04-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38447","proposer":"10261","edm":"1053A2","session":"2008-09","title":"Return Of The Royal Anglian Regiment","text":"leave out from `which' to `that' in line 8 and insert `will not be allowed to threaten race relations in Britain because British people recognise that there will always be extremists seeking publicity for their weird causes and beliefs; and further recognises that there is no such thing as a Muslim community or Christian community, just people, and that all those with power or influence should stress the fact.'.","date":"2009-04-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38368","proposer":"10780","edm":"1216A1","session":"2008-09","title":"Gurkha Servicemen And Residency Rights","text":"leave out `Great Britain' and insert `the United Kingdom'.","date":"2009-03-31","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38337","proposer":"11245","edm":"1216","session":"2008-09","title":"Gurkha Servicemen And Residency Rights","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's decision to reconsider the rules governing the right of Gurkhas to settle in Britain; regretfully notes the anguish caused to thousands who have served in the British Army as Gurkhas by denial of residency rights; and praises the commitment of Gurkhas to protecting the interests of Great Britain.","date":"2009-03-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38318","proposer":"10647","edm":"1197","session":"2008-09","title":"Freedom Of The Borough Of Macclesfield For The 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)","text":"That this House congratulates the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) on receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Macclesfield from its last Mayor, Councillor Mrs Thelma Jackson; praises the people of the Borough of Macclesfield for the tremendous reception they gave to members of the Regiment when they marched through the town on 19 March 2009; and further extends its gratitude to all the UK's armed forces at home and abroad for the outstanding service which they give to the nation.","date":"2009-03-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38326","proposer":"10685","edm":"1205","session":"2008-09","title":"Artist Steve Mcqueen And Royal Mail","text":"That this House notes the importance of the service rendered by armed forces personnel in Iraq; congratulates Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen on his work Queen and Country, on display at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art; further notes that the work is being toured by independent charity The Art Fund as part of its campaign on behalf of Steve McQueen to see his work Queen and Country completed with the publication by Royal Mail of commercial stamps made from the work; further notes that the work has been created by the artist in response to his war artist's commission, working with the families of members of the British armed forces who have lost their lives in service to the nation in Iraq and is made up of stamps showing a portrait of each fallen serviceperson from the Iraq conflict; and calls on Royal Mail to work with the artist to complete his vision of published stamps, in order to renew the relationship between the UK public and those who serve in the armed forces, and remind the nation of the sacrifice made.","date":"2009-03-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38205","proposer":"10141","edm":"1096","session":"2008-09","title":"DUKE OF LANCASTER'S REGIMENT","text":"That this House congratulates the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment on receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Bolton; applauds the people of Bolton for the enthusiastic reception they gave the Regiment when it paraded through the town for its homecoming parade; urges towns and cities throughout Britain to take note of the peaceful recognition and support the regiment received at this special ceremony; and calls on others to take a lesson from the way the diverse communities of Bolton behaved with such dignified respect on this momentous occasion.","date":"2009-03-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38183","proposer":"10240","edm":"1075","session":"2008-09","title":"Public Recognition Of The Armed Services","text":"That this House applauds the people of Wootton Bassett for their selfless tributes to those who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan; notes the widespread support for the welcome home ceremonies for returning British troops organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Army; and by contrast decries the demonstrations staged during the welcome-home parade in Luton.","date":"2009-03-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38188","proposer":"11397","edm":"1080","session":"2008-09","title":"Royal Anglian Regiment Homecoming Parade Demonstration In Luton","text":"That this House condemns the actions of Islamist extremists at the homecoming parade of the Royal Anglian Regiment in Luton; believes that it would have been appropriate for the antagonists and the offensive placards to have been removed from the scene of the parade, on the basis that the intention was to incite public disorder, before the parade began; hopes that the Luton Police Commander shares his experience of the event with commanders at Watford, Bolton and other towns about to host similar parades; and acknowledges the dismay of the wider peaceful law-abiding Muslim community towards the extremists.","date":"2009-03-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38157","proposer":"11245","edm":"1053","session":"2008-09","title":"Return Of The Royal Anglian Regiment","text":"That this House welcomes back the 200 men of the 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment from Iraq; recognises their professionalism and courage; remembers that 12 of their regimental comrades paid the ultimate price of serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan; notes that many Muslims serve in the UK armed forces, but unreservedly condemns the people who abused the troops during their homecoming parade through Luton; and calls on Muslim leaders and preachers to unequivocally reject the appalling and unfair abuse, which seriously threatens race relations in Britain, and for them to remind members of their community that British servicemen and women have fought in the past to preserve the freedom and democracy enjoyed by all people in this country.","date":"2009-03-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38158","proposer":"10258","edm":"1054","session":"2008-09","title":"ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL MARINES CHILDREN'S FUND","text":"That this House strongly supports the work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund, the only charity dedicated to helping children of serving, and ex-serving, Naval Services personnel; notes that the charity has been running for over 100 years and helps children deal with the long-term psychological, emotional, physical, financial and social impacts that can result from having a parent work in the Naval Services; commends the charity for helping over 1,500 children each year, especially when demand is increasing due to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; believes that the Government should encourage local authorities to provide greater assistance for the children and families left vulnerable by the effects of conflict; calls on Ministers to take into account the unique pressures and challenges being faced by the children of serving and ex-serving personnel when formulating policies; and urges everyone to support the excellent work of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children's Fund.","date":"2009-03-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"38072","proposer":"10371","edm":"988","session":"2008-09","title":"Self-Employed Members Of The Territorial Army","text":"That this House recognises the enormous contribution and sacrifice made by the Territorial Army (TA) in relation to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan especially; acknowledges the immense debt of gratitude owed to them and their families; further notes that a number of TA personnel are self-employed and have returned from long tours of duty to find greatly diminished employment prospects; and calls on the Government to acknowledge the particular circumstances of this overlooked group of servicemen and servicewomen who do not have the security of employers who have kept their jobs open, and be sensitive to their needs and offer help.","date":"2009-03-04","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37916","proposer":"10525","edm":"841","session":"2008-09","title":"1296 (Turriff) Squadron","text":"That this House congratulates 1296 (Turriff) Squadron on winning the Marshall Trophy; notes that the award, named after the late Sir Arthur Marshall, recognises the Air Cadet Organisation's most improved squadron; notes that 1296 Squadron has undergone a major transformation in recent years from being an under-achieving unit to a thriving squadron with keen and motivated cadets; applauds the award of this prestigious trophy to the unit; and wishes the squadron every future success.","date":"2009-02-23","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37534","proposer":"13712","edm":"509","session":"2008-09","title":"Hms Scotia","text":"That this House applauds Commander Nick Dorman and the officers and ratings of HMS Scotia, Rosyth, on winning the Richards Trophy; notes that this is the first time that the trophy has been won by a Scottish unit; and recognises that there are 14 Royal Naval Reserve units in the United Kingdom of which HMS Scotia is one of the largest with a catchment area covering most of the east coast of Scotland drawing recruits from all backgrounds, including seven universities and many colleges.","date":"2009-01-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37514","proposer":"10884","edm":"490","session":"2008-09","title":"Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign","text":"That this House commends the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign on the continuing success of its aims to erect a statue of Battle of Britain hero, New Zealander Sir Keith Park, temporarily on the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square in 2009 and permanently in Waterloo Place in 2010; notes that since March 2008 the campaign has received the support of 64 hon. Members, Battle of Britain veterans, members of the Park family, noble Lords, senior Royal Air Force officers, the leaders of all major political parties in New Zealand, the Mayor of London and many thousands of public supporters in the UK, New Zealand, the Commonwealth and around the world; states that achievement of the campaign's aim would constitute a long-overdue and fitting memorial to a great man whose leadership in large part ensured our victory in the Battle of Britain; and further notes the significance of 2010 as the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and one of the few remaining commemorations at which surviving veterans of the Battle of Britain will be able to attend.","date":"2009-01-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37473","proposer":"10483","edm":"450","session":"2008-09","title":"Bomber Command Memorial","text":"That this House supports fully the campaign to build a permanent memorial to the sacrifice and courage of the men who served in the Bomber Command during the Second World War; recalls that 55,573 men gave their lives serving in Bomber Command, almost half of the total who served; recognises that this was a higher proportion than in any other branch of the armed forces; believes that the freedoms which are enjoyed in the UK today are their legacy; and further believes that those men should now be honoured with a permanent memorial.","date":"2009-01-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37403","proposer":"10295","edm":"387","session":"2008-09","title":"Recognition Of The War Dead From Overseas Territories","text":"That this House notes with concern that representatives of Overseas Territories based in the UK are not invited to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday; recognises the huge contribution made by Overseas Territories in supporting the UK military in both wartime and peacetime, as well as the number of lives lost by those from such territories whilst serving with British forces; pays tribute to the residents of the UK's Overseas Territories for their loyalty to the British Crown; and calls on the Government to allow one representative from an Overseas Territory to lay a wreath on behalf of all the Overseas Territories at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.","date":"2009-01-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37262","proposer":"10462","edm":"261","session":"2008-09","title":"Irish Guards Singers","text":"That this House congratulates the Irish Guards Singers on their recent tours of the west coast of Ireland, where they sang to raise funds for charities in Mayo and Roscommon and gave concerts in Westport, Knock, Ballinrobe and Castlebar; observes the historic significance of their performance with the drums and pipes of the 1st battalion Irish Guards by the invitation of the Irish people at the unveiling in the Peace Park in Castlebar of the first monument erected in the Irish Republic to the memory of those Irish people who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces of other nations including the British army; notes that they were commended personally by Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, for their commitment and in a letter by the Prime Minister for their contribution to building a better understanding between the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland through the medium of music; notes their continued commitment not only to such high profile events but also to work for local charities in Merseyside and surrounding districts; and urges new recruits from the Northern Micks who can sing On Mother Kelly's Doorstep without sending the cat clawing up the back gate to join them in singing for charity, peace and understanding.","date":"2008-12-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36993","proposer":"10521","edm":"1","session":"2008-09","title":"Legal Right For Former Gurkhas To Live In The United Kingdom","text":"That this House believes that former Gurkha soldiers who served in the British Army for more than four years should be treated fairly and have the legal right to live in the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to introduce legislation to grant those who left the Army before 1997 the same rights of residence in the UK as those who have left since 1997.