Defence Ministers were answering questions in the Commons. Subjects
covered included... Royal Navy Fisheries Protection Equipment
Plan 2017 to 2027 Cyber-attacks Security Threat: Russia
UK Defence Industry Afghanistan Accommodation
Model Combat Aircraft Design Leaving the EU: Aerospace
Industry...Request free trial
Defence Ministers were answering questions in the Commons. Subjects
covered included...
To read any of these in greater detail, click on the link or see
below.
Royal Navy Fisheries Protection
-
(Waveney) (Con)
1. What assessment he has made of the level of fisheries
protection to be provided by the Royal Navy after the UK
leaves the EU. [905742]
-
(North Cornwall) (Con)
21. What assessment he has made of the capacity of the Royal
Navy to protect UK fisheries after the UK leaves the EU.
[905763]
-
The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)
The Royal Navy plays a crucial role in patrolling the seas
around the United Kingdom. As we leave the European Union,
the needs and level of activity will change, and we are
working with other Departments to assess what is required.
The Royal Navy will continue to play a vital role in
protecting UK waters.
-
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer.
Given that fisheries protection will be an important
component of a sustainable post-Brexit UK fishing policy, has
the Secretary of State liaised with his counterpart at the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about what
funds will be available to the Royal Navy for fisheries
protection and whether the number of operational days will be
increased?
-
The Department received an extra £12 million from the
Treasury that we prioritised for that area. We are in
dialogue with our DEFRA colleagues to ensure that we have the
right levels of policing and support in our territorial
waters. The Royal Navy is absolutely committed to delivering
that, and we will work with DEFRA to ensure that it happens.
-
Will the Secretary of State consider basing the Type 26 and
Type 31e frigates in Devonport to protect Cornwall and Devon,
and to support the great inshore fisheries and conservation
authorities that currently protect the waters?
-
My hon. Friend is a great champion of the fishermen of the
north Cornwall coast, and I imagine that the deployment of
the Type 26 would certainly see off the French and Spanish
swiftly. He will be pleased to know that Plymouth will
shortly be receiving an extra Type 23 frigate, which will be
based at Devonport, and while I am sure that she will do some
fisheries protection work, she will also be doing other work
right around the globe.
-
(West
Dunbartonshire) (SNP)
Concerning the Royal Navy, SNP Members are most interested to
hear whether the modernising defence programme will be
grounded in the vacuous “global Britain” speak of Brexiteers,
or if it will actually acknowledge the UK’s geostrategic
location? Will the Secretary of State assure SNP Members
that, unlike the 2010 and 2015 strategic defence and security
reviews, the modernising defence programme will explicitly
mention the north Atlantic and the high north, and their
centrality to the assumptions made therein?
-
Mr Speaker
And fisheries.
-
And fisheries.
-
Mr Speaker
Well done.
-
The programme will mention fisheries, the high north and
everything else that I am sure the hon. Gentleman would love
to see in it.
-
(Newbury) (Con)
The Fishery Protection Squadron is the oldest established
unit in the Royal Navy, but does my right hon. Friend agree
that technology is moving on and that a combination of data
analytics, satellite imaging and the protections that we are
now able to deploy around the Pitcairn Islands marine
protected area, for example, are the sorts of technologies
that we can add to save costs?
-
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. We need to consider
new technologies to assist the Royal Navy and its work. It is
a large ocean and there are many threats involved in ensuring
that it is properly policed, so we need to embrace new
technology, working hand in hand with the Royal Navy, to
ensure that our waters are safe from foreign fishermen
intruding into our territory.
-
Several hon. Members rose—
-
Mr Speaker
Oh, very well; I call .
-
(Cleethorpes)
(Con)
I am encouraged by what I hear from the Secretary of State
about extra resources being made available. We anticipate an
increase in the fishing fleet post-Brexit, so will he assure
me that the fisheries protection fleet will expand
accordingly?
-
We will be examining what capability our fisheries protection
fleet needs. Three offshore patrol vessels are currently
engaged in this work, so we will be considering whether that
needs to be expanded and how to fund it properly.
Equipment Plan 2017 to 2027
-
Mr (Coventry South)
(Lab)
2. What recent assessment he has made of the affordability of
his Department’s equipment plan 2017 to 2027. [905743]
-
Graham P. Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab)
22. What recent assessment he has made of the affordability
of his Department’s equipment plan 2017 to 2027. [905764]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto
Bebb)
We are taking steps to ensure strategic affordability through
the modernising defence programme and our annual financial
management processes. The cost of the plan is reviewed on an
ongoing basis, and we expect to publish the equipment plan
financial summary for 2018 to 2028 in the autumn.
-
Mr Cunningham
Can the Minister confirm that the Government still intend to
procure the full 138 F-35s, as previously announced?
-
It gave me great pleasure to be present at RAF Marham on
Wednesday to welcome the first four F-35s. As the hon.
Gentleman is aware, the first 48 are fully paid for and
committed to. We are looking at everything in the modernising
defence programme, but the current situation is that we still
anticipate the purchase of 138 F-35s.
-
Graham P. Jones
The Public Accounts Committee said in a recent report:
“The Equipment Plan for 2017 to 2027 is not realistic and the
Department lacks cost control.”
Does the Secretary of State share my deep concern about his
Department’s equipment budget being in such an appalling
state?
-
I am sure that the Secretary of State shares my view that the
Public Accounts Committee does an important job, but it is
important to state that the assumptions made in the National
Audit Office report, which underpin the report of the Public
Accounts Committee, highlight the possibility that every
single project will end up with no efficiency savings and
that the worst-case scenario will be achieved on cost
controls. We are very confident we have an equipment plan
that is affordable but, as I have stated, we are looking at
all issues as part of the modernising defence programme.
-
Mr (Kettering)
(Con)
How many drones will we have for the RAF, the Royal Navy and
the Army by 2027, both for reconnaissance and for taking out
our enemies?
-
I am happy to concede that my hon. Friend has caught me on
the hop. I am not able to give him a specific answer at this
time, but I am sure that he will allow me to write to him to
confirm those figures in due course.
-
(Ayr, Carrick and
Cumnock) (Con)
Can the Minister confirm that the Type 26 frigates are being
built within budget and will continue to provide jobs for the
Scottish workforce for years to come?
