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1,831 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAtlantic Undersea Cables: Russian Subsurface OperationsI agree with my noble friend about interconnected threats. The important thing that flows from her Question is that, notwithstanding our focus on Iran, on Ukraine, quite rightly,…14 Apr 2026HANSARDAtlantic Undersea Cables: Russian Subsurface OperationsMy Lords, as demonstrated by the operation that the Secretary of State for Defence described last week, our Armed Forces are continually ready to respond to threats against our…14 Apr 2026HANSARDAtlantic Undersea Cables: Russian Subsurface OperationsI thank the noble Baroness, who always raises these issues, quite rightly, with respect to another part of the threat to us, which we need to deal with. She asked for the details…14 Apr 2026HANSARDDiego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory BillI thank the noble Baroness for her initial comments. The point about the six people on the atoll we are talking about is that they are there illegally. You must have a permit to…14 Apr 2026HANSARDAtlantic Undersea Cables: Russian Subsurface OperationsI was just thinking about the red tie club, as I stood up. But the serious point that my noble friend makes is clearly an important one about our ability to detect and deter those…14 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceI take the noble Lord’s point with respect to that. My understanding is that many ships have capabilities to defend themselves. I am not a military expert with respect to some of…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceWe always talk to the United States and continue to do so. The noble Baroness will know from the answers that have been given that we do not support the blockade, as proposed by…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceThe truth of the matter is that we of course need more ships, and investment is going into that now to produce the ships that we need. We are currently trying to maximise the use…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceI thank my noble friend for his question. He will know that the Government’s approach is to try to ensure that we bring together a co-ordinated, independent and multinational plan…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceThe noble Lord has made his point about the Navy and the words he used will have been heard by everyone. The point that I am making in response is that, as we move forward, the…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceMy Lords, we continue to convene efforts towards restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which is of vital importance to the UK. The Prime Minister will deliver…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceAs I said to the noble Lord’s noble friend, we continue to discuss these matters with the United States. Of course, diplomacy is an important part of any problem or conflict that…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceThe noble Lord has huge experience in this area, and he is right to point out that it is interesting to watch the way in which the pipeline that goes across Saudi Arabia into the…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceI totally agree with the noble and gallant Lord, and that is why I was at the National Centre for Marine Autonomy in Plymouth last week, launching the growth deal. There I saw the…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceThe noble Baroness will know my answer with respect to the defence investment plan. As I have said, it will be published in due course. HMS “Dragon” is available in the eastern…13 Apr 2026HANSARDStrait of Hormuz: Mine ClearanceThe noble Lord’s fundamental point is a good one. That is why the Government have consistently said that they will act in accordance with international law—and we call on all…13 Apr 2026HANSARDUK Homeland DefenceFirst, the priority of the Government is to intercept any missiles, and the NATO umbrella is designed precisely to tackle that. Of the £1 billion that I outlined as a result of…23 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Homeland DefenceIt is very urgent to have that conversation. I think everybody understands and accepts that. I go back to the noble Lord’s point about defence spending; it requires that…23 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Homeland DefenceMy noble friend makes an important and good point about instability in other regions. Obviously, the focus at the present time is on the Middle East, but clearly we can see…23 Mar 2026HANSARDUK Homeland DefenceAs the noble Viscount will know, discussions continue around that. As the British public consider the threats that they face and the turmoil in certain parts of the world, there…23 Mar 2026