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36994","proposer":"10521","edm":"2","session":"2008-09","title":"ROYAL BRITISH LEGION'S MILITARY COVENANT CAMPAIGN","text":"That this House welcomes the Royal British Legion's campaign calling on the nation and Parliament to honour the military covenant; notes with approval that the Government has responded to the campaign with its Service Personnel Command Paper; recognises the important role that the Legion plays in the provision of welfare support for serving men and women, veterans and their families; and urges all hon. and right hon. Members to pledge their support to the campaign to ensure the measures contained in the Command Paper to improve conditions in the areas of healthcare, compensation and support for bereaved families are implemented.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"37042","proposer":"10177","edm":"50","session":"2008-09","title":"Young People In The Armed Forces","text":"That this House welcomes proposals to increase the school leaving age to 18 years; regrets the current practice of recruiting 16-year-olds into the armed forces; and urges the Government to defer enlistment of young people until after their 18th birthday.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36895","proposer":"10368","edm":"2488","session":"2007-08","title":"Former Armed Forces Personnel In Prison","text":"That this House notes with concern that disproportionate numbers of former members of the armed services are currently in prison; further notes that many are homeless and others have become mentally ill; believes that the Government should consider creating an independent Armed Forces Inspectorate, with powers to carry out investigations into issues of public concern and other related issues; and therefore calls on the Government to recognise the need for an Armed Services representation body and to give all assistance towards its establishment.","date":"2008-11-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36880","proposer":"10197","edm":"2474","session":"2007-08","title":"Remembrance Day","text":"That this House calls on the Government to consider making Remembrance Day a bank holiday; further calls on the Government to begin discussions with representatives of past and present armed forces personnel on how best the country can learn and remember from the sacrifices our armed services have made to protect this country's freedom; and requests that such discussion should include means for this form of remembrance to be built into the Government's evolving citizenship programme.","date":"2008-11-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36870","proposer":"11199","edm":"2466","session":"2007-08","title":"Crown Dependencies And Remembrance Sunday","text":"That this House recognises the enormous contribution by members of Her Majesty's Armed Services from each of the Crown Dependencies in wars and conflicts during the past 90 years, fighting for Queen or King and Country; believes that the sacrifices of all these brave men and women should be fully acknowledged in a similar way to members of the Commonwealth of Nations, by granting representatives from the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Sark the right to lay a wreath in their own right at the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, each year on Remembrance Sunday; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to ensure that all the appropriate arrangements for this to happen are correctly in place in time for Remembrance Sunday to be held on 8th November 2009.","date":"2008-11-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36872","proposer":"11199","edm":"2468","session":"2007-08","title":"British Overseas Territories And Remembrance Sunday","text":"That this House recognises the enormous contribution by members of Her Majesty's Armed Services from each of the British Overseas Territories in wars and conflicts during the past 90 years, fighting for Queen, or King and Country; believes that the sacrifices of all these brave men and women should be fully acknowledged in a similar way to members of the Commonwealth of Nations, by granting representatives from Ascension Island, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, the British Antarctic Territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands the right to lay a wreath in their own right at the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, each year on Remembrance Sunday; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to ensure that all the appropriate arrangements for this to happen are correctly in place in time for Remembrance Sunday to be held on 8th November 2009.","date":"2008-11-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36807","proposer":"10428","edm":"2413","session":"2007-08","title":"Commonwealth War Graves Commission","text":"That this House is aware of the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which this year marks its 90th anniversary of operations in more than 150 countries worldwide, maintaining in perpetuity the thousands of cemeteries and memorials in its charge; notes that its dedicated staff continue to provide the highest possible level of care to the graves of those who died in war, whilst at the same time maintaining records of those involved and providing and producing historic and educational materials for present and future generations of citizens; and believes the Government should continue to regard this excellent organisation's work as essential in ensuring that those who served their nation and in doing so paid the ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.","date":"2008-11-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36808","proposer":"10213","edm":"2414","session":"2007-08","title":"Conduct Of The Hon. Member For Grantham And Stamford","text":"That this House disassociates itself from the comments made by the Under-Secretary of State and Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford, regarding the circumstances surrounding the resignation of an officer in Her Majesty's Armed Forces and former SAS Commander, Major Sebastian Morley; believes that when a senior officer resigns citing a specific reason, the resignation should be treated with the utmost seriousness and that the integrity or motivation of the officer concerned should not be publicly impugned by a Government Minister; regrets that this event occurred in the week leading to Remembrance Sunday; is appalled that the Minister should blame commanders for making the wrong decision relating to equipment used for operations when the choice of equipment was not available; and calls on the Minister to apologise fully to Major Morley and to UK commanders in Afghanistan.","date":"2008-11-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36794","proposer":"11522","edm":"2402","session":"2007-08","title":"Port Facilities At Benghazi","text":"That this House expresses its concern about the strategic defence implications of the Russian-Libyan negotiations regarding port facilities for the Military Maritime Fleet of Russia at Benghazi.","date":"2008-11-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36761","proposer":"11522","edm":"2374","session":"2007-08","title":"X Factor Song For Heroes","text":"That this House applauds the X Factor programme and its contestants for the Song for Heroes single release; notes that it is encouraging that this engagement with the armed forces will help younger generations to appreciate what they owe to the services; further notes that the hard and dedicated work of UK troops will receive the high profile acknowledgement it deserves; and wishes the X Factor contestants every success at they endeavour to raise money for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in support of the men and women prepared to lay down their lives for Queen and Country, both today and in the past.","date":"2008-10-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36739","proposer":"10600","edm":"2358","session":"2007-08","title":"Royal Welsh Regiment And Severn Bridge Crossing","text":"That this House recognises the dedication and service provided to Her Majesty the Queen and country by the soldiers of the Royal Welsh Regiment; and calls on the Government to provide them with free passage over the Severn Bridge on their way home after tours of duty.","date":"2008-10-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36744","proposer":"10483","edm":"2363","session":"2007-08","title":"Bomber Command Memorial","text":"That this House supports fully the campaign to build a permanent memorial to the sacrifice and courage of the men who served in the Bomber Command during the Second World War; recalls that 55,573 men gave their lives serving in Bomber Command, almost half of the total who served; recognises that this was a higher proportion than in any other branch of the armed forces; believes that the freedoms which we enjoy today are their legacy; and further believes that we should now honour them with a permanent memorial.","date":"2008-10-28","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36715","proposer":"10295","edm":"2335","session":"2007-08","title":"2008 Poppy Appeal","text":"That this House notes the launch of the 2008 Poppy Appeal with the Poppy Man visiting troops in Basra; supports the Royal British Legion in its aim to exceed the \u00c2\u00a330 million raised in the 2007 Poppy Appeal; pays its respects to those who have lost their lives during conflicts across the world; recognises the sacrifice made by millions of people who have lost their lives, not only during the two world wars, but in other conflicts and peace-keeping operations; pays tribute to the Royal British Legion; and fully supports the work of the Royal British Legion, which helps the 10.5 million serving and ex-service personnel and their families who are eligible for the Legion's range of welfare services, including grant-making to those in need, pensions and benefits advice, counselling and job retraining, home and hospital visits as well as the provision of full nursing care.","date":"2008-10-23","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36559","proposer":"10465","edm":"2211","session":"2007-08","title":"Deaths At Deepcut Barracks","text":"That this House notes with extreme concern the recent death of Anthony Manuel Jose Hernandez at the Alexander Barracks; applauds the insightful journalism by the BBC reporter, Russell Sharp, at Catterick Garrison into reports of bullying by army instructors; deplores the use of bullying tactics as part of army training; calls on the Army to do more to prevent future abusive incidents from taking place; and further calls for a full public inquiry into the deaths at Deepcut Barracks of the four recruits, Cheryl James, Sean Benton, Geoff Gray and James Collinson between 1995 and 2002, in order to fully understand and challenge the events and environment that allowed so many young people to lose their lives.","date":"2008-10-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36542","proposer":"10295","edm":"2193","session":"2007-08","title":"Dental Treatment For Members Of The Territorial Army","text":"That this House notes that currently members of the Territorial Army cannot access army dentists based at army barracks free of charge in the same way as regular troops; recognises the invaluable role that Territorial Army troops play in providing frontline support to the regular Army being deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as many other theatres in previous years; further notes the capacity which exists within army dental services allowing them to accommodate Territorial Army troops; and calls on the Government to extend the provision of free dental treatment to members of the Territorial Army as a means of support and recognition of the valuable service they provide.","date":"2008-10-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36543","proposer":"10203","edm":"2194","session":"2007-08","title":"Afghanistan Strategy","text":"That this House salutes the courage and professionalism of British forces in Afghanistan; records its sorrow at the 120 deaths on active service; regrets the groundless optimism on the possibility of military victory; welcomes the British Ambassador Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles' warning that a British troops surge would identify the UK even more clearly as an occupying force and multiply the number of targets and the judgment by military chief, Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith that the UK is not going to win this war; notes that seven years of warfare has resulted in a glut of Afghan heroin on British streets at the cheapest price ever and the control by a strengthened Taliban of almost half the territory of Afghanistan and a loss of hearts and minds support following the accidental deaths of thousands of innocent women and children in bombing raids; and calls for a new practical peace strategy that could consolidate gains made, end the bloodshed and establish stable government.","date":"2008-10-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36453","proposer":"10507","edm":"2106","session":"2007-08","title":"Welcome Home The Heroes Campaign","text":"That this House recognises the bravery, dedication and sacrifice of those who serve in the United Kingdom's armed forces throughout the world; notes that in other countries troops returning home from theatres of conflict are afforded official state recognition for their service and bravery; recognises the growing public calls for such recognition being led in Northern Ireland by the News Letter's Welcome Home the Heroes campaign; and calls upon the Ministry of Defence to initiate plans to allow for welcome home parades and other measures for returning servicemen and women coming back to the United Kingdom