-
I can confirm that the Type 26 project is going extremely
well. The first blocks have been built, the steel has been
cut and the first three ships have been named. The really
important point, which was highlighted in a recent
Westminster Hall debate, is the fact that the last
apprentices to work on the Type 26 project have not yet been
born. That shows the long-term commitment to shipbuilding on
the Clyde that the Type 26 project represents.
-
Mr (North Durham) (Lab)
The NAO estimates that, of the £9.6 billion shortfall in the
equipment budget, £1.3 billion is for the new Type 31e
frigate. Can the Minister assure the House that, in the
autumn, the budget line for the Type 31e will be included in
the financial summary?
-
The key submission for the Type 31 is that the procurement is
going extremely well. It is currently on target, and our
expectation is that the £1.25 billion budget for five Type 31
frigates will be achieved.
-
(West Aberdeenshire and
Kincardine) (Con)
Does my hon. Friend agree that the arrival of the F-35s on
British shores is a signal to the world that “global Britain”
is not empty rhetoric, as some would have us believe, but a
demonstrable fact?
-
I agree with my hon. Friend that that is a statement of our
aspiration, and it is also a significant statement on the
contribution of defence to our national prosperity. Some
3,500 F-35s will be procured worldwide, and 15% of them will
be produced here in the United Kingdom. That is equivalent to
525 platforms, which is a significant vote of confidence in
UK industry.
-
(Glasgow North West)
(SNP)
Can the Minister confirm to the House the details of a letter
he sent to me saying that the fleet support vessels will be
bound by EU rules on state aid?
-
The situation, as per the shipbuilding strategy and as per
the letter I sent to the hon. Lady, is that we are looking to
procure the fleet solid support ships. The shipbuilding
strategy aims to ensure that we have a strong shipbuilding
sector, and a strong sector also needs a degree of
competition. We are protecting warships as a national
capability, but we are opening other elements of the
shipbuilding strategy to international competition.
-
(North West
Leicestershire) (Con)
Does the Minister agree that keeping our armed forces
equipped to the very highest standard, well led and with a
strong fighting spirit, is the best deterrent our country
has?
-
I could not agree more.
-
(Caerphilly) (Lab)
“Not affordable”, “not realistic”, “not complete”,
“unbalanced” and “unmanageable”—those are some of the politer
things that have been said about the Government’s equipment
plan. The comments have been made not by the Government’s
political opponents, but by the Public Accounts Committee and
the National Audit Office. Not since the end of the second
world war have there been such devastating criticisms of a
Government defence programme.
This £20.8 billion black hole in the MOD’s equipment plan has
arisen due to this Government’s shameful incompetence. How do
they intend to get out of this mess, and can we look forward
to extra resources from the modernising defence programme?
-
I would say, at the risk of repeating myself, that the
National Audit Office and the Public Accounts Committee do
important work for this House, but I should highlight the
fact—I have said this once but I will say it again—that the
figures quoted in the NAO report were a worst-case scenario.
It looked at every single project hitting the worst-case
scenario and at no efficiencies whatsoever being created
within the programme. We are considering all these issues as
part of our modernising defence programme, but I genuinely
say to the hon. Gentleman that he should read the report with
a bit more care and understand it.
Cyber-attacks
-
(Gillingham and Rainham)
(Con)
3. What recent assessment his Department has made of the
threat posed to UK security by cyber-attacks. [905744]
-
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)
The Ministry of Defence takes cyber-threats very seriously,
and we regularly assess our ability to defend against them.
We are strengthening our defences against increasingly
sophisticated attacks through a wide range of technical,
operational and administrative measures, including close
co-operation with the National Cyber Security Centre.
-
I thank the Minister for that answer. Will he clarify how
much the Government intend to spend during this Parliament to
improve UK cyber-security?
-
I am grateful for that question as it gives me the
opportunity to highlight that we have invested and continue
to invest in cyber-capabilities, including with the opening
of the defence cyber-school in March, a £40 million
investment in a new cyber-security operations capability, and
£265 million towards a new cyber-vulnerability investigation
programme.
-
(Bridgend) (Lab)
The further east one goes, the greater the awareness of the
cyber-threat in individual countries. Lithuania, Estonia,
Poland and Sweden have all published advice on how to deal
with that threat. What do this Government intend to do to
build resilience among the British people and understanding
of botnets, hacktivists and all the other ways in which
Russia is attacking our political and social institutions?
-
I think that we are well on our way. The 2015 national
security strategy reaffirmed cyber as a top tier 1 risk. That
was precisely why we opened the NCSC, which helps to
co-ordinate the work of government and the private sector. It
is also why we now consider cyber to be essential in our
armed forces’ core skills.
-
(Wakefield) (Lab)
The Minister’s reply shows astonishing complacency. We know
that cyber-attacks are a key plank of Russia’s hybrid
warfare, where fake news, Twitter bots and even ambassadors
are used to create confusion, for example regarding the
findings of the investigation into MH17. What steps is the
Minister taking to educate the British public about the way
in which Russia is systematically using our open, democratic,
free society to weaken the European Union and to return to a
Europe of nation states controlled by spheres of influence?
-
Frankly, I am staggered that the hon. Lady thinks that £1.9
billion of investment somehow represents complacency from
this Government. I have already outlined exactly how the MOD
is investing in cyber. In case she has not visited—it would
be interesting to know whether she has—let me say that we
also have the NCSC, which is only a mile down the road. If
she has not been, perhaps she should go to have a look for
herself at what the Government are doing to respond to her
request.
Security Threat: Russia
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
4. What discussions he had with other NATO member states on
the potential security threat posed by Russia. [905745]
-
The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)
I met NATO Defence Ministers met last week to discuss
progress towards next month’s summit. The UK wants NATO to
strengthen its deterrence and defence capabilities while
ensuring that dialogue with Russia continues as part of the
alliance’s commitment to avoiding misunderstanding and
miscalculation.
-
Mr Sheerman
I tabled this question before the disastrous consequences of
the failure of the G7 in Canada. Does it not seem as though
this country is back in the 1939—isolated from Europe, with
NATO under threat and with a big gulf between us and our
traditional United States ally? What is the Secretary of
State going to do about it?
-
In my discussions with the US Defence Secretary, he has been
clear about the US commitment to NATO and European defence.
Let us not underestimate how supportive the US has been of
NATO, or its commitment over the next couple of years to pump
resources, troops and money into ensuring that our defence is
the very best we can possibly have.
