House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Lord Moonie
Asked on: 12 May 2020
Ministry of Defence
Mali: Armed Forces
HL4244
To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Armed Forces personnel were planned to be deployed to Mali in 2020; and what was the anticipated (1) length, and (2) objective, of any such deployment.
A
Answered by: Baroness Goldie
Answered on: 27 May 2020
As announced in July 2019, the UK is due to deploy 250 peacekeepers to the UN’s mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The first unit is planned to deploy in 2020 and will be led by the Light Dragoons. The deployment will last an initial period of three years. The deployment’s objectives are aligned with the UN mission’s mandate of: supporting the Malian peace process; security sector reform; assisting the reestablishment of State authority; protecting civilians; and promoting human rights.
The UK also currently has three CH-47 helicopters committed to France’s counter-terror mission in the Sahel, Operation BARKHANE, in a non-combat, heavy-lift capacity role. This was initially agreed as part of the January 2018 UK-France Summit. This commitment is currently due to end in June 2020 and discussions are ongoing regarding a possible extension. Operation BARKHANE is a French-led operation and the objectives focus on preventing the re-establishment of any safe havens for terrorist forces in the region.
The UK also has military and civilian staff in the EU’s Training Mission (EUTM) in Mali. UK contributions to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations will be maintained during the Transition Period. The objectives for these UK personnel are focused on the delivery of international humanitarian law training, in support of EUTM’s current mandate which aims to train, educate and advise Malian Armed Forces.
Q
Asked by Baroness Hodgson of Abinger
Asked on: 18 May 2020
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy
HL4571
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they think that work will recommence on the upcoming Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy and, if undecided, whether they will announce when this recommences.
A
Answered by: Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Answered on: 27 May 2020
Following the Chancellor’s announcement that the Comprehensive Spending Review is being delayed, the Integrated Review has been paused given the pressing need to focus on COVID-19. We will return to the Integrated Review when appropriate to do so, aligned with the CSR, ensuring that we engage with all relevant stakeholders.
Q
Asked by Sir John Hayes
(South Holland and The Deepings)
Asked on: 15 May 2020
Ministry of Defence
China: Armed Forces
47179
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the expansion of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
A
Answered by: James Heappey
Answered on: 26 May 2020
Safeguarding our national security will always be the first priority of the British Government. Defence continuously monitors and plans against all international developments which might have implications for the UK’s interests and those of our allies. The Ministry of Defence has a working relationship with the People’s Liberation Army that enables an ongoing exchange of views. Needless to say, we are watching closely the development of Chinese military capability.