Contributions
1,320 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsMy statement was very clear. I made these decisions in consultation with the strategic defence reviewers. It is not for them to back them or not. But if the hon. Gentleman asked…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsThe short answer to my hon. Friend’s question is no, which is precisely the reason for the far-reaching reforms that I have begun. This process will continue, I expect, through my…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsI appreciate the right hon. Gentleman’s tone and his advice. On the savings I have outlined that will flow from the six decommissioning decisions, that money will be retained in…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsI appreciate my hon. Friend’s comments, and the reminder to this House of the dossier of defence waste that we did indeed work on together in opposition. I can confirm to him and…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsI have a huge amount of respect for the right hon. Gentleman. He led the Committee that produced an important report, but it was six years ago. Far from it being “a black day”, as…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsI can confirm that, and I welcome my hon. Friend’s comments. The best exemplification of the argument she makes is in the Army’s plans to rapidly replace the Watchkeeper mark 1…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsGiven the right hon. Gentleman’s experience in this very job, I will take that as an early representation on the future decisions I will have to take on what to do with the kit…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsThe statement means no change to the available amphibious capability, because, in practice, Albion and Bulwark had been mothballed. They are out of action, and there were no plans…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsMy hon. Friend is right that too often decisions were ducked or Parliament was too often not fully informed when they were taken. The point he makes about the experience on…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsThe hon. Gentleman has a long interest and great expertise in defence. Over the years, I have listened to him make the argument that the UK’s alacrity in disposing of any…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsMy hon. Friend is right. I would add that when, inevitably, we want to do more than we can afford, we must focus our resources on the areas of most importance. That is the…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsIt will be £300 million less than it would have been before. The decision on HMS Northumberland makes no difference to the availability of the Royal Navy ships at sea, because…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsOne of the most important things that this House—never mind the Government who introduced the Bill—has done in the past week is to give its full backing to the Second Reading of…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsBulwark and Albion are not capabilities available to the Marines at present. On the Marines, I have said three times this afternoon that the future of its elite force, as part of…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsI am proud of our tradition of UK shipbuilding, including in Scotland. I want Britain’s warships to be built in Britain. My hon. Friend may be aware that we are committed to make…20 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence Programmes DevelopmentsThe message is clear: we now have a Government who are willing to take the decisions to deal with outdated equipment that should have been retired long ago, so that we can switch…20 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillThe covenant sets out the important principle that no one who is serving, or who has served, should be disadvantaged by that service. That is why, as an Opposition party before…18 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillOur first priority is those who serve and their families—those who are subject to service law. The range of agencies and services that support veterans is very different. A better…18 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillI can indeed. Our definition of “relevant family members”, which is on the face of the Bill, will include bereaved families.18 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillI beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Today, the Government take a major step to strengthen support for our armed forces and the families who stand behind them.…18 Nov 2024