-
(North Wiltshire)
(Con)
NATO is quite rightly concentrating on the Russian threat to
the east and to the south-east of Europe, but what more can
we do to encourage it to take an interest in the high north
and the Arctic, where the Russians have recently built eight
new military bases at enormous cost? They also have huge
submarine activity coming out into the north Atlantic and
have reinvented the old bastion concept that was left over
from the cold war. Surely there is a huge threat there and
NATO has to do something about it.
-
We have seen a considerable increase in Russian activity in
the high north, and we have seen an increase in our activity
in the high north as well, with HMS Trenchant taking part in
ICEX—Ice Exercise 18—and the announcement of the additional
Astute class submarine, HMS Agincourt. This is all about how
we invest to keep ourselves safe and the north Atlantic free
from threats.
-
(Wirral South)
(Lab)
Further airstrikes in Syria on Friday left civilians dead and
injured. What conversations has the Secretary of State had
with our NATO colleagues about how we can make sure that
Russia upholds international humanitarian law?
-
Syria is yet another of those areas of conflict where we see
Russia so heavily involved. We have been working with the
Syrian Democratic Forces to make sure that we give the level
of support that is needed, and we will continue to have a
dialogue with our allies to do everything we can to bring a
peaceful solution to Syria. We need a diplomatic dialogue and
Russia has to step up to the plate. It has to recognise that
it needs to put pressure on the Assad regime to stop the
dreadful, atrocious actions that are continuing to be carried
out on the Syrian people. This has to be brought to an end.
-
(Mid Worcestershire)
(Con)
Will the Secretary of State confirm the role that Romania is
playing in tackling the Russian threat and what resources the
UK is putting into Romania?
-
We have been working closely with Romania, with Royal Marines
working closely with Romanian defence forces, but more
recently the Royal Air Force has been deployed in Romania to
deliver air policing over that country and its neighbours. As
a result of that RAF support, there has been a significant
drop-off in the number of Russian incursions.
-
Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)
Just a couple of weeks ago, myself and SNP colleagues
returned from the Ukrainian town of Avdiivka, which is just
two miles from the contact line of the conflict. We witnessed
at first hand what Russian aggression really looks like
against civilians, yet at the weekend President Trump made
the astonishing claim that President Obama was to blame for
the illegal invasion of Crimea. Will the Secretary of State
set the record straight that this Government do not hold that
view and that Russia is to blame for the illegal invasion of
Crimea?
-
Russia is solely to blame for the illegal invasion of Ukraine
and the activities that have occurred there.
-
Stewart Malcolm McDonald
I am extremely grateful for that answer.
Thinking of national security in the broadest context and
Russian influence, of course we learned at the weekend of
revelations concerning Russian influence operations as far UK
electoral contests go, which showed that Russia’s operations
are as widespread as they are pernicious. What action is the
Secretary of State taking in government and with NATO allies
to crack down on Russian money flowing through London and to
reform Scottish limited partnerships? Does he agree that that
is not only in our interest, but in the collective interest
of our partners, including Ukraine?
-
Mr Speaker
The hon. Gentleman has completed his disquisition and we are
deeply grateful to him for doing so.
-
A number of the areas that the hon. Gentleman touched on are
probably more suitable for Treasury questions, but we
continue to work with our allies to make sure that everything
that we can do is implemented to stop the flow of Russian
money into our country and others.
UK Defence Industry
-
(Weaver Vale)
(Lab)
5. What steps he is taking to support the UK defence
industry. [905746]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto
Bebb)
We are committed to supporting a thriving and internationally
competitive defence sector. We have published our national
shipbuilding strategy and refreshed our defence industrial
policy, and we are developing a combat air strategy. In
March, the Defence Secretary announced he had invited my hon.
Friend the Member for Ludlow (Mr Dunne) to conduct a review
of the defence contribution to prosperity, and I look forward
to the publication of that report shortly.
-
The fleet solid support ship contract said that there would
be the potential to bring jobs and work to shipyards across
the UK. Does the Minister not agree that those ships should
be built in Britain, and will he make this a UK-only
competition?
-
I have consistently argued that the national shipbuilding
strategy should be supported across the House, as it offers
real support for our shipbuilding industry. We designate
warships as a sovereign capability to be built in the UK.
Other ships are open to international competition, but I am
confident that there will be British yards putting in bids
for that work.
-
(Witney) (Con)
17. When considering a replacement for the RAF’s airborne
warning and control system fleet, will the Minister commit to
holding an open competition so that bids from all defence
partners—from the UK as well as abroad—can be considered?
Will he also consider whether Sentry and Sentinel may in
future be replaced by one aircraft type? [905758]
-
My hon. Friend is well known for his championing of issues to
do with the Royal Air Force. It is important to say that the
Ministry of Defence is currently going through a process of
considering the replacement for that capability, and we are
also considering the situation with regard to Sentinel moving
forward. A decision will be made in due course, and he will
be informed at that point.
-
(Birkenhead) (Lab)
When the Minister sits down after this series of questions,
will he remind the Secretary of State, who I see is not
listening, that he has been to a number of yards that will
compete with Cammell Laird, but not to Cammell Laird itself?
When he is deciding on the shipbuilding programme, he needs
to be seen to be fair as well as awarding us orders.
-
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. The
process will be seen to be fair, because it will be fair.
This is a real commitment that we are providing to the
shipbuilding sector. We are absolutely committed to it, and
we have adopted the shipbuilding strategy. I hope that he
will have confidence in the process.
-
(Chelmsford) (Con)
Engineers in Great Baddow in Chelmsford have been designing
world-class radar systems for generations. Will the Minister
take into account local skills and jobs when awarding the
next contract, to make sure that British capabilities are not
compromised?
-
My hon. Friend makes an important point about taking into
account the whole contribution made to our economy when a
contract is awarded. She will be interested in the new
Treasury Green Book and also in some of the conclusions made
by my hon. Friend the Member for Ludlow in his report on
prosperity.
Afghanistan
-
(Cardiff South and
Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)
6. What plans he has for additional UK force deployments to
Afghanistan. [905747]
-
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)
No decisions have been taken on sending additional UK troops
to Afghanistan. The UK makes an important contribution to the
non-combat NATO mission in Afghanistan, where our troop
commitment is kept under regular review to ensure that it
remains suited to the needs of the mission.
