Defence Business Services office closures

That this House notes the decision by the Government to close offices of Defence Business Services in Liverpool and Cheadle Hulme in order to relocate staff to a new site at Talbot Gate in Blackpool; expresses concern at the way the Government has handled the process with the decision being initially announced at Conservative Party Spring Conference this year before being formally announced on 2 August; highlights that the new site is not actually expected to be open until early 2026 with the consequence that staff will have to be temporarily based at Thornton Cleveleys once Walker House in Liverpool is closed by November 2023; further expresses concern that many of the staff affected are low paid or have caring commitments which could make it difficult to relocate or commute; highlights the knowledge and skills which would be lost if staff are made redundant or leave and the impact that could have on the delivery of services, including Veteran Services; and calls on the Government to halt the closure of the offices in Liverpool and Manchester and reconsider the decision.