from Iraq and Afghanistan.","date":"2008-07-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36400","proposer":"10123","edm":"2058","session":"2007-08","title":"Inquiry Into Treatment Of Detainees By Armed Forces","text":"That this House, recalling the Baha Musa case and other cases of alleged abuse and degrading treatment, calls for a root and branch independent inquiry into the way that detainees apprehended during active operations are treated by the armed forces.","date":"2008-07-16","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36335","proposer":"10226","edm":"2002","session":"2007-08","title":"Iraq (No.2)","text":"That this House recognises the contribution British forces have made to the stability of the region and the recent request by the Prime Minister of Iraq Nouri al-Maliki for a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces from his country; and calls on the Prime Minister to announce in the Statement he has promised before the Summer Recess a timetable for the complete withdrawal of British forces from Iraq.","date":"2008-07-09","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36318","proposer":"10133","edm":"1986","session":"2007-08","title":"Removal Of Us Tactical Nuclear Weapons From The UK","text":"That this House welcomes the news that 110 US tactical nuclear weapons have been withdrawn from Lakenheath airbase in Suffolk; notes that there are now no US nuclear weapons in the UK for the first time since 1954; further notes that this move follows the withdrawal of similar weapons from Greece in 2001, and the April 2005 resolution passed by the Belgian Senate calling for the withdrawal of all US nuclear weapons in Europe; congratulates the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Lakenheath Action Group, which have tirelessly campaigned against US nuclear weapons at Lakenheath; is concerned that the weapons withdrawn from Lakenheath may be replaced by the installation of interceptor missiles as part of the US missile defence system; and calls on the Government to disregard the request by the former Prime Minister Tony Blair to the US in February 2007 to consider Britain as a possible location for US missile interceptors.","date":"2008-07-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36280","proposer":"10133","edm":"1957","session":"2007-08","title":"Us Military Bases In Iraq","text":"That this House notes that, according to an article in The Independent on 5th June, the US administration is attempting to negotiate an agreement with the Iraqi government to maintain 50 permanent US military bases in Iraq; further notes that this would create a permanent occupation of Iraq, a state of affairs which has no legal or moral basis; and calls upon the Government to resume and complete the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq to demonstrate opposition to the US administration's unacceptable policy.","date":"2008-07-03","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36247","proposer":"11245","edm":"1925","session":"2007-08","title":"Iraq Exit Strategy And The Simele Massacre Of Assyrians","text":"That this House notes that August 2008 will mark the 75th anniversary of the Simele Massacre of Assyrians in Iraq which was orchestrated by the Iraqi government only 10 months after the end of the British mandate; further notes and sincerely regrets the terrible repression suffered by the Assyrian people and the failure by past British governments to keep promises; further notes the relative stability provided by, and the good intentions of, the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq; and urges the British Government to ensure that the same mistakes will not be repeated as the coalition attempts to devise an exit strategy from Iraq.","date":"2008-07-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36250","proposer":"10203","edm":"1928","session":"2007-08","title":"Helmand Incursion","text":"That this House salutes the courage and professionalism of NATO troops in Afghanistan; mourns the record 45 deaths of NATO soldiers in June 2008, including 13 British soldiers; recalls statements in 2006 of both the hope that the Helmand incursion would be over in three years without a shot being fired and the warning that the mission would be futile and dangerous as the Charge of the Light Brigade; and calls for a reassessment of the aims of the Helmand incursion now that the total numbers of British fallen nears the number killed in the Charge of the Light Brigade.","date":"2008-07-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36230","proposer":"10203","edm":"1909","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 6)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of the following who have lost their lives since November 2007, Captain John McDermid, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, aged 43 from Glasgow, Trooper Jack Sadler, The Honourable Artillery Company, aged 21 from Exeter, Sergeant Lee Johnson, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, aged 33 from Stockton-on-Tees, Corporal Darryl Gardiner, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, aged 25 from Salisbury, Wiltshire, Corporal Damian Stephen Lawrence, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards), aged 25 from Whitby, Corporal Damian Mulvihill, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 32 from Plymouth, Lieutenant John Thornton, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 22 from Ferndown, Marine David Marsh, 40 Commando Royal Marines, aged 24 from Sheffield, Senior Aircraftman Graham Livingstone, Royal Air Force Regiment, aged 23 from Glasgow, Senior Aircraftman Gary Thompson, Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment, aged 51 from Nottingham, Trooper Robert Pearson, The Queen's Royal Lancers Regiment, aged 22 from Grimsby, Trooper Ratu Sakeasi Babakobau, Household Cavalry Regiment, aged 29 from Fiji, James Thompson, Marine Dale Gostick, 22 from Oxford, Private Nathan Cuthbertson, aged 19 from Sunderland, Private Daniel Gamble aged 22 from Uckfield, East Sussex, Private Charles David Murray, aged 19 from Carlisle, Lance Corporal James Bateman, from Staines, Middlesex and Private Jeff Doherty, from Southam, Warwickshire, Corporal Sarah Bryant, aged 26 of the Intelligence Corps; Corporal Sean Robert Reeve, aged 28, Royal Signals, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin, aged 39, and Paul Stout, aged 31, a soldier from 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment killed on Tuesday 24th June 2008 during a deliberate operation against the Taliban.","date":"2008-06-26","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36233","proposer":"10716","edm":"1912","session":"2007-08","title":"VETERANS' DAY 2008","text":"That this House notes that 27th June marks Veterans' Day 2008; welcomes the opportunity to celebrate the bravery of the UK's armed forces and the continuing contributions of veterans living in the nation's communities today; commends the many Veterans' Day events taking place across the country; and calls on the Government to honour the Military Covenant to ensure dignity and respect for veterans and their families.","date":"2008-06-26","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36183","proposer":"11312","edm":"1854A1","session":"2007-08","title":"Snatch Land Rovers In Afghanistan","text":"at end add `notes that other organisations, such as the HALO Trust, have carried out modifications to Land Rovers that have reportedly made them less susceptible to attack by mines and improvised explosive devices; and urges the Government urgently to carry out such work on military Land Rovers to give enhanced protection to United Kingdom troops prior to the date on which the vehicles are withdrawn.'.","date":"2008-06-23","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36160","proposer":"11742","edm":"1851","session":"2007-08","title":"Walter Tull","text":"That this House remembers Walter Tull for his contribution to British sport as a professional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town football clubs; expresses its sincere gratitude for his lesser-known role as a soldier who fought in the 17th Middlesex Regiment during the First World War; notes that he was accepted for Officer Training and appointed to a Commission in the Special Reserve of Officers in 1917; remembers that he sadly lost his life as an officer of the 23rd Middlesex regiment in 1918; notes that his Commanding Officer mentioned him in despatches for his `gallantry and coolness' on the Italian Front and recommended him for a Military Cross; regrets that he was not awarded the Cross because, as a British citizen of non-European descent, he should not have been commissioned at all; and calls upon the Government to right this sizeable injustice by posthumously awarding him the Military Cross for his gallantry.","date":"2008-06-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36163","proposer":"10312","edm":"1854","session":"2007-08","title":"Snatch Land Rovers In Afghanistan","text":"That this House expresses deep concern at the vulnerability of British troops deployed in Afghanistan in Snatch Land Rovers; and urges the Government to publish a date by which Snatch Land Rovers will no longer be required for British military operations in Afghanistan, except as required for lower-profile, less protected operations.","date":"2008-06-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36141","proposer":"10063","edm":"1833","session":"2007-08","title":"Victory Services Association Old Club House Appeal","text":"That this House commends the Victory Services Association for its charitable objectives to promote military efficiency and esprit de corps by bringing together members of the Armed Forces of the Crown and members of the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth and allied forces and by improving the life of such persons and to relieve need, hardship or distress amongst persons who have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their dependants; notes that the Victory Services Club remains unique as an all ranks, tri-service military club open to British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and allies as well as their families, widows and widowers; draws attention to its appeal to raise \u00c2\u00a35,000,000 to refurbish its Old Club House facilities which provide a home away from home in London; and calls on people to give generously to support this good cause.","date":"2008-06-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36116","proposer":"10623","edm":"1812","session":"2007-08","title":"Gurkhas","text":"That this House recognises the valour and excellent service provided by Gurkha troops operating alongside British forces in military conflicts throughout the 20th century and since; and believes that on retirement they should be granted full British citizenship should they wish it.","date":"2008-06-17","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"36034","proposer":"10123","edm":"1748","session":"2007-08","title":"Iraqi Referendum On Occupation","text":"That this House notes the claim of the occupying powers in Iraq to be introducing democracy; further notes that democracy and occupation are almost certainly incompatible; takes account of reports that the US is planning a contract with the present Iraqi government to continue its occupation indefinitely beyond the end of the year when the UN mandate runs out; and considers that the demand of Moqtada al-Sadr's group and many others in Iraq for a referendum of all the Iraqi people on that contract and on continuing US occupation should be acceded to.","date":"2008-06-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35980","proposer":"10295","edm":"1696","session":"2007-08","title":"Army Uniforms Cut And Sew Contract","text":"That this House notes that the cut and sew contract for UK army uniforms is due for renewal in 2008; recognises that the contract was originally awarded to Coonen, Watts and Stone based in Northern Ireland, who sub-contracted the work to China; believes it to be inappropriate for UK army uniforms to be produced in sweat-shop conditions in China; looks forward to the contract being re-opened for tender; and calls on the Government to support UK manufacturing by awarding the contract to the most competitive tender for the production of the uniforms in the United Kingdom.","date":"2008-06-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35855","proposer":"11768","edm":"1578","session":"2007-08","title":"Burmese Constitutional Referendum","text":"That this House condemns the announcement by Burma's ruling junta that a new constitution was given overwhelming backing in a referendum carried out on 10th May in the midst of the catastrophe caused by Cyclone Nargis; notes that the draft constitution has been designed to entrench military rule in Burma and is opposed by pro-democracy groups within Burma; is appalled that the regime continued with the planned referendum even as thousands of Burmese men, women and children were dying in the devastated Irawaddy Delta region; dismisses the claims by the generals that voter turnout was 99 per cent. and that the constitution was approved by more than 92 per cent. of all eligible voters; again calls on the junta to release all political prisoners inside Burma including Aung San Suu Kyi; and encourages the Government to continue working with international partners to overcome the resistance of the regime in Burma to a full international humanitarian effort to bring relief to the cyclone survivors.","date":"2008-05-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35852","proposer":"10293","edm":"1576","session":"2007-08","title":"65th Anniversary Of The Dambusters Raid","text":"That this House notes that 16th\/17th May marks the 65th anniversary of the raid on the Ruhr dams by 617 Squadron RAF (The Dambusters); pays tribute to the extraordinary heroism and skill of the crews, led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC DSO DFC, and to the ingenuity of Dr Barnes Wallis who designed the bomb; regrets that of the 133 men who took part in the raid, 53 gave their lives on that mission; and supports the Bomber Command Association in its campaign for the erection of a suitable memorial to commemorate those who served in Bomber Command and their contribution