-
The Minister will be aware that, just today, 12 civilians,
including women and children, have been killed in a suicide
bombing attack outside a Ministry in Kabul. This is part of a
string of attacks that have happened despite ceasefire
efforts by President Ghani. Does the Minister agree that we
very much need to protect the gains that we have made at the
expense of blood and treasure in Afghanistan over many, many
years, and will he consider looking at whether we need to
provide more support to the Afghan security forces?
-
The hon. Gentleman makes a very reasonable point. He will
understand that, as I spent time in Afghanistan myself in
2006, this subject is very close to my heart. I am determined
that we should not, as he says, lose that blood and treasure.
Indeed, I raised that issue with Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the
Chief Executive of Afghanistan, when I met him last Thursday.
We will look at the matter very carefully to see what further
support we can offer.
-
(Hammersmith)
(Lab)
The Secretary of State made a welcome concession on the issue
of Afghan interpreters, but it may be small comfort to those
with constituency cases if, as reported, only 50 additional
interpreters and their dependants will be allowed to come to
the UK. Instead, will the Government look again at the whole
process of assessing interpreters and at every case? There
are some very deserving cases out there.
-
The hon. Gentleman may be aware that I chair a joint
committee with the House of Lords on this issue, where we do
indeed go through that process very carefully. We pluck out
individual cases on a quarterly basis and review them for
that very reason.
Accommodation Model
-
Mr Speaker
It is very good to see the Minister. I was in his
constituency on Friday speaking to school students, and they
spoke of him with great warmth and affection.
-
Mr Ellwood
I did not see the letter, but I am sure that it is on its
way.
-
Mr Speaker
I am sure that I told the right hon. Gentleman, but if I did
not do so, I will be the first to apologise. I am pretty sure
I did. Anyway, it was a great joy.
-
Mr Ellwood
On reflection, Mr Speaker, I think I did receive some message
that you were heading there.
We can be extremely proud of our armed forces, but if we are
to continue to recruit the brightest and best, we must
continue to invest in our equipment and training, but also in
the welfare of our people. I am pleased that we are moving
forward with the future accommodation model, which will give
our armed forces personnel three choices: to remain on the
garrison in the unit, inside the wire; to step outside and
rent accommodation; or to get on the housing ladder by
purchasing property.
-
The Royal United Services Institute criticised the future
accommodation model, saying that it was woefully inadequate
and behind schedule. Will the super-garrison at Catterick be
finished on time, to ensure that armed forces personnel can
live on garrison? Does the Minister think that the sale to
Annington Homes in 1996 was a mistake?
-
Mr Ellwood
With due respect, I think that the hon. Gentleman is mixing
up a number of issues. The future accommodation model has yet
to start, but the pilot scheme is on track to start in
December. We have been working closely with the families
federations, which have themselves recommended the locations
for the pilot schemes. I very much look forward to this work
taking place in December.
-
(Charnwood)
(Con)
Recently, concerns have been expressed to me about the
quality of grounds and buildings maintenance at armed forces
accommodation at Woodhouse in my constituency. The Minister’s
commitment to our armed forces personnel is well known and
clear. Can he reassure me that the future accommodation model
will include high-quality maintenance, and will he meet me to
discuss that specific issue?
-
Mr Ellwood
Accommodation is very important. As I have mentioned,
equipment and training are one thing, but we must ensure that
we look after our people. The level of accommodation is one
of the reasons why armed forces personnel choose to leave,
which is why we are investing in more modern accommodation. I
would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the
issue. The Secretary of State and I take very seriously the
matter of upgrading the accommodation that we offer our armed
forces personnel.
-
(City of Chester)
(Lab)
rose—
-
Mr Speaker
I call —[Interruption.] Oh,
the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Gerald Jones)
has been very courteous in sitting there quietly, but I
believe that he actually wanted to come in on this question;
I do beg his pardon. Have a go, man.
-
(Merthyr Tydfil and
Rhymney) (Lab)
Thank you, Mr Speaker. The affordability of the future
accommodation model relies heavily on the present rent
adjustment on the Annington Homes estate. As we know, that is
due to be renegotiated for 2021, with expectations that rents
will rise significantly. The Tories were warned in 1996 that
the sell-off of married quarters was a mistake, and that is
exactly hot it has transpired. What urgent steps has the
Department taken to ensure that the rent renegotiation does
not further cripple the MOD budget?
-
Mr Ellwood
The hon. Gentleman raises a number of matters. I agree with
that there is a question mark over what happened in the past,
but it did happen, and we now need to move forward to provide
the necessary offering for our armed forces personnel. As I
mentioned, we are working with the families federations to
ensure that we get the deal necessary to make accommodation
affordable for our troops.
Combat Aircraft Design
-
(City of Chester)
(Lab)
8. What discussions he has had with the UK aerospace sector
on collaborations for future combat aircraft design. [905749]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto
Bebb)
The Ministry of Defence is working closely with other
Government Departments, the UK aerospace sector, academia and
international partners to explore the UK’s future approach to
combat air capabilities. We intend to publish the initial
findings this summer.
-
We have a world-leading aerospace sector, but we cannot
deliver the combat air strategy on our own. Does the Minister
expect most of our future collaboration to be with Europe or
the United States?
-
I think it is fair to say that we are undertaking a combat
air strategy because the UK is a global leader in the field.
UK industry’s export capabilities in combat air are well
known, with £6 billion of exports last year, so we are
approaching partnerships across the globe. The Department has
written to partners in the US, across Europe and further
afield.
Leaving the EU: Aerospace Industry
-
(Enfield,
Southgate) (Lab)
9. What assessment he has made of the effect on the defence
and military aerospace industry of the UK leaving the EU.
[905750]
-
(Stockton North)
(Lab)
14. What assessment he has made of the effect on the defence
and military aerospace industry of the UK leaving the EU.
[905755]
-
(Sheffield, Brightside
and Hillsborough) (Lab)
19. What assessment he has made of the effect on the defence
and military aerospace industry of the UK leaving the EU.
[905760]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto
Bebb)
The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the defence
industry to understand the implications and opportunities
presented by the UK’s departure from the European Union. We
want to explore how our industries can continue working
together, but it is worth noting that current collaborative
capability projects, such as Typhoon, are managed bilaterally
or with groups of partners, rather than through the EU.
-
Does the Minister agree that a clear commitment to stay in a
customs union with the European Union would provide certainty
to industry and investors that they will not be hit by
needless tariff barriers after Brexit?
-
What we need moving forward is a strong relationship with the
European Union to ensure that we have as frictionless trade
as possible with the European Union. I do not think that
remaining within the customs union is a prerequisite for a
successful defence industry.
