Contributions
1,619 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDNuclear WeaponsI would respond to the noble Lord by observing that the Government recognise that the cost of maintaining and renewing the deterrent is substantial. Equally, the Government are…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsI simply observe that the commitment to the deterrent is very significant in terms of defence capability, planning and cost, and is a long-term commitment. We deploy our best…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsLet me offer some cheer to the noble Baroness by agreeing with her last point. The difficulty lies not so much in the objective, which is shared by many people, but in the journey…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsAs always, my noble friend makes an interesting and informed contribution. He underlines my earlier point about why we have the deterrent and what the test of a successful…25 Nov 2020HANSARDNuclear WeaponsI cannot attach specific sums of money to the particular components to which the noble Lord refers. He will understand the Government’s commitment to the Dreadnought programme, an…25 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentI thank the noble Lord very much for his tribute to the Armed Forces, which I am sure is endorsed throughout the Chamber. In 2020, there were 420 MACA requests, 341 of which were…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentApproximately 2,000 personnel are currently committed to the mass testing project in Liverpool. As to precisely where they are based, I do not have specific information, but I…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentI would like to reassure the noble and gallant Lord that it is. He will understand, from his own knowledge, both the level and extent to which the MoD has provided advice to the…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 Deployment[ Inaudible . ] I shall offer to write to the noble Baroness with detail.12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentYes, the personnel from the MoD participating in MACA responses have had hugely positive emotions in understanding the contribution they are making and seeing at first hand the…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentI will need to offer to write to the noble Baroness with the specific information she requests. I can confirm that, across the United Kingdom, the MoD, through MACA response, has…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentI thank the noble Lord, and confirm that the responsibility of the MoD to support MACA requests is taken with the utmost seriousness and, as has been evident from the contribution…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentI am not quite sure what my noble friend means by that phrase. If he is alluding to the possibility that the military will be asked to step in to enforce law and order, there is…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentWith their unique skills, the reservists have played a pivotal role in the response to Covid-19. They have been part of that response at every level. At one point, we had 2,300…12 Nov 2020HANSARDArmed Forces: Covid-19 DeploymentIn relation to our current obligations, we have conducted prudent planning against a range of potential risks facing the nation over winter. We have a package of 7,500 personnel…12 Nov 2020HANSARDHMS “Queen Elizabeth”I am not sure the noble Lord will get one this afternoon, but I will do my best. As I indicated, the carrier strike group is importantly constructed to operate with the support of…04 Nov 2020HANSARDHMS “Queen Elizabeth”My Lords, HMS “Queen Elizabeth” will sail on her first operational deployment during 2021. Detailed planning continues, but we have yet to announce our programme or destination. A…04 Nov 2020HANSARDHMS “Queen Elizabeth”As I indicated to the noble Lord, I cannot comment on where the “Queen Elizabeth” is going, how she is going to get there or what route she will take. All of that will be unfolded…04 Nov 2020HANSARDHMS “Queen Elizabeth”I reassure the noble Lord that the deployment of the carrier strike group 21 does not leave the Navy short-handed for other priorities. The Royal Navy has sufficient ships and…04 Nov 2020HANSARDHMS “Queen Elizabeth”I say to my noble friend that he is correct that the UK has enduring interests in the Indo-Pacific and south-east Asian regions. That is without prejudice to what the “Queen…04 Nov 2020