Contributions
1,320 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDImproving Service Life: Personnel and FamiliesOver the last decade or more, we have been expecting more of those members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. They play a critical role in our maritime operations and they are highly…18 Nov 2024HANSARDImproving Service Life: Personnel and FamiliesWe will uprate the continuity of education allowance to reflect the increase in school fees from January. We will do that so that the allowance continues to maintain the schooling…18 Nov 2024HANSARDStrategic Defence ReviewThe strategic defence review is the first of its kind in the UK. It is externally led and draws widely on experts within Government and the military, as well as those from…18 Nov 2024HANSARDStrategic Defence ReviewEveryone agrees that defence spending must rise. Under this Government, it is increasing by nearly £3 billion next year, and there is a cast-iron commitment that we will set a…18 Nov 2024HANSARDStrategic Defence ReviewI have had the privilege of visiting Warton, and I have seen the skills, the technology and the workforce’s commitment and dedication to that job. The reviewers of the strategic…18 Nov 2024HANSARDStrategic Defence ReviewThe Chancellor set out in her Budget on 30 October the steps we are taking, across Government, to deal with the £22 billion in-year deficit that this Government inherited. On the…18 Nov 2024HANSARDStrategic Defence ReviewMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. The shadow Defence Secretary will recognise the role that small, medium and growing companies can play in our defence and security sector…18 Nov 2024HANSARDUK Role in NATONATO is the cornerstone of UK and Euro-Atlantic security. Our commitment to the alliance is unshakable. The strategic defence review will ensure that we have a NATO-first policy…18 Nov 2024HANSARDUK Role in NATOOur cast-iron commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP will help to set the pace in NATO. I am pleased that, while in 2001 only six NATO nations were meeting the…18 Nov 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsThat is correct, but it is also true to say that the treaty is in the legal and national security interests of the UK and US. That is why the US Defence Secretary welcomed the…18 Nov 2024HANSARDUK Role in NATOI will indeed. In the four months that this Government have been in office we have stepped up support for Ukraine and speeded up delivery of the military aid promised. This is a…18 Nov 2024HANSARDTopical QuestionsI congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his position as parliamentary private secretary to the shadow Defence team—it is good to see him asking questions. The short answer is yes.18 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillI am grateful to the Select Committee’s Chair for intervening on this point. The legislation and what I propose reflects the current arrangements and practices in Parliament. I am…18 Nov 2024HANSARDUkraineWith tomorrow marking 1,000 days since the start of President Putin’s brutal, illegal invasion of Ukraine, our commitment to stand with the Ukrainian people is absolute. We have…18 Nov 2024HANSARD Armed Forces Commissioner BillThe commissioner will be independent and separate from the chain of command, with powers that do not depend on or account to the chain of command in any way. They will have the…18 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentIn our first Budget, we increased next year’s defence spending by nearly £3 billion. We have a cast-iron commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP—a level that,…11 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentThe hon. Gentleman sets out some of the details and dimensions of the crisis we face in recruitment and retention. We will start to turn that around, but we will not be able to do…11 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentI simply do not recognise the right hon. Gentleman’s description of any decisions that we have taken, and it would run contrary to what he and I agree is the value of combined…11 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentIndeed I do. My hon. Friend is a strong champion in his constituency in Scotland for the armed forces and veterans. I greatly valued the visit that I was able to make with him…11 Nov 2024HANSARDDefence: 2.5% GDP Spending CommitmentThe aircraft carriers constitute an important defence programme. We are considering the threats that we face and the future capabilities that we need as part of the strategic…11 Nov 2024