-
American-owned Darchem in Stillingham is just one of the
manufacturing firms in my constituency providing aerospace
and other engineering products to the military. It really
needs certainty about future tariff-free trading with the EU.
Will it get that tariff-free trading?
-
The Government’s aim and aspiration is to ensure that there
will be tariff-free trade with the EU. I think that the
company referred to by the hon. Gentleman will be very
pleased to see a Government who are proactively pushing
forward the combat air agenda. We are world leaders in combat
air—as I highlighted, 15% of every F-35 is manufactured here
in the United Kingdom. We are leading on this issue, and the
Government are supporting industry in that leadership.
-
The Government have often used EU rules as an excuse for not
buying British steel for big defence projects. Can the
Minister guarantee today that post Brexit, Royal Navy support
ships and similar projects will use 100% British steel?
-
I wish I could offer the guarantee that the hon. Lady
requests, but it is not possible to do so, because the steel
required for the parts of the ships that we are building is
not currently available from the United Kingdom. In the work
that we are doing on the Type 26 frigate, for example, well
over 50% of steel, by value, is from the United Kingdom.
However, I am sure that the hon. Lady would be the first to
complain if we had defects in our capability as a result of
buying incorrect steel.
-
(Stirling) (Con)
How are the preparations for the UK’s alternative to
participation in Galileo going?
-
That is a crucial question, because our involvement with
Galileo is important not just for our own security but for
that of the European Union. We have committed significant
funds to Galileo over the years. We have an obligation to our
industry and to our defence capabilities to ensure that we
investigate thoroughly the possibility of remaining within
the Galileo programme. However, work is being undertaken on
potential alternatives in case they are necessary.
-
(Plymouth, Sutton and
Devonport) (Lab/Co-op)
The UK defence industry was on show this week with Operation
Catamaran 18, involving UK and French amphibious forces. Can
the Minister confirm that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, two
great examples of UK military endeavour, will not be cut in
the forthcoming modernising defence programme?
-
The hon. Gentleman is well aware of the situation. As I
articulated in the Westminster Hall debate, Albion and
Bulwark are currently expected to be in service until 2033
and 2034 respectively.
Defence Procurement: SMEs
-
(Horsham) (Con)
10. What progress his Department has made on encouraging
small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in defence
procurement programmes. [905751]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto
Bebb)
Small businesses play a crucial role in our defence
capability. To support them, we have launched a supplier
portal that brings together a range of information and advice
for new suppliers, and we have appointed a champion for
smaller businesses to drive engagement. We also now require
our largest suppliers to advertise their subcontracting
opportunities on Government platforms.
-
Anti-drone technology produced by an SME in Horsham has been
used very successfully by US forces on operations for more
than a year now. Will the Minister assure the House that the
MOD will always go for best in class in procurement, and that
this is open to smaller manufacturers, as it is with our
allies?
-
My hon. Friend makes a really important point about the
importance of SMEs in innovation and capability. Our
refreshed defence industrial policy published last December
highlights how we are encouraging competition within the
defence sector, maximising opportunities for SMEs. For
example, we have produced new short-form contracts that make
it easier for SMEs to bid into MOD opportunities.
-
(Warley) (Lab)
Does the Minister recognise that SMEs depend on main
contractors for an enormous amount of their work, and that
that is why his previous replies on the fleet support ships
have been so disappointing? Can he imagine our European G7
partners, let alone President Trump, buying navy support
ships from foreign yards? When is he going to shake off
Treasury dogma, wake up to European reality, and buy British
ships built in British shipyards by British workers, backing
British engineering firms large and small, and backing
British steel?
-
I listened very carefully to the right hon. Gentleman, but I
would not think that we should take any lessons on trade
policy from Donald Trump.
Departmental Funding
-
(New Forest East)
(Con)
11. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of
the Exchequer on future funding for his Department. [905752]
-
The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)
I have regular discussions with the Chancellor. The
modernising defence programme will ensure that our armed
forces have the right capabilities to address evolving
threats. The Government are committed to spending at least 2%
of GDP on defence, and the defence budget will rise by at
least 0.5% above inflation every year of this Parliament,
taking it to almost £40 billion by 2021.
-
Dr Lewis
I thank the Secretary of State for that helpful reply. Would
he like to take this opportunity to endorse the suggestion by
his immediate predecessor that we should aim to spend 2.5% of
GDP on defence by the end of this Parliament? Does he agree
that that would be a useful staging post on the road to the
3% that we really need? Finally, would the forthcoming NATO
summit not be an excellent opportunity to announce any such
advance?
-
Mr Speaker
I thought the right hon. Gentleman was going to give us his
usual mantra, “We need three to keep us free,” but it was
incorporated in the gravamen of his question.
-
I think my right hon. Friend is saving that for the next
Defence questions.
We need to be looking at the threats that are starting to
evolve right across the world, including in Europe. Those
threats are increasing dramatically, and we have to ensure
that we have the right capabilities to meet them. That is why
we have the modernising defence programme to look in detail
at how those threats are evolving, and why we are leading
that analysis in the Ministry of Defence rather than any
other part of Government. We want to come up with the
solutions and answers to ensure that Britain and our allies
are defended to the very best of our capability.
-
(Barrow and Furness)
(Ind)
The Secretary of State knows that it is about not simply the
amount of money but when it is made available for key
programmes. It was great to welcome him up to Barrow shipyard
a couple of weeks back, but does he accept that unless he can
persuade the Treasury to release more money for the
Dreadnought programme in the crucial early years, we risk the
programme being more expensive and potentially late,
endangering the continuous at-sea deterrent?
-
The hon. Gentleman makes a valuable point. It is essential
that we have the right resources at the right time to deliver
that critical programme. That is why I was so pleased that we
were able to secure an extra £800 million in this financial
year to ensure that our nuclear deterrent is delivered on
time and in budget.
-
(Angus) (Con)
As my right hon. Friend will agree, we must adequately fund
our armed forces to support those who selflessly put their
lives on the line for our country—a concept that the Scottish
Government do not seem to understand. Can he update the House
on the measures that the UK Government are taking to mitigate
’s Government’s tax hike
for those brave service personnel?
-
It is truly shocking to think that the Scottish National
party decided to put that extra taxation burden on our
service personnel in Scotland, especially when we asked them
not to do so. That is why we are proceeding with a review
rapidly, and we hope to report our findings to the House in
the not-too- distant future.
