{"value":{"id":1782011,"askingMemberId":5072,"askingMember":null,"house":"Commons","memberHasInterest":false,"dateTabled":"2025-03-06T00:00:00","dateForAnswer":"2025-03-11T00:00:00","uin":"36183","questionText":"To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to manage the potential impact of recent legal cases against veterans on trends in the level of recruitment for the Armed Forces.","answeringBodyId":11,"answeringBodyName":"Ministry of Defence","isWithdrawn":false,"isNamedDay":true,"groupedQuestions":[],"answerIsHolding":false,"answerIsCorrection":false,"answeringMemberId":5235,"answeringMember":null,"correctingMemberId":null,"correctingMember":null,"dateAnswered":"2025-03-11T00:00:00","answerText":"<p>Across Defence, a range of surveys and polls are regularly used which indicate broad engagement levels and attitudes towards the Armed Forces. The information is routinely used to ensure that Armed Forces’ recruitment activity can most effectively attract the best possible talent that the Armed Forces need.</p><p> </p><p>We expect the highest standards of our Service personnel. The overwhelming majority meet those expectations and serve with great distinction, but we rightly hold them to account when they fall short of these expectations. Equally though, we recognise the importance of doing everything we can, within the law, to protect serving personnel and veterans from repeat, malicious and often self-serving allegations. We will continue to explore options for enhancing these protections. Legal and pastoral support is provided to veterans affected by legal proceedings.</p>","originalAnswerText":"","comparableAnswerText":"","dateAnswerCorrected":null,"dateHoldingAnswer":null,"attachmentCount":0,"heading":"Veterans: Civil Proceedings","attachments":[],"groupedQuestionsDates":[]},"links":[{"rel":"self","href":"/Questions/1782011","method":"GET"}]}