Contributions
1,831 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseThe defence review will require us to look at what bases we have in order to deliver the defence review, whether they are RAF or other facilities. Of course, we need to do this in…16 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseThe noble and gallant Lord asks a good question. We have reinvigorated and put more money into the defence innovation fund. With respect to defence, you cannot move forward…16 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseThe Prime Minister has been very clear about his commitment to ensure that the 62 recommendations are properly funded. The noble Baroness will know that the 3% is a commitment in…16 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseThere used to be something called the Defence Suppliers Forum, but it did not include SMEs. We have established the Defence Industrial Joint Council, which, as well as big…16 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseThe noble Lord makes a point the Government themselves would make: access to the €150 billion Security Action for Europe fund is really important. Of course, we will act in the…16 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Industrial BaseMy noble friend makes an important point. He will know that one of the actions of the Government was to see the fleet solid support ships now built in Belfast. That is a really…16 Jun 2025HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner BillThat this House do not insist on its Amendments 2 and 3 and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment 2A in lieu.11 Jun 2025HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner BillMy Lords, I want to respond to a couple of the points that have been made. I agree with the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Kramer, but the purpose of the Bill is to expand…11 Jun 2025HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner BillMy Lords, in moving Motion A, I will also speak to Motion A1. I thank all Members, including His Majesty’s Opposition, the Liberals and others, for their careful and considered…11 Jun 2025HANSARDArmed Forces Commissioner BillI say to the noble Baroness that we are legislating here, not on a wing and a prayer and not on the basis of what may happen or the fact that this has never happened. We are a…11 Jun 2025HANSARDDiego Garcia Military BaseThe noble Lord will know that, in addition to the 99 years, there is in the treaty an option for a further 40 years. He will know the importance of respecting a treaty, which is a…03 Jun 2025HANSARDUK Nuclear DeterrentMy Lords, I first thank the noble Earl for the ironclad commitment that His Majesty’s Opposition have just given to the strategic nuclear deterrent. That is the most important…03 Jun 2025HANSARDUK Nuclear DeterrentTo be absolutely clear for the noble and gallant Lord, whatever the debate about the levels of funding for the defence budget, the nuclear deterrent will be funded both as it…03 Jun 2025HANSARDDiego Garcia Military BaseI will reflect on that—I note that the noble Lord, Lord De Mauley, was shaking his head when I answered. I will see whether I can add anything further to the points made by the…03 Jun 2025HANSARDDiego Garcia Military BaseMy Lords, I know that the noble Lord, Lord Ahmad, will have negotiated in good faith. I know too that if there had been an agreement that he felt was in the national interest then…03 Jun 2025HANSARDDiego Garcia Military BaseI am not sure of the answer to that, but I suspect not. All I can say with respect to this is that, whatever the payment is that the UK Government are making, through the MoD and…03 Jun 2025HANSARDUK Nuclear DeterrentMy noble friend makes a really good point with respect to the nuclear enterprise and the need for it to be a national endeavour. It is true of the defence nuclear enterprise, as…03 Jun 2025HANSARDUK Nuclear DeterrentOn the issue of nuclear weapons and the point that the noble Baroness makes, I will read the following for the purpose of clarity because she makes an important point. Neither the…03 Jun 2025HANSARDUK Nuclear DeterrentI thank my noble friend for his question. We are trying to ensure that, whatever may have happened in the past, we move forward in a way which guarantees our strategic nuclear…03 Jun 2025HANSARDDiego Garcia Military BaseI thank my noble friend. He is right. That is why I read out what the Indian Government said about the treaty and the agreement that has been reached. They say clearly: “The…03 Jun 2025