-
(Dunfermline and West
Fife) (SNP)
I am tempted to respond to that, but can the Secretary of
State not convince the Treasury that building the Royal Navy
support ships in-house at the likes of Rosyth would see a tax
revenue gain for the Treasury and help us to retain skills,
talent and investment in our shipyards? Is that not what the
shipbuilding strategy is all about, or is the Treasury
incapable of playing a team game?
-
I thought for a moment that we were going to have an apology
to the 70% of service personnel who are having to pay extra
taxes as a result of the Nat tax that the hon. Gentleman’s
party has introduced.
This Government are absolutely committed to shipbuilding.
That is why we will be building eight Type 26 frigates in
Glasgow and five offshore patrol vessels in Govan. The hon.
Gentleman should welcome that.
-
(Llanelli) (Lab)
A recent profile by BuzzFeed revealed that some colleagues
have likened the Defence Secretary to Francis Urquhart,
although they suggest that the fictional character may be a
bit more sophisticated—they might think that; I couldn’t
possibly comment. With Ministers arguing in recent weeks that
defence funding should rise north of 2.5%, can the Secretary
of State tell us what sophisticated tactics he will be using
to get the Chancellor to agree?
-
As a Yorkshireman born and bred, I know that we tend to be
quite blunt and plain-speaking, so sophistication is not
usually something that is attached to us.
-
(Shipley) (Con)
Speak for yourself!
-
They are different in West Yorkshire.
What we are doing is taking the time to look at the threat
and the challenges this nation faces. Over the past 10 years,
we have seen the threat picture change so much. This is not
just something we have noticed; from sitting down with our
NATO allies, I know we are all seeing exactly the same. The
world is getting increasingly dangerous, with state actors
playing an ever greater role. It is right that we look at
that closely, and make sure our armed forces have the
equipment and resources they need to defend this nation
against those threats.
-
In January, the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, the
right hon. Member for Bournemouth East (Mr Ellwood), who is
the Minister with responsibility for defence people, said
that the cap on armed forces pay
“has been lifted…and we look forward to the recommendations
that will be made in March.”—[Official Report, 29 January
2018; Vol. 635, c. 597.]
Given that it is now June and that this Government continue
to be all words and no deeds, will the Secretary of State
tell us when service personnel are going to receive the long
overdue real-terms pay rise they deserve?
-
It was the Treasury that announced the changes on public
sector pay, but we are working very closely with the Armed
Forces Pay Review Body to get to the point where we can make
such an announcement as swiftly as possible. I and my right
hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will be
working closely together to ensure that that is done as
swiftly as possible.
Leaving the EU: Defence Policy
-
(Paisley and
Renfrewshire North) (SNP)
12. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on
the effect on his Department’s policies of the UK leaving the
EU. [905753]
-
The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)
I hold regular discussions with my colleagues on this topic.
Europe’s security is our security. We want to work closely
with our European partners to keep our citizens safe and
defend our shared interests and values, including through
NATO and our future partnership with the European Union.
Britain was committed to European security long before the
creation of the European Union and our membership of it, and
we will be committed to the security of continental Europe
long after we leave.
-
I thank the Secretary of State for that answer—I think. What
discussions has he had with the Scottish Government regarding
the potential exclusion and uncertainty surrounding future UK
participation in the Galileo project?
-
What we are seeing with the Galileo project is, frankly, the
European Union acting in a most unusual and strange way. Why
on earth would it wish to exclude Great Britain from a
project that is so integral to the security of the whole of
the European Union and many other countries? As Britain is
currently the largest spender on defence in the European
Union, we would have thought that it welcomed our involvement
in the project and that it hoped that we would continue to
support it, but if it does not want us, we can do this
independently.
-
(Taunton Deane) (Con)
The UK Hydrographic Office, which makes most of the world’s
shipping charts, is the only fundraising arm of the Ministry
of Defence. It is based in Taunton, and I am pleased to say
that the Ministry of Defence has retained it and is now
investing in and helping to support a new state-of-the-art
facility. Is this not exactly the kind of asset on which we
should be building as we leave the EU to increase our
prosperity and influence in the world?
-
I know my hon. Friend fought a major fight to ensure that the
investment came to her constituency and to preserve this
important asset. It is a brilliant example of how the
Ministry of Defence and our armed forces can play an
important role not just in supporting defence, but in
creating prosperity and jobs.
Armed Forces: Personnel Levels
-
(Linlithgow and East
Falkirk) (SNP)
16. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of personnel
levels in the armed forces. [905757]
-
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)
We remain committed to maintaining the overall size of the
armed forces, and we have a range of measures under way to
improve recruitment and retention. The challenge is kept
under constant review.
-
Regarding Capita’s performance on the recruitment target, the
Secretary of State was very clear when he said:
“do you have to give them a red card at some point if they
don’t deliver? Yes, you do”.
Capita is not delivering, so when is it time for the red
card?
-
There have certainly been challenges, particularly with the
introduction of the defence recruiting system, but 12,360
recruits joined the British Army last year. I have met the
chief executive of Capita on several occasions, and an
improvement plan is in place at the moment—I think we need to
provide an opportunity for it to be run through—but,
absolutely, there is an alternative if need be.
-
Before the Scottish independence referendum, the UK
Government promised to increase armed forces personnel from
11,000 to 12,500. As of October last year, there were fewer
than 10,000 regular forces personnel stationed in Scotland.
When will the UK Government keep their promise, or is this
just another broken one?
-
I understand the SNP’s desire to get more service personnel
in Scotland, as that is more service personnel they can tax
under their Nat tax—[Interruption.] At least the hon.
Gentleman finds it amusing. I am pleased to say that there
are 14,000 regular and reserve personnel in Scotland. Also,
let us not forget that all of the Royal Navy submarines will
be moving to Faslane, and there is the new Typhoon squadron
in Lossiemouth and our infantry brigade too.
-
(Erewash) (Con)
Cadet detachments are an ideal training ground for those
young people considering a future career in the armed forces.
Can my right hon. Friend outline what he is doing to increase
recruitment from cadet forces and will he consider visiting
my constituency to see the hard work and dedication put in by
cadets in Erewash?
-
We do not directly target cadets for recruitment in the armed
forces. However, it is a fact that nearly 18% of members of
the armed forces were once cadets and 4% of cadets go on to
join the armed forces.
