Mike Penning: The Arctic Emblem (AE) was commissioned in 2006 to recognise the service of Armed Forces veterans who served in the Arctic Region between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945. The Arctic Star was instituted in 2012 following the first part of Sir John Holmes’ independent review into the rules and principles governing the award of military campaign medals. The Arctic Star adopted the...

Mike Penning: On 6 March 2017, at the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), EU Member States agreed to establish the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) for non-executive military missions only. The MPCC will be part of the existing EU Military Staff and its current Director General will also be the Director of the MPCC - there is no such post as EU Operations Commander in Brussels, these roles...

Mike Penning: There are currently seven RAF pilots who have been trained to operate P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, as at 20 March 2017.

Mike Penning: I am withholding this information as providing planned numbers would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. However, the P8-A programme will train sufficient pilots to deliver operational requirements.

Mike Penning: The Royal Navy is constantly evolving its recruitment marketing methods, using specific advertising campaigns, web based media, radio, social media, print and appearances at recruitment events. To address the issue of recruitment to technical specialisations the Royal Navy employs a range of mechanisms to attract and develop such recruits including apprenticeship schemes and staged...

Mike Penning: The RAF is actively promoting careers in the engineering branch through: University Road Shows at universities with courses which focus on Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM); through specifically targeted marketing and media campaigns; and via Station events. The RAF is also offering attractive incentives such as sponsorship of STEM based university students, a 'Golden Hello' for...

Mike Penning: We remain committed to tackling illegal trapping and poaching of birds in the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA). Over the last twelve months we have arrested 55 poachers and conducted 39 police-led operations, seizing 3,031 items of netting equipment. Since November 2014, we have removed 61 acres of acacia at a cost of over €400,000. The Sovereign Base Areas Administration will continue to...

Mike Penning: The following bases in the UK are made available to the United States Visiting Forces: RAF Alconbury RAF Barford St. John RAF Croughton RAF Fairford RAF Feltwell RAF Lakenheath RAF Menwith Hill RAF Mildenhall RAF Molesworth RAF Welford

Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my hon. Friend the then Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans (Anna Soubry), on 8 May 2014, (Official Report, column 278W), and 10 October 2013, (Official Report, columns 414-15W). There are no plans to institute a specific award for the Coleshill Auxiliers. However, please be assured that this does not imply that their contribution to the...

Mike Penning: We are grateful for the comments received, including those from the hon. Member, and will announce our conclusions in due course.