Contributions
1,619 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDWar Widows PensionsMy Lords, the Government continue to examine alternative methods to see whether we can mitigate the impact on those survivors who remarried or cohabited before the introduction of…10 Dec 2020HANSARDWar Widows PensionsI thank the noble Baroness for her question. I pay tribute to her commitment and passion on this issue and I understand her frustration. It might help her if I explain the nature…10 Dec 2020HANSARDWar Widows PensionsOf course, I reaffirm that the Government recognise the unique commitment that service families make to our country and we remain sympathetic to the circumstances of those who…10 Dec 2020HANSARDWar Widows PensionsIt is not a question of whether the MoD chooses to break the law, which it would never wish to do; it is a question of established government policy. The noble Lord has been a…10 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI reassure my noble friend that, despite all challenges, we have maintained our essential defence operations, including the operation of our continuous at-sea deterrent.07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI confirm that the Government reviewed all relevant issues in determining that settlement. Of primary and perhaps principal importance is the defence of the country and the safety…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI agree with the noble Baroness’s assessment of the threats of cyber. That is why the recent defence financial settlement reflects the importance that the Government attach to…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeAs I have previously indicated to the noble Lord, I cannot pre-empt what the integrated review will say. However, a practice has clearly arisen whereby the MoD is considered…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeWith respect to the noble Lord, I completely disagree. I feel that the measure and calibre of the effectiveness of a deterrent has been reflected over the years. I said once…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeThe MoD routinely evaluates and reviews all major contracts as they near their end dates. It conducted a review of the governance model in place for the management of AWE plc, and…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeMy Lords, in order to ensure that the Government maintain an effective deterrent throughout the commission of the Dreadnought class submarines and into the future, the Secretary…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI thank the noble Baroness for making a very important point. She is correct that the Trident missile system is essential to our deterrent. That is why we work closely with the…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI reassure my noble friend that the Dreadnought programme continues to run to schedule. As he will be aware, an overall budget of £31 billion, with the £10 billion contingency…07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI did not quite get the last bit of that question but, perhaps instead of the noble Baroness repeating it, I will undertake to look at Hansard and give her a full reply.07 Dec 2020HANSARDTrident Nuclear ProgrammeI thank the noble Baroness for repeating the question. The Government take the view that, under the non-proliferation treaty, we remain compliant with international law and in…07 Dec 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsResponding from the perspective of defence, I do not accept the premise of the noble Viscount’s question. When we are dealing with threats to security and the safety of our…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsMy Lords, Her Majesty’s Government keep their nuclear deterrents policy and posture under continual review, taking into consideration their commitments to maintaining the United…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsThe Government remain constantly engaged. There is probably a fundamental difference of philosophy between an attitude towards a non-proliferation treaty and an attitude towards a…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsAt the heart of the question asked by the right reverend Prelate is the relevance of the term “deterrent”. Very often people measure the deterrent a failure because it has not…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsYes, I can confirm to my noble friend our commitment to the continuous at sea deterrent. When the Prime Minister launched the integrated review, he specifically reaffirmed the…25 Nov 2020