-
(Llanelli) (Lab)
Potential recruits may well be concerned about the issue of
legal claims against personnel and veterans, especially in
the light of the Iraq historic allegations team debacle. It
is now more than a year since the Conservatives made a
manifesto promise to tackle those claims, and the issue has
been raised repeatedly by hon. Members on both sides of the
House. Why has nothing been done?
-
Actually, a lot has been done. I appreciate it is now some
time since that consultation was completed, but it really is
a reflection of the complexity of some of the legal issues. I
can assure the House that we will come back in due course.
Topical Questions
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental
responsibilities. [905767]
-
The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)
I start by paying tribute to Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart
Peach, who fulfilled his last day in the role of Chief of the
Defence Staff before moving on to the role of chairman of the
NATO Military Committee. Sir Stuart has served the Royal Air
Force and his country for a long period and made such a
difference to making sure that our armed forces have been
properly represented.
I am also incredibly proud to be able to announce the four
new cutting-edge F35s that arrived at RAF Marham just last
week.
-
Mr Sheerman
The Secretary of State just confessed to being a
blunt-speaking Yorkshireman, so will he give me a straight
answer? He must be reeling from the events at the G7 in
Canada. Are we prepared and would this country be able to
defend itself if America takes its bat home and leaves NATO?
Is he talking to the French and the Germans about this?
-
The United States’ commitment to NATO is unequivocal. They
are backing it not just with words but with deeds , and we
should be incredibly proud of our long-term alliance with one
of our very closest of friends and of the important role they
have played in ensuring the freedom of Europe over the last
70 years.
-
(Waveney) (Con)
T4. Armed Forces Day in Lowestoft is a very special event,
although since the Shoreham air tragedy it has not been
possible to have air displays, which are very popular and
bring much business to the town. Can the Secretary of State
encourage the Civil Aviation Authority to take a
proportionate approach to regulation and insurers to charge
reasonable premiums? [905770]
-
The Shoreham disaster was an absolute tragedy, but we have to
move forward from that. Just at the weekend I was at RAF
Cosford and saw the amazing air display that took place
there. It shows how such displays can inspire future
generations to join the Royal Air Force and play a role in
their country’s defence, and I will certainly take the point
up with the Civil Aviation Authority.
-
(Leeds North East)
(Lab)
The review of the defence fire and rescue service has been
running in various forms for 10 years now. With neither of
the final two bidders having exactly a glowing past record,
does the Secretary of State share my concern that if the
contract is outsourced and we see a repeat of the Carillion
situation, the consequences could be disastrous?
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr
Tobias Ellwood)
I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it has taken too long. I
had a briefing on this only last month and we will make
progress. I heed the concerns that he raises.
-
(Chippenham)
(Con)
T7. Chippenham constituency and wider Wiltshire have a large
population of military veterans who sometimes feel isolated
and suffer from mental health problems. In addition to the
recent and welcome announcements in this area, what more can
the Department do to reassure my constituents? [905773]
-
Mr Ellwood
My hon. Friend touches on such an important issue: looking
after our veterans, in particular those who are homeless or
who feel isolated. The Secretary of State moved forward with
a 24/7 support helpline and is launching a new veterans
strategy, which will be announced in November. It is
important that every local council takes responsibility for
having an armed forces champion who looks after those who are
homeless and identifies what help can be given.
-
(Chesterfield) (Lab)
T2. The Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme is
incredibly important for our Army’s capability and for the UK
defence industry, so when will we finally get to the
production contract stage? [905768]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Guto
Bebb)
We are at the demonstration phase, with 11 being
manufactured. It is currently going through a trials
programme and we will report back when that is complete.
-
(Aldershot) (Con)
T10. The legal pursuit of our veterans and soldiers following
combat operations is a national disgrace. The Secretary of
State will be aware that many Members support a statute of
limitations to protect those who have served. If a legally
viable route towards such a statute can be found, will he
confirm that he would support it and legislate for it?
[905776]
-
The House has a great duty towards all those who serve our
country: not just our armed forces, but those who supported
our country in Afghanistan and in so many other areas. I am
certainly very keen to look at all options to see how best we
can protect service personnel who have given so much in the
service of our country.
-
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
T3. Army numbers are at just over 77,000, rather than the
82,000 promised in the 2015 Tory manifesto. Is this due to
Tory incompetence, Capita incompetence or a combination of
both? [905769]
-
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)
It is an interesting fact that since the second world war I
think there have been only two years when the Army has been
fully manned. There are challenges, but I am confident that
we maintain all our operational commitments. The Army is
currently approximately 95% manned, which I think is pretty
good, but I am determined to get it up to 100%.
-
(Hornchurch and Upminster)
(Con)
Reports suggest China is fast developing a new generation of
military technology, focusing on artificial intelligence and
autonomous weaponry, which will soon surpass the capability
of the United States. Will the Minister outline what planning
is under way with allies to keep up with those advances?
-
What we are seeing is a number of state actors, not just
Russia but China as my hon. Friend outlines, investing
heavily in new technologies. It is absolutely right that we
do the same, investing in those new technologies not only so
we can defeat what they have but to have the capabilities
ourselves for our armed forces.
-
(North Tyneside)
(Lab)
T5. During a recent visit to Iraq, a delegation from the
all-party group on Kurdistan met British soldiers who have
trained thousands of Peshmerga, helping the brave allies
whose sacrifice and resistance to ISIS enhances our safety,
and whose rights in a federal Iraq need international
protection. Will the Minister confirm that the Department
will continue that vital mentoring mission? [905771]
-
I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for highlighting just one
of the many training missions the British Army and other
services carry out around the world. Indeed, we are currently
operating in excess of 20 countries to provide non-lethal
training.
-
(Torbay) (Con)
I know that the Secretary of State will share my hope for a
successful summit between North Korea and the United States
of America tomorrow, which will hopefully reduce military
tensions on the Korean peninsula. What assessment has he made
of the role UK armed forces could play to ensure that any
deal is successfully implemented and enforced?
-
Our armed forces have already been playing an important role
in ensuring that United Nations sanctions are properly
upheld. The deployment of HMS Sutherland and HMS Albion has
been a part of ensuring that UN sanctions are upheld. We want
a diplomatic solution, and all our work and all our efforts
have to go towards ensuring that a diplomatic solution is
found.