to the eventual liberation of Europe.","date":"2008-05-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35824","proposer":"11892","edm":"1552","session":"2007-08","title":"Vumba Massacre","text":"That this House notes that 23rd June 2008 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Vumba Massacre of British missionaries by members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army in the former Rhodesia that resulted in the murder of nine missionaries and four children; further notes that all were associated with the Elim Pentecostal Church; recalls that those who were murdered were Peter McCann, his wife, Sandra, son Phillip aged six and daughter Joy aged five, Phillip Evans, his wife, Suzan, and their daughter Rebecca aged four, Catherine Picken, Elizabeth Wendy Hamilton-White, Mary Fisher and Roy Lynn, his wife, Joyce and their daughter Pamela Grace aged three weeks old; further recalls that according to witnesses the missionaries were praying for their killers as they died; notes that since then, several of those terrorists have become Christians, and the work that the missionaries started is being carried on today by Zimbabwean nationals; expresses its gratitude to all who have imperilled their lives in order to carry the Gospel to those in need; and takes comfort in the promise contained in the book of Revelation chapter 14 and verse 13 that says `Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth... that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them'.","date":"2008-05-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35790","proposer":"10295","edm":"1522","session":"2007-08","title":"Border Between Spain And Gibraltar","text":"That this House notes with concern that excessive Spanish restrictions enforced at the Spain-Gibraltar border delayed the arrival of vital equipment needed by the US nuclear submarine USS Florida, and that Spain continues to impose unwarranted restrictions on both military and civilian freight moving in both directions across the Gibraltar border; further notes that the limitations are contrary to the North Atlantic Treaty and threaten to escalate to a diplomatic issue between Spain and the UK and the USA; calls on the Government to act on reports released from the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in March citing an increase of such incidents; and asks the Government to increase pressure on Spain to recognise the legitimacy of Gibraltar's role as a port for military vessels and to revise the policy decision in place surrounding military freight crossing the border.","date":"2008-05-08","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35710","proposer":"11798","edm":"1448","session":"2007-08","title":"War Memorials -\u0000 Captain James Philippson And Lieutenant James Barry","text":"That this House notes the ceremony held by St Stephen Parish Council, Bricket Wood, St Albans, on 20th April, to honour Captain James Philippson and Lieutenant James Barry, and to add their names to the Park Street War Memorial; praises the council for taking a proactive step to do this; urges other local councils to consider taking similar steps to honour the dead and remind citizens of the sacrifices others have made; and believes it is important to remember servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country.","date":"2008-04-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35723","proposer":"10293","edm":"1461","session":"2007-08","title":"Army Benevolent Fund Cannon Ball","text":"That this House congratulates the Earl and Countess of Portsmouth on their initiative in organising the Cannon Ball at their home to raise money for the Hampshire Branch of the Army Benevolent Fund; acknowledges the efforts of the organising committee, the generosity of sponsors and advertisers; and notes that over \u00c2\u00a3250,000 was raised to support Her Majesty's magnificent Armed Forces.","date":"2008-04-29","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35678","proposer":"11869","edm":"1357A1","session":"2007-08","title":"Veterans Day Bank Holiday","text":"leave out from `be' to end and add `held on 11th November, the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, or the nearest Monday.'.","date":"2008-04-24","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35644","proposer":"11199","edm":"1397","session":"2007-08","title":"Anzac Day","text":"That this House remembers the heroic campaign that followed the landings of allied forces at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, on 25th April 1915; joins with all Australians and New Zealanders in commemorating the bravery of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who, together with their British colleagues and others, sacrificed so much in defence of freedom; expresses its pride at the close association that exists between the people of the three nations, bound together by language, history, culture and in sharing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State; and commends all those involved in the organisation of this year's Anzac Day commemorations in London.","date":"2008-04-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35601","proposer":"10790","edm":"1357","session":"2007-08","title":"Veterans Day Bank Holiday","text":"That this House believes that the creation of a new bank holiday is justified; further believes that such a bank holiday should be created to celebrate and commemorate the contribution of all members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, past and present, in defending United Kingdom democracy and freedom; and considers that such a bank holiday should be known as Veterans Day.","date":"2008-04-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35548","proposer":"10295","edm":"1307","session":"2007-08","title":"90th Anniversary Of The Royal Air Force","text":"That this House notes the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force (RAF); recognises the changing role of the RAF over the past 90 years and the significant contribution it has made throughout the world; pays tribute to all those who have served in the RAF; welcomes the range of events organised to commemorate this landmark, including the Red Arrows flypast over London on 1st April; and looks forward to the RAF continuing to provide a first class service on behalf of the United Kingdom.","date":"2008-04-02","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35561","proposer":"10293","edm":"1322","session":"2007-08","title":"Royal Air Force 90th Anniversary","text":"That this House salutes the Royal Air Force (RAF) on the 90th anniversary of its formation; pays tribute to the RAF for its service to the defence of the United Kingdom and its worldwide interests; acknowledges that air power continues to play a vital role in all military conflicts in which British forces are deployed, including gaining and maintaining air superiority, precision strikes and combat air support of ground and maritime forces, intelligence, strategic and tactical mobility, command and control and force protection of critical airfields; recalls the contribution the RAF makes in operations other than war, including humanitarian operations, evacuation operations and support to the civil community; and thanks the men and women of today's RAF for the enormous contribution they are making in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the globe.","date":"2008-04-02","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35529","proposer":"10213","edm":"1293","session":"2007-08","title":"100th Anniversary Of The Territorial Army (No. 2)","text":"That this House salutes the men and women of the Territorial Army (TA) and its veterans on the 100th anniversary of the formation of its progenitor organisation on 1st April 1908 through the merger of existing Yeomanry, Militia and Volunteers; recognises the service and sacrifice of TA soldiers in conflicts past and present and in peacetime; and looks forward to the TA continuing to be an integral part of the UK's security effort.","date":"2008-04-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35536","proposer":"10428","edm":"1300","session":"2007-08","title":"Gurkhas Right To Remain","text":"That this House recalls the Government's announcement in September 2004, following a lengthy 18 month review of policy, that Gurkhas who had served in the British Army and who wanted to settle in the UK with their families should be allowed to do so and that immigration rules would be changed to enable this; was therefore alarmed to learn that this offer had only been extended to cover those Gurkhas who had served at least four years and been discharged after 1st July 1997, the date at which their brigade's headquarters had moved to the UK from Hong Kong; notes that Nepalese Gurkhas have played an active front line part in the British Army's activities in times of war and peace for nearly 200 years, with approximately 300,000 of them fighting alongside UK soldiers in both World Wars and other conflicts since, with 45,000 of them either killed or wounded in the process; and believes that, given the exceptional service they have given to the UK, their ties to the nation should be immediately interpreted as sufficiently strong as to warrant their fast track eligibility for either the right to remain or citizenship.","date":"2008-04-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35538","proposer":"10521","edm":"1302","session":"2007-08","title":"Centenary Of The Territorial Army","text":"That this House pays tribute to members of the Territorial Army (TA), past and present, on the occasion of the TA's centenary on 1st April 2008; recognises with admiration the important role the TA has played over the past 100 years, in times of war and peace, and is grateful for the contribution made by so many TA members in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq; acknowledges with appreciation the support and encouragement given by employers so that TA volunteers can undertake their duties, and urges other employers to follow this excellent example; and wishes the Territoral Army a continuing role in the years ahead as an integral part of HM Armed Forces.","date":"2008-04-01","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35478","proposer":"10226","edm":"1244","session":"2007-08","title":"Bearskin Caps","text":"That this House recognises that the bearskin caps worn by British military personnel have no military significance and involve unnecessary cruelty; and invites the Government to end their use and to substitute hats made from fake fur.","date":"2008-03-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35452","proposer":"10172","edm":"1225","session":"2007-08","title":"Colin Worton","text":"That this House recognises the injustice caused to the UDR 4 and Colin Worton in particular who was wrongly accused of involvement in murder; commends Colin for his ongoing campaign to have his name cleared; and calls on the Government to make an appropriate compensation payment to Colin Worton in light of this injustice.","date":"2008-03-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35457","proposer":"10462","edm":"1230","session":"2007-08","title":"War Graves Photographic Project","text":"That this House notes that the War Graves Photographic Project has been established to integrate the work being carried out by volunteers photographing designated war graves and memorials around the world; commends this work which provides an uncomplicated facility for families to obtain a photograph of a loved one's grave, including many families who have never had a chance to visit fallen relatives' graves, or who are researching family history; and congratulates the project coordinator, Steve Rogers, and his team, for their selfless dedication to this work, in the course of which they have now photographed over one million graves and memorial names, on an entirely voluntary basis.","date":"2008-03-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35432","proposer":"10884","edm":"1206","session":"2007-08","title":"Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign","text":"That this House recognises the vision and skill of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park, GCB, KBE, MC and Bar, DFC, RAF, in leading to victory those who fought on the ground and in the air during the Battle of Britain; notes that the failure of Nazi Germany to defeat the RAF in 1940 was Hitler's first major setback, forcing him to call off the planned invasion of Britain; supports the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign to erect a permanent statue of Sir Keith on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square; believes that such a memorial is long overdue to redress the lack of public acknowledgement of this great man's leadership and would ensure the role of the RAF in defending Britain is formally recognised in Trafalgar Square; notes that a memorial would be particularly fitting given that the RAF will be celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2008; and recognises that such a memorial could provide an iconic reminder of the selfless action shown by many of those from Britain, New Zealand and the Commonwealth in the heroic and victorious defence of Britain.","date":"2008-03-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35442","proposer":"12004","edm":"1216","session":"2007-08","title":"Iraq War Inquiry","text":"That this House believes that, as it has been five years since the start of the Iraq war, a wide-ranging inquiry into the commencement and conduct of the conflict is long overdue and such an inquiry should be led by a seven person committee of Her Majesty's Privy Councillors charged with examination of the conduct of the Government in relation to the Iraq War both in the period leading up to military operations and afterwards.","date":"2008-03-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35416","proposer":"10262","edm":"1194","session":"2007-08","title":"Indefinite Leave To Remain For Gurkhas","text":"That this House believes that Gurkhas who serve and have served in the British Army are a credit to the nation and deserve the highest recognition for their bravery and commitment; notes however that Gurkhas who were discharged before 1997 have no right of leave to remain in the United Kingdom or to become naturalised