Question reference: S5W-04864
- Asked by: Christina McKelvie, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 21 November 2016
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Current status: Answered by Keith Brown on 30 November 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the findings of the Medact report, The Recruitment of Children by the UK Armed Forces, what representations it will make to the UK Government regarding the implementation of recommendations in relation to young recruits.
Answer
The Scottish Government supports the Armed Forces and the contribution they make to our communities. We would also expect that the MoD fully complies with the provisions of the Armed Forces Act and the “Policy on the Care of Service Personnel under the Age of 18” and other policies designed to provide safeguards for the care of those personnel.
Matters of defence, including recruitment to the Armed Forces, are reserved to the UK Government and it is therefore a matter for them to respond to the report’s conclusions. The Scottish Government is examining the Medact report and will ensure that its conclusions are communicated to the Ministry of Defence.