Contributions
1,619 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: Security RisksWe have not used the Rapid Air Mobility initiative at all, so the Turkish flight was not one of these flights. However, we have deployed our assets to respond to NATO requests.19 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Security RisksI reassure the noble Lord that the response of the MoD to the Covid-19 challenge has been highly effective and very impressive, and there is widespread evidence of that not just…19 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Security RisksMy Lords, we are working with NATO to help ensure that our adversaries cannot exploit the pandemic and threaten our security, including by tackling disinformation and ensuring…19 May 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Security RisksNATO and the member partners always have an interest in reliance on export and import sources. Obviously, it is for individual nation states to determine how and with whom they…19 May 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020That the Grand Committee do consider the Armed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020.16 Mar 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020My Lords, I thank all noble Lords for their contributions, which have been very helpful. To some this might seem to be a routine and almost ritual debate, but underneath it are…16 Mar 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020My Lords, we have before us a small, though crucial, piece of parliamentary business to conduct: our annual consideration of the legislation governing the Armed Forces—the Armed…16 Mar 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020I am sorry if I have failed to reassure the noble Lord. I have tried to cover the points he raised. I will certainly look at Hansard to see whether there is any more detailed…16 Mar 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020I was coming to the point that is of concern to the noble Lord on the issue of which system of prosecution is used. As we say in our response to the review, we will adopt the…16 Mar 2020HANSARDArmed Forces Act (Continuation) Order 2020I can reassure the noble and gallant Lord that, yes, I said that we will introduce a legislative package and that is what we will do. The legislation has been drafted and will…16 Mar 2020HANSARDSecurity, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: Integrated ReviewMy Lords, the integrated review will align with the comprehensive spending review reporting later this year. Implementation of its recommendations is expected to be a multi-year…04 Mar 2020HANSARDSecurity, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: Integrated ReviewIn no way do I diminish the significance of the review to which the noble Lord refers; it was important and necessary. The world in which we live now, both domestically and…04 Mar 2020HANSARDSecurity, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: Integrated ReviewThe noble Baroness asks a serious question. In an endeavour to reassure her, let me say that the review is a serious, substantive proposition. As I have indicated, it examines…04 Mar 2020HANSARDSecurity, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: Integrated ReviewI am grateful to the noble Lord; he gets to the nub of the issue. The review will indeed develop global Britain’s foreign policy. It will focus on our alliances and diplomacy,…04 Mar 2020HANSARDSecurity, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: Integrated ReviewMy Lords, let me try to tease out a few questions from the rhetoric. First, we have to be realistic: circumstances for the United Kingdom have changed dramatically, not least…04 Mar 2020HANSARDAfghan Interpreters: Security ClearanceAs I indicated to the noble Baroness, in determining security vetting the Government will take account of previous loyal service alongside UK Armed Forces overseas. A variety of…25 Feb 2020HANSARDAfghan Interpreters: Security ClearanceMy Lords, I am pleased to confirm that the Ministry of Defence has revised its national security vetting policy for all interpreters who deploy overseas in support of military…25 Feb 2020HANSARDWar Widows’ PensionI pay tribute to the noble Baroness for her role in this and her connection with the War Widows’ Association. I hear clearly what she says and I agree. She is absolutely right…25 Feb 2020HANSARDWar Widows’ PensionThe right reverend Prelate’s latter point is an interesting one. I understand that technically, the payment is a pension. As I said earlier, the difficulty confronting my…25 Feb 2020HANSARDWar Widows’ PensionI thank the noble and gallant Lord for that helpful contribution. I am unaware of that situation but I undertake to look carefully at what he has said and to have it explored.25 Feb 2020