British citizens; and calls upon the Government to revise immigration rules immediately to allow all Gurkhas who have served at least four years in the British Army to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and naturalisation as British citizen irrespective of their retirement date.","date":"2008-03-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35406","proposer":"10213","edm":"1184","session":"2007-08","title":"Uniform In Public Places","text":"That this House supports the encouragement of service personnel of all ranks in the wearing of uniform in public places; is saddened by the lack of respect shown by individuals and organisations that discriminate against personnel wearing uniform prescribed in uniform regulations; believes there should be no `no go' areas in the United Kingdom for people in uniform; considers nevertheless that commanding officers should set local policy based on a balanced risk assessment; is appalled by the behaviour of those who offer verbal or physical abuse to service personnel; and urges the police to be robust in dealing with criminal acts against those that wear the uniform of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.","date":"2008-03-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35398","proposer":"10190","edm":"1177","session":"2007-08","title":"Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park","text":"That this House salutes the memory of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park GCB, KBE, MC and Bar, DFC, RAF, a neglected hero of World War Two; recognises the huge contribution of this great commander to some of the most decisive tactical victories of the war; endorses wholeheartedly the comments of Lord Tedder, Marshal of the Royal Air Force, who said in 1947, `If any one man won the Battle of Britain, he did. I do not believe it is realised how much that one man, with his leadership, his calm judgment and his skill, did to save, not only this country, but the world'; believes the time is now right for a fitting memorial to Sir Keith; and supports the campaign to erect a permanent statue of Sir Keith on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.","date":"2008-03-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35387","proposer":"10934","edm":"1167","session":"2007-08","title":"Public Recognition Of The Armed Forces","text":"That this House acknowledges the brave and heroic duties performed by members of the armed forces to serve the UK; notes that members of the armed forces are not responsible for decisions about where they serve or in what capacity, and therefore deplores any minority of the public who physically or verbally attack a member of the armed forces in any way; believes that the overwhelming majority of the people in the UK have nothing but gratitude for the country's service personnel and therefore does not believe that it is necessary for members of the armed forces to avoid wearing their uniforms in public; and urges the Government to continue exploring the ways in which it can increase public recognition for the work of the armed forces.","date":"2008-03-11","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35358","proposer":"11759","edm":"1138","session":"2007-08","title":"Raf Wittering And Wearing Of Service Personnel Uniform In Peterborough","text":"That this House expresses its concern at the recent decision by the Base Commander at RAF Wittering to instruct personnel resident at the base not to wear their uniforms when visiting the City of Peterborough; notes the paucity of evidence that personnel from the base are subject to or have been subject to undue risk of attack; further notes with disappointment the significant negative publicity for both the City of Peterborough, RAF Wittering and Her Majesty's Armed Forces that has ensued since the decision was made public; welcomes the good relationship between Peterborough City Council and RAF Wittering which culminated in the base receiving the Freedom of the City in 1983, and deplores the completely inappropriate and disproportionate action arising from erroneous advice given to the Base Commander by the Ministry of Defence; calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to review that advice and instruct the Base Commander to rescind the decision with immediate effect; and finally looks forward to personnel from the base marching proudly through the centre of Peterborough later this year to celebrate their Freedom of the City so that Peterborough residents can demonstrate their pride in and support for the UK's service personnel and their sacrifice and service to their country.","date":"2008-03-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35354","proposer":"10262","edm":"1134","session":"2007-08","title":"Treatment Of Non-British Service Families","text":"That this House recognises the considerable sacrifices made by the spouses and children of armed forces and other service personnel for this country; notes with concern that many non-British members of service families are being denied citizenship or leave to remain in this country; further notes that these service personnel and their families regard themselves as British, have built a life in Britain and in many cases have children who are British citizens; reminds the Government of its `duty of care' towards service families under the military covenant; and urges the Government to reconsider its position towards service families wishing to remain in the country for which they have sacrificed so much.","date":"2008-03-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35175","proposer":"10295","edm":"980","session":"2007-08","title":"Recognition Of The War Dead From Overseas Territories","text":"That this House notes with concern that representatives of Overseas Territories based in the UK are not invited to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday; recognises the huge contribution made by Overseas Territories to supporting the UK military, both during war time and during peace time, as well as the number of lives lost by those from such territories whilst serving with British forces; pays tribute to the residents of the UK's Overseas Territories for their loyalty to the British Crown; and calls upon the Government to allow one representative from an Overseas Territory to lay a wreath on behalf of all the Overseas Territories at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.","date":"2008-02-20","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35146","proposer":"10245","edm":"953","session":"2007-08","title":"Honour For Female And Male Spitfire Pilots For World War Two","text":"That this House recognises the bravery of the female and male pilots from the UK, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Sri Lanka, Chile, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Eire, Estonia, France, Holland, India, Malaya, Mauritius, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Siam, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the USA who served in the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II ferrying Spitfires and other war planes from factories to airfields, and between airfields; deeply regrets the loss of life of pilots like record-breaking Amy Johnson during her service in the ATA; congratulates the Government on giving consideration to a badge of honour for all the survivors of the ATA; and expresses its appreciation to the ATA Association and to Giles Whittell for highlighting the feats of many of these pilots in his book Spitfire Women of World War II.","date":"2008-02-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35159","proposer":"10313","edm":"966","session":"2007-08","title":"CORONERS' SERVICE","text":"That this House recognises the need to reform the coroners' service; believes that the unacceptable delays in concluding inquests into the deaths of those members of the armed forces killed abroad is just one sign that the current arcane system is no longer fit for purpose; notes that the draft Coroners' Bill has already undergone pre-legislative scrutiny; and urges the Government to bring forward a Bill to reform this vital service without delay.","date":"2008-02-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35166","proposer":"10934","edm":"933A1","session":"2007-08","title":"Defence Committee Report On Healthcare","text":"leave out from `Scotland' to end and insert `notes that the report stated that officials under the current administration showed `confusion, incomprehension or ignorance' about the requirements of service personnel and veterans; further notes that the Report intended to portray a fair balance between the historical and current problems in Scotland and continuing problems in linking the Ministry of Defence to some of the devolved administrations; and is disappointed by those who seek to misrepresent the Report in order to score party political points when the best interests of servicemen would be secured by cooperation between all parties in both Holyrood and Westminster.'.","date":"2008-02-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35114","proposer":"11189","edm":"933","session":"2007-08","title":"Defence Committee Report On Healthcare","text":"That this House notes the publication of the House of Commons Defence Committee 7th Report of Session 2007-08, which draws attention to the shortcomings of NHS treatment for veterans in Scotland inherited by the current SNP Scottish Government from the previous Labour\/Liberal Democrat administration; further notes that, since taking office in May 2007, the Scottish Government has taken action to improve healthcare for veterans and issued guidance to NHS boards on how priority treatment should be extended to all armed forces veterans, not just those in receipt of war pensions; and commends Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nicola Sturgeon, for acting to ensure that servicemen and women receive the highest quality of healthcare.","date":"2008-02-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35033","proposer":"11189","edm":"857","session":"2007-08","title":"Homes For Our Heroes Campaign","text":"That this House supports the Daily Express Homes for our Heroes campaign; condemns the sale of housing stock by the Ministry of Defence while brave servicemen and women face eviction and homelessness; believes that the Ministry of Defence has a duty of care to ex-service personnel; and calls on Defence Estates to take urgent action to provide greater flexibility and assistance to ex-service personnel, and their families, as they seek alternative accommodation.","date":"2008-02-04","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"35004","proposer":"10203","edm":"836","session":"2007-08","title":"Helmand Mission (No. 2)","text":"That this House notes the ingratitude of President Karzai's statement that Helmand Province suffered after the arrival of British troops; recalls that 87 British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan; and calls for a debate on whether the Government should continue to order British soldiers to risk their lives in the service of the corrupt barbaric Karzai regime.","date":"2008-01-31","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34996","proposer":"10550","edm":"830","session":"2007-08","title":"Defence Training Review (No. 2)","text":"That this House warmly welcomes the announcement by the Ministry of Defence to proceed with Package One of the Defence Training Review (DTR), which will modernise and transform the Phase 2 and Phase 3 training provision of the armed forces by providing state of the art teaching methods and technologies in aeronautical, mechanical and electrical engineering, communications and information systems for all three services on one site at MOD St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan; believes this will build on the highly successful model of the Tri Service Officer Defence Academy at Shrivenham by providing young service men and women with the most advanced training in the world in a modern environment on a purpose built site, reaffirming the belief that all our service personnel, irrespective of rank, deserve the best training available; further believes this knowledge based investment has the potential to significantly transform the South Wales economy; and remains confident that St Athan will remain well placed to attract a substantial part of Package Two of the DTR covering logistics, personnel, policing, security, language, intelligence and photography training which will, as with Package One, deliver excellence and value for money for the taxpayer.","date":"2008-01-30","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34910","proposer":"10780","edm":"748","session":"2007-08","title":"Territorial Army Centenary","text":"That this House notes the forthcoming centenary of the Territorial Army; congratulates the many thousands of personnel from across all parts of the United Kingdom who, since its inception in 1908, have volunteered, showing bravery and resolve in supporting the regular British Army across the world; and commends those who have served in a range of more recent operations, including in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.","date":"2008-01-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34901","proposer":"10383","edm":"739","session":"2007-08","title":"Defence Training Review","text":"That this House welcomes the announcement by the Ministry of Defence of the halt to Package Two of the Defence Training Review which sought to privatise the staff who train the armed forces in driving armoured vehicles as well as in foreign languages; further welcomes that training will therefore remain at Worthy Down and Marchwood in Winchester, Southwark Park in Portsmouth, Leconfield in Hull, Aldershot, Beaconsfield and Chicksands in Cambridgeshire; but is concerned that pushing ahead with Package One, which includes engineering and mechanical training, would represent poor value for money to the taxpayer and lead to a loss of skills vital to those on the front-line as many staff would be unable to relocate to the new national training base; and is further concerned that Package Two may be pushed through despite the evaluation that it is unaffordable for the private sector to