Earlier today I thanked all Armed Forces personnel in Carshalton and Wallington for all they have done to help tackle coronavirus.
There are hundreds of defence personnel across London who have been seconded to hospitals throughout the duration of the pandemic, fulfilling medical and general roles. I asked the Minister what plans the MOD has for continuing that offer of support in the coming months.
I was pleased that he took the opportunity to thank defence personnel for supporting the NHS across London over the past year, and also recognised the NHS and frontline workers, those in wards and in the back of ambulances, across the country throughout the pandemic.
The Minister confirmed that besides MACA - military aid to the civil authorities - support for specific tasks, the MOD has an enduring presence within the NHS for training and personnel placements. Work is being done to expand that for future opportunities, given the experience of working alongside the brilliant NHS clinicians throughout the pandemic.