-
(Hornsey and Wood Green)
(Lab)
T6. Is the Minister aware that most cleaners in Whitehall
Departments are now paid the London living wage? Will he cut
through PFI bureaucracy to bring the Ministry of Defence into
modern times and pay cleaners the London living wage?
[905772]
-
Mr Ellwood
I would be delighted to speak further with the hon. Lady on
this matter to see what more can be done.
-
Mr (Rayleigh and
Wickford) (Con)
I warmly endorse the Secretary of State’s tribute to the
Chief of the Defence Staff, but Sir Stuart Peach did say last
week that he was deeply uncomfortable about the process of
legacy investigations into veterans. I understand that
several years ago, the Ministry of Defence did a lot of
detailed staff work into the practicability of the statute of
limitations. Would the Secretary of State promise the House
that he will ask to see that work and perhaps be able to take
it forward?
-
I can certainly make that commitment to my right hon. Friend.
-
(Manchester, Withington)
(Lab)
T8. It is now 60 years since Operation Grapple. Is it not
time that we followed so many other countries and awarded our
nuclear test veterans a medal? [905774]
-
Mr Ellwood
I am well aware of the campaign not just by the hon.
Gentleman, but by others. I am certainly happy to look into
it in more detail. He will be aware that there are two
components to this—risk and rigour, and avoiding duplication
of other medals that have already been given—but I am
certainly happy to discuss it further with him outside the
Chamber.
-
(Moray) (Con)
rose—
-
Mr Speaker
Mr Ross, deliver it as quickly as you raise your flag.
-
Will the Secretary of State please tell my constituents at
RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss barracks when this UK Government
will mitigate against the Scottish National party’s Nat tax?
-
Mr Speaker
Splendid.
-
I am certainly hoping to be able to report before the summer
recess. We are very conscious that so much investment has
gone into Lossiemouth and we do not want people to be
disincentivised from moving there as a result of the Nat tax
that has been imposed upon them.
-
(Bristol East)
(Lab)
T9. The UK Government have indicated that they want to carry
on playing a leading role in common security and defence
policy missions, such as Operation Atalanta, post Brexit, but
there are currently no arrangements for third parties to be
involved in the decision making, so how does the Secretary of
State think that we will be able to continue this involvement
while still having a say on whether to deploy our forces
abroad? [905775]
-
The EU has made it clear that we are not allowed to lead any
operations after 29 March next year. However, we are
continuing to negotiate how we might be able to take part—for
example, Operation Sophia, Operation Atalanta or indeed,
Operation Althea in the Balkans.
-
(North Devon)
(Con)
The Minister will be aware that I and the North Devon
community have lobbied hard over the future of Royal Marines
Base Chivenor. In the light of media reports over the
weekend, is he able to confirm whether a decision is indeed
imminent?
-
Mr Ellwood
On the invitation of my hon. Friend, I visited Chivenor and
was very impressed with what is happening there. No decision
has been made on Chivenor, so please ignore the reports in
the media, and I will be more than happy to discuss where
things are going with him outside the Chamber.
-
(Leyton and Wanstead)
(Lab)
Further to an earlier question, can the Minister guarantee
that by the end of this Parliament, the strength of the Army
will be in excess of 80,000?
-
That is absolutely our ambition, yes.
-
(Shipley) (Con)
I asked every Government Department how many contractors they
had employed for over one year and five years, and how many
they had paid over £1,000 a day to? Can the Secretary of
State explain why his was one of only two Departments that
was either unwilling or unable to answer that question, and
can I urge him to go back and find out how many contractors
are paid over £1,000 a day, so that he, and we, can see how
well he manages his Department’s spending?
-
I would be more than delighted to make sure that my hon.
Friend gets that information.
-
(Delyn) (Lab)
Will the ministerial team recognise the work of service dogs
in the Army, Air Force and Navy, and in particular, welcome
the establishment next week in this House of a memorial
charity to those animals, to be based in Delyn constituency
in north Wales?
-
The right hon. Gentleman makes a very valuable point. All too
often, when we talk about our armed forces, we think purely
of humans, but of course, for many centuries, animals have
made a fine contribution, too.
-
(New Forest East)
(Con)
If we cannot protect our service personnel from the Northern
Ireland campaign by a statute of limitations coupled with the
truth recovery process, who is going to be next: the Falkland
Islands veterans, or even the last few from the second world
war?
-
As I touched upon earlier, it is clear that this House has a
simple and clear view that we should always do everything we
can to protect those who have served our country. We will
look at all options to ensure that that is done.
-
Graham P. Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab)
Did the Secretary of State write to the Prime Minister about
further deployment of troops in Afghanistan?
-
We always keep our troop levels under review right across the
world and this is something that we will always do going
forward.
-
(Witney) (Con)
Progress on the REEMA site in Carterton has stalled for far
too long. Will the Minister commit to working with me to
provide the housing the RAF in west Oxfordshire so badly
needs?
-
Mr Ellwood
My hon. Friend raises an important point about making sure we
have the correct accommodation, which is something we touched
on earlier. I know there are big questions about what is
happening in the Brize Norton area, and again I would be
delighted to discuss the matter with him further.
-
(Dunfermline and West
Fife) (SNP)
In its most recent report on the recruitment plan, the
National Audit Office said that the plan was “not
affordable”—full stop. The Secretary of State has been given
seven recommendations. Which will have the most impact?
-
Once again, we appreciate the work done on that report and
are taking it seriously—it is being considered as part of the
modernising defence programme—but we state again very clearly
that the MOD does not recognise as likely outcomes some of
the worst-case scenarios.
-
Mr (South Holland and The
Deepings) (Con)
rose—
-
Mr Speaker
Time is against us, but my judgment is that proceedings would
be incomplete and the House sorely deprived without an
intervention from the right hon. Member for South Holland and
The Deepings (Mr Hayes), which I trust will be of its usual
poetic quality.
-
Mr Hayes
I was thinking exactly the same, Mr Speaker.
On behalf of the British nuclear test veterans, and as their
patron, I welcome the Minister’s warm words earlier. It is
right that we finally remember those who gave so much.
Nevertheless, I want a little more. Will the Secretary of
State agree to meet me and the veterans to further the case
that they should be awarded a medal? Some 1,500 of the 22,000
are left. This generation, by recognising and rewarding those
brave people, would be doing a service to theirs—something of
which we can be proud.
-
I would be honoured to meet my right hon. Friend and the test
veterans at the earliest opportunity.
|