deliver.","date":"2008-01-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34859","proposer":"10521","edm":"703","session":"2007-08","title":"Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme","text":"That this House salutes the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme; notes that over the past 20 years around 150 honourable Members of both Houses have participated in the scheme enabling them to speak with greater authority on matters relating to Her Majesty's Armed Forces; appreciates the support given by the Armed Forces and various sponsors; and congratulates Sir Neil Thorne for his initiative in starting the scheme and for his continued involvement with it.","date":"2008-01-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34839","proposer":"10295","edm":"684","session":"2007-08","title":"100th Anniversary Of The Territorial Army","text":"That this House notes that 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army (TA); recognises the important role that the TA has played over the past 100 years with troops serving in both world wars and in more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; pays tribute to all those who have served in the TA and helped to ensure that the UK has a reliable, skilled and well-trained reserve force; and looks forward to the TA remaining a strong and dependable force ready to support regular troops wherever they are deployed.","date":"2008-01-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34771","proposer":"11199","edm":"618","session":"2007-08","title":"Falkland Islands Battle Day","text":"That this House joins the people of the Falkland Islands in marking Battle Day, commemorating those who lost their lives on 8th December 1914, in what was the second major naval engagement of the First World War, when a small British fleet destroyed the infamous German South Atlantic Squadron; notes that following the war, 8th December became known as Battle Day and was established in the Falkland Islands as a national holiday, a day to be commemorated with reverence and an occasion to be enjoyed as a celebration of freedom and liberation; notes with pride that in this year, the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands by the elite forces of Her Majesty, Lady Thatcher laid a wreath honouring those who fought; reaffirms the continued support of the people of the United Kingdom in maintaining the Islands as a self-governing British Overseas Territory; and looks forward to seeing the Union flag continuing to fly over the Falkland Islands for evermore.","date":"2007-12-18","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34723","proposer":"11719","edm":"578","session":"2007-08","title":"LEGAL AID TO SERVICEMEN'S FAMILIES","text":"That this House notes that legal aid has been made readily available to a vast number of people and groups in the United Kingdom; recalls that legal aid has been given to allow for, amongst other things, a schoolgirl's father to sue a headteacher over a school's uniform policy, for a murderer to repeatedly protest his right to have a baby by IVF, and for a terrorist associate to resist extradition and punishment; understands from the Legal Services Commission's website that the Commission helps over two million people a year; expresses surprise and dismay that the families of nine RAF servicemen who were shot down and killed in Iraq in 2005 will not qualify for automatic legal aid to help them work through the legal complexities of the case; further notes that the family of an Australian serviceman killed in the same attack has been granted legal aid by their home country; and therefore calls on the Legal Services Commission to reconsider this case as a matter of urgency and allow these families of British soldiers access to legal aid as soon as possible.","date":"2007-12-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34662","proposer":"11333","edm":"522","session":"2007-08","title":"Dara Almondbank","text":"That this House respects the important role played by the DARA Rotary Wing and Components business at Almondbank near Perth, which provides in-depth maintenance, repair and overhaul of components for the UK's military helicopter fleet; applauds the management and workforce at DARA for creating what has become a world-class centre of excellence; recognises the important role played by helicopters at the front line of modern conflicts; notes that an announcement is expected from the Government on 15th December on the future of DARA; regrets that far from protecting the critical work that DARA does to keep helicopters flying, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) seems set to sell the organisation to the private sector with the sole bidder being the small Canadian company, Vector Aerospace, in a decision which would mean the permanent loss of helicopter support to the MoD and would be effectively exporting the intellectual property and design skills required to maintain operational sovereignty; welcomes the proposals submitted by the Joint Trade Unions which through measures such as mobile repair teams, integrating service personnel into the business would ensure the long term viability and success of the business inside the MoD; and urges the Minister responsible for the decision to give her support to the unions' proposals which will protect jobs, technologies and armed forces personnel.","date":"2007-12-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34523","proposer":"11641","edm":"401","session":"2007-08","title":"Iraqi Employees","text":"That this House recognises the courage of Iraqis who have worked alongside British troops and diplomats in southern Iraq, often saving British lives; notes that many such Iraqis have been targeted for murder by Iraqi militias in Basra, and that an unknown number have already been killed, whilst many others are in hiding; further recognises that many Iraqis who have worked for fewer than 12 months for the UK are threatened by death squads; and therefore calls upon the Prime Minister to meet the UK's moral obligations by offering resettlement to all Iraqis who are threatened with death for the \"crime\" of helping British troops and diplomats.","date":"2007-11-27","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34490","proposer":"10177","edm":"370","session":"2007-08","title":"Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement","text":"That this House notes that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan is the cornerstone of sustainable peace in Sudan; warns that the agreement is in danger of collapse; notes with concern the current standoff between the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement over the implementation of the agreement; expresses dismay at the recent mobilisation of armed forces at the borders between southern and northern Sudan; calls on both parties to implement in full the agreement that they have signed; urges the Government and the wider international community to immediately engage in resolving disputes, particularly over the status of the Abyei region, transparency in wealth sharing, redeployment of armed forces, the national census and elections; and strongly affirms that a return to war is unacceptable.","date":"2007-11-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34455","proposer":"10884","edm":"335","session":"2007-08","title":"Memorial For Recipients Of The George Cross And Victoria Cross","text":"That this House supports the Downing Street petition for a combined high profile memorial for recipients of the George Cross and Victoria Cross; notes the cross-party support such a memorial has already received, as recorded on the related Facebook website; recalls the backing it has further gained from all ranks of service personnel, including a former Chief of Defence staff; believes that a more public monument would provide an iconic reminder of selfless action in an age desperately seeking role models; reflects upon the impact of the inspirational monuments in Washington DC such as the Korean War memorial; and suggests that one place worthy of consideration to honour society's heroes in both peace and war may be the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.","date":"2007-11-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34405","proposer":"11823","edm":"294","session":"2007-08","title":"Japanese Comfort Women","text":"That this House notes that up to 200,000 women, euphemistically known as comfort women, were forced into sexual servitude before and during World War II by the Japanese Imperial Army; condemns the system of sexual slavery instituted by the Japanese military, which is both a war crime and a crime against humanity; expresses deep concern that after 62 years, survivors of Japan's sexual slavery system are still waiting for justice; welcomes the visit of Gil Won Ok and Ellen van der Ploeg who were among many women used as wartime sex slaves by the Japanese military and who are seeking justice, reparations and a full apology; is dismayed that during their lifetime, survivors have suffered physical and mental ill-health, isolation and shame, and often extreme poverty; and calls upon the UK Government to urge the Japanese government to apologise publicly to the victims for its past actions, provide formal and complete reparations and admit its responsibility in all public records.","date":"2007-11-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34420","proposer":"10324","edm":"309","session":"2007-08","title":"Defence Training Academy At St Athan","text":"That this House welcomes the Ministry of Defence's decision in 2007 to award the Metrix Consortium a major contract for a new Defence Training Academy at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan; believes that this will both dramatically improve the training provided to UK armed forces and bring 1,000 construction jobs and more than 5,000 other jobs to South Wales; recognises the campaign led by the South Wales Echo and the enormous public support for the bid from the whole of Wales; is shocked by Plaid Cymru Vice President Jill Evans MEP's ill-informed attacks on the Academy in a policy paper that is being considered by her party's National Council; notes that she says she has not been asked by her party colleagues to tone down her comments; further notes that Metrix is pursuing a second defence training contract for St Athan; and calls on the leadership of Plaid Cymru unambiguously to support the Defence Academy in St Athan and thereby back new jobs for Wales and better training for UK armed forces.","date":"2007-11-19","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34348","proposer":"10203","edm":"241","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Lance Corporal Jake Alderton of 36 Engineer Regiment, Major Alexis Roberts, 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, aged 32 from Kent, Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman, 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 36, Private Brian Tunnicliffe, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), aged 33 from Ilkeston, Corporal Ivano Violino from 36 Engineer Regiment, aged 29 from Salford, Sergeant Craig Brelsford, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 25 from Nottingham, Private Johan Botha, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment from South Africa, Private Damian Wright, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 23 from Mansfield, Private Ben Ford, 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, aged 18 from Chesterfield, Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge from C flight, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, aged 20, from Sheffield, Private Aaron James McClure, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 19 from Ipswich, Private Robert Graham Foster, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 19 from Harlow, Private John Thrumble, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 21 from Chelmsford, Captain David Hicks of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 26 from Surrey, Private Tony Rawson of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 27 from Dagenham, Essex, Lance Corporal Michael Jones, Royal Marines aged 26 from Newbald, Yorkshire, Sergeant Barry Keen of 14 Signal Regiment, aged 34 from Gateshead and Guardsman David Atherton from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, aged 25 from Manchester.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34349","proposer":"10203","edm":"242","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 2)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 22 from East Dereham, Norfolk, Guardsman Daryl Hickey, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, aged 27 from Birmingham, Sergeant Dave Wilkinson from 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 33 from Ashford, Kent, Captain Sean Dolan of 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, aged 40 from the West Midlands, Drummer Thomas Wright, 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, aged 21 from Ripley, Derbyshire, Guardsman Neil `Tony' Downes, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, aged 20 from Manchester, Lance Corporal Paul `Sandy' Sandford, 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, aged 23 from Nottingham, Corporal Mike Gilyeat, Royal Military Police, aged 28, Corporal Darren Bonner, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 31 from Norfolk, Guardsman Daniel Probyn, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, aged 22 from Tipton, Lance Corporal George Russell Davey, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 23 from Suffolk, Guardsman Simon Davison, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, aged 22 from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Private Chris Gray, A Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, aged 19 from Leicestershire, WO2 Michael `Mick' Smith, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 39 from Liverpool, Marine Benjamin Reddy, 42 Commando Royal Marines, aged 22 from Ascot in Berkshire, Lance Bombardier Ross Clark, aged 25 from South Africa and Lance Bombadier Liam McLaughlin, aged 21 from Lancashire.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34350","proposer":"10203","edm":"243","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 3)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Marine Scott Summers, 42 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23 from Crawley, East Sussex, Marine Jonathan Holland, 45 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23 from Chorley in Lancashire, Lance Corporal Mathew Ford, 45 Commando Royal Marines, aged 30 from Immingham, Lincolnshire, Marine Thomas Curry, 42 Commando Royal Marines, aged 21 from East London, Lance Bombardier James Dwyer, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 22, Marine Richard J Watson, 42 Commando Royal Marines, aged 23 from Caterham, Surrey, Marine Jonathan Wigley, 45 Commando Royal Marines, aged 21 from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Marine Gary Wright, 45 Commando Royal Marines, aged 22 from Glasgow, Lance Corporal Paul Muirhead, 1 Royal Irish Regiment, aged 29 from Bearley, Warwickshire, Lance Corporal Luke McCulloch, 1 Royal Irish Regiment, aged 21, Corporal Mark William Wright, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, aged 27 from Edinburgh, Private Craig O'Donnell, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, aged 24 from Clydebank, Flight Lieutenant Steven Johnson, aged 38, from Collingham, Notts, Flight Lieutenant Leigh Anthony Mitchelmore, aged 28 from Bournemouth, Flight Lieutenant Gareth Rodney Nicholas, aged 40 from Redruth, Cornwall, Flight Lieutenant Allan James Squires, aged 39, from Clatterbridge, Flight Lieutenant Steven Swarbrick, aged 28 from Liverpool, Flight Sergeant Gary Wayne Andrews, aged 48 from Tankerton in Kent, Flight Sergeant Stephen Beattie, aged 42 from Dundee and Flight Sergeant Gerard Martin Bell, aged 48 from Ely, Cambridgeshire.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34351","proposer":"10203","edm":"244","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 4)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Flight Sergeant Adrian Davies, aged 49 from Amersham, Bucks, Sergeant Benjamin James Knight, aged 25 from Bridgewater, Sergeant John Joseph Langton, aged 29 from Liverpool, Sergeant Gary Paul Quilliam, aged 42 from Manchester, Corporal Oliver Simon Dicketts, the Parachute Regiment, Marine Joseph David Windall, Royal Marines, aged 22, Ranger Anare Draiva, 1 Royal Irish Regiment, aged 27 from Fiji, Lance Corporal Jonathan Peter Hetherington, 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), aged 22 from South Wales, Corporal Bryan James Budd, 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, aged 29 from Ripon, Lance Corporal Sean Tansey, The Life Guards, aged 26 from Washington, Tyne and Wear, Private Leigh Reeves, Royal Logistics Corps, aged 25 from Leicester, Private Andrew Barrie Cutts, Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps, aged 19 from Mansfield, Captain Alex Eida, Royal Horse Artillery, aged 29 from Surrey, Second Lieutenant Ralph Johnson, Household Cavalry Regiment, aged 24 from Windsor, Lance Corporal Ross Nicholls, Blues and Royals, aged 27 from Edinburgh, Private Damien Jackson, 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, aged 19 from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, Corporal Peter Thorpe, Royal Signals, aged 27 from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi, Intelligence Corps, aged 24 from Birmingham, Captain David Patten, the Parachute Regiment, aged 39, and Sergeant Paul Bartlett, Royal Marines, aged 35 and Captain Jim Philippson, 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, aged 29 from St Albans in Hertfordshire.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34353","proposer":"10203","edm":"246","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Afghanistan (No. 5)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and records with sorrow the deaths of Lance Corporal Peter Edward Craddock, 1st Battalion The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, Corporal Mark Cridge, 7 Signal Regiment, aged 25, Lance Corporal Steven Sherwood, 1st Battalion, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, aged 23 from Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, Private Jonathan Kitulagoda, the Rifle Volunteers, aged 23 from Clifton, Bedfordshire, Sergeant Robert Busuttil and Corporal John Gregory both from the Royal Logistic Corps and Private Darren John George, the Royal Anglian Regiment.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34354","proposer":"10203","edm":"247","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Lance Corporal Sarah Holmes, 29 Postal Courier and Movement Regiment, aged 26 from Wantage, Oxfordshire, Sergeant Mark Stansfield, 32 Close Support Squadron, UK Logistic Battalion, aged 32 from Oxfordshire, Sergeant Eddie Collins, the Parachute Regiment, Lance Sergeant Chris Casey, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards aged 27 from London, Lance Corporal Kirk Redpath, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards aged 22 from Romford, Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard of No 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, aged 20 from Rainworth, near Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, Private Craig Barber of 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, aged 20 from Ogmore Vale, Corporal Steve Edwards of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, aged 35 from Thrapston, Northamptonshire, Lance Corporal Timothy Darren `Daz' Flowers of The Corps of Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, aged 25, Senior Aircraftsman Matthew Caulwell, aged 22 from Birmingham, Senior Aircraftsman Christopher Dunsmore, aged 29 from Leicester, Senior Aircraftsman Peter McFerran, aged 24 from Connah's Quay, Corporal Christopher Read, of 158 Provost Company, 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police, aged 22 from Poole, Dorset, Lance Corporal Ryan Francis, 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, aged 23 from Llanelli, Rifleman Edward Vakubua, 4th Battalion The Rifles, aged 23 from Fiji, Corporal Paul Joszko, 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh (The Royal Regiment of Wales), aged 28 from Mountain Ash, Wales and Private Scott Kennedy, Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regimentof Scotland, aged 20 from Oakley, Dunfermline.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34355","proposer":"10203","edm":"248","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 2)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Private James Kerr, Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, aged 20 from Cowdenbeath, Corporal John Rigby 4th Battalion The Rifles, aged 24 from Rye, Major Paul Harding, 4th Battalion The Rifles, aged 48, from Winchester, Lance Corporal James Cartwright, aged 21, from Badger Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, Corporal Rodney Wilson, aged 30, from 4th Battalion The Rifles, Corporal Jeremy Brookes, 4th Battalion the Rifles, aged 28 from Birmingham, Private Kevin Thompson, Royal Logistic Corps, aged 21 from Lancaster, Major Nick Bateson, Corps of Royal Signals, aged 49 from Kent, Rifleman Paul Donnachie, 2nd Battalion The Rifles, aged 18 from Reading, Kingsman Alan Joseph Jones, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 20 from Liverpool, Corporal Ben Leaning, The Queen's Royal Lancers, aged 24 from Scunthorpe, and Trooper Kristen Turton, The Queen's Royal Lancers, aged 27 from Grimsby, Colour Sergeant M L Powell, aged 37 from South Wales, and Sergeant Mark J McLaren, Royal Air Force, aged 27 from Northumberland, Second Lieutenant Joanna Yorke Dyer, aged 24 from Yeovil, Corporal Kris O'Neill, Royal Army Medical Corps, aged 27 from Catterick, Private Eleanor Dlugosz, Royal Army Medical Corps, aged 19 from Southampton, Kingsman Adam James Smith, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 19 from the Isle of Man and Rifleman Aaron Lincoln of the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, aged 18 from Durham.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34356","proposer":"10203","edm":"249","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 3)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Kingsman Wilson, 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 28 from Workington, Private Jonathon Dany Wysoczan, 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment, aged 21 from Stoke-on-Trent, Rifleman Daniel Lee Coffey, 2nd Battalion The Rifles, aged 21 from Exeter, Private Luke Daniel Simpson, 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, aged 21 from Howden, near York, Second Lieutenant Jonathan Carlos Bracho-Cooke, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 24 from Hove, Private Michael Tench, 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry, aged 18 from Sunderland, Kingsman Alex Green, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 21 from Warrington, Sergeant Wayne Rees, The Queen's Royal Lancers, aged 36 from Nottingham, Sergeant Graham Hesketh, 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 35 from Liverpool, Sergeant Jonathan Hollingsworth, the Parachute Regiment, Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins, Royal Corps of Signals, aged 35 from Wellingborough, Staff Sergeant Sharron Elliott, Intelligence Corps, aged 34 from Ipswich, Corporal Ben Nowak, 45 Commando Royal Marines, aged 27 from Liverpool, Marine Jason Hylton, 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, aged 33 from Burton-on-Trent, Kingsman Jamie Lee Hancock, 2nd Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, aged 19 from Wigan, Lieutenant Tom Tanswell, 58 (Eyre's) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 27 from London and Lance Corporal Dennis Brady, Royal Army Medical Corps, aged 37 from Barrow-in-Furness.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34357","proposer":"10203","edm":"250","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 4)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Gunner Lee Thornton, 58 (Eyre's) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 22 from Blackpool, Gunner Samuela Vanua, aged 27 from Fiji, and Gunner Stephen Robert Wright, aged 20 from Preston, Lancashire, both from 58 (Eyre's) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, Corporal Matthew Cornish, of 1 LI killed in Iraq, aged 29 from Yorkshire, Corporal John Johnston Cosby, 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, aged 28 from Belfast, Lieutenant Tom Mildinhall, aged 26 from Battersea, South London, and Lance Corporal Paul Farrelly, aged 27 from Runcorn, both from the Queen's Dragoon Guards, Private Joseva Lewaicei, aged 25 from Lautoka, Fiji, and Private Adam Morris, aged 19 from Leicester, both from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, Wing Commander John Coxen RAF, aged 47 from Liverpool, Lieutenant Commander Darren Chapman, Fleet Air Arm, aged 40, Captain David Dobson, Army Air Corps, aged 27, Flight Lieutenant Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill RAF, aged 32 from Canterbury, Marine Paul Collins, aged 21, Lieutenant Richard Palmer, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, aged 27, Captain Richard Holmes, aged 28, and Private Lee Ellis, aged 23, both from the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, Trooper Carl Smith, 9th\/12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's), aged 23 from Kettering, Corporal Gordon Alexander Pritchard, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, aged 21 and Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), aged 22 from Aberdeen.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34358","proposer":"10203","edm":"251","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 5)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Sergeant John Jones, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, aged 31, from Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, Sergeant Chris Hickey, 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards, Captain Ken Masters, Royal Military Police, aged 40, Major Matthew Bacon, Intelligence Corps, aged 34 from London, Fusilier Donal Anthony Meade, aged 20 from Plumstead in South East London, and Fusilier Stephen Robert Manning, aged 22 from Erith in Kent, both from the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Second Lieutenant Richard Shearer, aged 26 from Nuneaton, Private Leon Spicer, aged 26 from Tamworth, and Private Phillip Hewett, aged 21 from Tamworth, all from the 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment, Signaller Paul William Didsbury, 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support), aged 18, Lance Corporal Alan Brackenbury, The King's Royal Hussars, aged 21 from East Riding, Yorkshire, Guardsman Anthony John Wakefield, 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards, aged 24 from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Private Mark Dobson, Tyne-Tees Regiment, aged 41 from County Durham, Squadron Leader Patrick Marshall, Headquarters Strike Command, aged 39, Flight Lieutenant David Stead, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham aged 35 from Yorkshire, Flight Lieutenant Andrew Smith, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 25, Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 35, Master Engineer Gary Nicholson, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 42, Chief Technician Richard Brown, RAF Lyneham, aged 40, Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson, 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, aged 34 and Sergeant Robert O'Connor, RAF Lyneham, aged 38.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34359","proposer":"10203","edm":"252","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 6)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Corporal David Williams, RAF Lyneham, aged 37 and Acting Lance Corporal Steven Jones, Royal Signals, aged 25 from Fareham, Sergeant Paul Connolly, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, aged 33 from Crawley in West Sussex, Private Pita Tukutukuwaqa, The Black Watch, aged 27 from Fiji, Sergeant Stuart Gray, The Black Watch, aged 31 from Dunfermline, Fife, Private Paul Lowe, The Black Watch, aged 19 from Fife, Private Scott McArdle, The Black Watch, aged 22 from Glenrothes, Staff Sergeant Denise Michelle Rose, Royal Military Police, aged 34 from Liverpool, Private Kevin McHale, The Black Watch, aged 27 from Lochgelly in Fife, Corporal Marc Taylor, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, aged 27 from Ellesmere Port, Gunner David Lawrence, Royal Artillery, aged 25 from Wallsall, Fusilier Stephen Jones, The Royal Welch Fusiliers, aged 22 from Denbeigh, Lance Corporal Paul Thomas, The Light Infantry, aged 29 from Welshpool, Private Marc Ferns, The Black Watch, aged 21 from Glenrothes in Fife, Private Lee O'Callaghan, Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, age 20 from London, Private Christopher Rayment, Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, aged 22 from London, Flight Lieutenant Kristian Gover, 33 Squadron RAF, aged 30, Fusilier Gordon Gentle, Royal Highland Fusiliers, aged 19 from Glasgow, Corporal Richard Ivell, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, aged 29 from near Doncaster, South Yorkshire and Sapper Robert Thomson, Royal Engineers, aged 22 from West Lothian.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34360","proposer":"10203","edm":"253","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No.7)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Rifleman Vincent Windsor, Royal Green Jackets, aged 23 from Oxfordshire and Lance Corporal Andrew Craw, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, aged 21 from Clackmannanshire, Major James Stenner, Welsh Guards, aged 30 from Monmouthshire, Sergeant Norman Patterson, Cheshire Regiment, aged 28 from Staffordshire, Private Ryan Thomas, Royal Regiment of Wales, aged 18 from Resolven, near Neath in Glamorgan, Corporal Ian Plan, Royal Marines, aged 31 from Poole, Sergeant John Nightingale, 217 Transport Squadron, aged 32 from Leeds, Fusilier Russell Beeston, 52nd Lowland Regiment, aged 26 from Govan, Major Matthew Titchener, 150 Provost Company, aged 32 from Southport, Merseyside, Company Sergeant Major Colin Wall, 150 Provost Company, aged 34 from Crawleyside, County Durham, Corporal Dewi Pritchard, 116 Provost Company, aged 35 from Bridgend, Captain David Jones, Queen's Lancashire Regiment, aged 29 from Louth in Lincolnshire, Private Jason Smith, 52nd Lowland Regiment, aged 32 from Hawick, Captain James Linton, 40 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, aged 43 from Warminster, Sergeant Simon Hamilton-Jewell, aged 41 from Chessington, Corporal Russell Aston, aged 30 from Swadlincote, Corporal Paul Long, aged 24 from Colchester, Corporal Simon Miller, aged 21 from Washington, Tyne and Wear, Lance-Corporal Benjamin Hyde, aged 23 from Northallerton in Yorkshire, Lance-Corporal Thomas Keys, aged 20 from Llanuwchllyn, near Bala in Wales, Mr Leonard Harvey, aged 55, based at Wattisham in Suffolk and Corporal David Shepherd, Royal Air Force Police, aged 34.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34361","proposer":"10203","edm":"254","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 8)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Gunner Duncan Pritchard, 16 Squadron RAF Regiment, aged 22 and Private Andrew Kelly, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, aged 18 from Tavistock, Lance Corporal James McCue, 7 Air Assault Battalion, REME, aged 27 from Paisley, Fusilier Kelan Turrington, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, aged 18, Lance Corporal Ian Malone, 1st Battalion, aged 28 from Dublin, and Piper Christopher Muzvuru, aged 21 from Zimbabwe, both from the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, Lieutenant Alexander Tweedie, aged 25, and Lance Corporal Karl Shearer, both from the Household Cavalry Regiment, Staff Sergeant Chris Muir, Army School of Ammunition, Royal Logistic Corps, aged 32 from Romsey in Hampshire, Lance Corporal Shaun Brierley, 212 Signal Squadron, 1 (UK) Armoured Division HQ and Signal Regiment, aged 28 from West Yorkshire, Marine Christopher Maddison, 9 Assault Squadron Royal Marines, aged 24 from Scarborough, Major Steve Ballard, 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, aged 33, from Swindon, Lance Corporal of Horse Matty Hull, Household Cavalry Regiment, aged 25 from Windsor, Corporal Stephen Allbutt, aged 35 from Stoke-on-Trent, and Trooper David Clarke, aged 19 from Littleworth, Staffordshire both from the Queen's Royal Lancers, Lance Corporal Barry Stephen, 1st Battalion the Black Watch, aged 31 from Perth; Sergeant Steven Roberts, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, aged 33 from Bradford and Sapper Luke Allsopp, 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD), aged 24 from North London.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34362","proposer":"10203","edm":"255","session":"2007-08","title":"Fatalities In Iraq (No. 9)","text":"That this House salutes the bravery of the armed forces serving in Iraq and records with sorrow the deaths of Staff Sergeant Simon Cullingworth, 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD), aged 36 from Essex, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Barry Main, Pilot IX (B) Squadron and Flight Lieutenant David Rhys Williams, Navigator, IX (B) Squadron, Lieutenant Philip Green RN, aged 30 from Caythorpe, Lincolnshire, Lieutenant Andy King RN, aged 35 from Helston, Cornwall, Lieutenant Marc Lawrence RN, aged 26 from Westgate-on-Sea, Kent, Lieutenant Philip West RN, aged 32 from Budock Water, Cornwall, Lieutenant James Williams RN, aged 28 from Falmouth, Cornwall and Lieutenant Andrew Wilson RN, aged 26 from Exeter all from 849 Squadron, RNAS Culdrose, Colour Sergeant John Cecil, Royal Marines, UK Landing Force Command Support Group, aged 35 from Plymouth, Lance Bombardier Llywelyn Evans, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 24 from Llandudno, Captain Philip Stuart Guy, Royal Marines, aged 29 from Skipton, Yorkshire, Marine Sholto Hedenskog, Royal Marines, aged 26, from Cape Town, South Africa, Sergeant Les Hehir, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 34, from Poole, Dorset, Operator Mechanic (Communications) Second Class Ian Seymour RN, 148 Commando Battery Royal Artillery, aged 29 years, from Poole, Dorset, Warrant Officer Second Class Mark Stratford, Royal Marines, aged 39, from Plymouth and Major Jason Ward, Royal Marines, UK Landing Force Command Support Group, aged 34 from Torquay in Devon.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34363","proposer":"10213","edm":"256","session":"2007-08","title":"Military Covenant (No. 2)","text":"That this House pays tribute to the Royal British Legion campaign Honour the Covenant; notes that the Military Convenant enshrines the agreement between the nation and the armed forces that service personnel will forsake their own safety in the defence of others, in return for which the state will support them and their families in times of need; further notes that service personnel have not always received vital equipment in theatre; believes that serving military personnel and veterans must be able to trust the Government to look after the wellbeing of the armed forces and their families; further believes that this Government has so far failed to honour their commitment to the Military Covenant; and calls on the Government to uphold its half of the bargain.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34320","proposer":"10436","edm":"218","session":"2007-08","title":"Campaign Medal For Bomber Command","text":"That this House considers that it is more than time that a campaign medal should be issued for those who served in Bomber Command between 1940 and victory in 1945; recognises the enormous achievement of Bomber Command's volunteer pilots' air crew in crippling the Nazi war machine and paving the way for the 1944 invasion of Europe, in the course of which Bomber Command lost 1,500 heavy bombers and 56,000 lives, mainly air crew, all sacrificed for their country; and further considers that the failure of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals at the end of the war to recognise service in Bomber Command as an operational qualification for decorations was a mistake that should now be rectified for this unique service.","date":"2007-11-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34335","proposer":"10055","edm":"233","session":"2007-08","title":"Super Garrison In North West England","text":"That this House notes that the Ministry of Defence will shortly determine the siting of the remaining super garrisons; further notes that the north west of England is a major recruitment area for the Army and is presently under-represented compared with other regions in the provision of military bases; and calls upon the Ministry of Defence to establish a super garrison in the region.","date":"2007-11-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34307","proposer":"10295","edm":"205","session":"2007-08","title":"Poppy Appeal","text":"That this House pays its respects to those who have lost their lives during conflicts across the world; recognises the sacrifice made by millions of people who have lost their lives, not only during the two world wars, but in other conflicts and peace-keeping operations; pays tribute to the Royal British Legion through the Poppy Appeal, which helps raise awareness about the loss of life suffered, in addition to raising funds in order to allow the Legion to carry out its important work and particular campaigns which benefit veterans and their families such as the current Broken Covenant Campaign; and urges everyone to support the Poppy Appeal, which helps support veterans and their families in many different ways.","date":"2007-11-12","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34091","proposer":"10521","edm":"1","session":"2007-08","title":"ROYAL BRITISH LEGION'S MILITARY COVENANT CAMPAIGN","text":"That this House welcomes the Royal British Legion's campaign calling on the nation and Parliament to honour the military covenant; recognises the important role that the organisation plays in the provision of welfare support for serving men and women, veterans and their families; and urges all hon. and right hon. Members to pledge their support to the campaign to improve conditions in the areas of healthcare, compensation and support for bereaved families.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34099","proposer":"10203","edm":"9","session":"2007-08","title":"Helmand Mission","text":"That this House salutes the courage and professionalism of UK troops engaged in Afghanistan; recalls the hope expressed that the Helmand mission could be completed within three years without a shot being fired; notes that in Helmand two and a half million rounds have been discharged and \u00c2\u00a31 billion spent and, while only seven British soldiers died in Afghanistan in the first five years since 2001, 73 British personnel have lost their lives since the start of the Helmand mission; regrets that the \u00c2\u00a3250 million of British taxpayers' money spent on drug eradication has resulted in an increase of 60 per cent. in the poppy harvest; is appalled at the forecast by a British commander that the conflict may last for 38 years; regrets that the threat of terrorism in Britain and worldwide has increased; fears that civilian casualties are losing the hearts and minds support of Afghans and others worldwide; believes that a military solution is not possible; and calls for a thorough reassessment of the wisdom of the Helmand mission.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34119","proposer":"11318","edm":"29","session":"2007-08","title":"Fisheries Enforcement And The Royal Navy Fisheries Protection Squadron","text":"That this House notes the importance of effective fisheries enforcement for sustainable fisheries management; congratulates the Fishery Protection Squadron, which is the oldest front line squadron in the Royal Navy, for its work in upholding marine laws; acknowledges that between 1997 and June 2007 Royal Navy Fisheries Patrol Vessels and Aerial Surveillance have resulted in 380 skippers and 205 owners being convicted of offences related to the violation of fisheries rules; further notes that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Marine and Fisheries Agency have negotiated with the Royal Navy a new agreement for fisheries protection that comes into effect from 1st April 2008; is concerned that under this new agreement the number of patrol days could be as low as 600 per year compared to 1,130 patrol days in 1997-98, representing a cut of almost 50 per cent.; and calls upon the Government to ensure the reduction in the number of patrol days does not compromise the protection of UK seas and enforcement of fisheries rules.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34185","proposer":"11427","edm":"95","session":"2007-08","title":"Honour The Brave Campaign","text":"That this House recognises the bravery, dedication and sacrifice of members of the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq; applauds the Daily Mirror's Honour the Brave campaign; and calls on the Government to ensure that all personnel in the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force killed or wounded in enemy action are awarded a medal.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34192","proposer":"10790","edm":"102","session":"2007-08","title":"Ex-Servicemen And Women","text":"That this House believes that all ex-servicemen and women should be treated equally in the payment of pensions, regardless of when they served in Her Majesty's armed forces.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"},{"topic":"Armed forces","id":"34197","proposer":"11406","edm":"107","session":"2007-08","title":"Military Covenant","text":"That this House strongly supports the aims of the Royal British Legion's Military Covenant campaign; recognises the extraordinary commitment and bravery of UK armed forces and their families; notes that the Military Covenant states that service personnel will be `called upon to make personal sacrifices, including the ultimate sacrifice, in the service of the nation' and that, in return, they will be able to expect ` fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service'; questions whether this solemn promise has been upheld by the Government; and calls on Ministers to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of service people and their families and to ensure that bereaved service families are appropriately supported, financially and otherwise, following the loss of loved ones in the line of duty.","date":"2007-11-06","status":"c"}]