Contributions
413 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCovid-19: VaccineMy Lords, I commend the Government on the leadership they have shown in committing £548 million to the COVAX advance market commitment to which my noble friend referred a few…11 Nov 2020HANSARDCovid-19: Foreign AidMy Lords, I will build on the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Collins. The 2012 overseas territories White Paper commits the Government “to meeting the reasonable assistance…11 Nov 2020HANSARDIntegrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign PolicyMy Lords, the UK has some of the most advanced military capabilities in the world—the F35 fighter, the Type 45 Destroyer and cyber, to name but three—but our real military…03 Nov 2020HANSARDDefence and Security Public Contracts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020My Lords, I rise to add my support to this amendment to the regulations. I am conscious that I am simply a poor warm-up act before the noble Lord, Lord Dodds of Duncairn, gives…03 Nov 2020HANSARDTown and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2020My Lords, it is a tremendous honour to be able to contribute to this important debate, and to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Young. I add my congratulations to the noble Lord,…27 Oct 2020HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe UK remains fully committed to the long-term security of the region and to the counter-Daesh coalition. We continually assess UK and coalition logistical capability to ensure…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionI am sorry that the hon. Gentleman does not seem to welcome the fact that Scotland will soon be home to all Royal Navy submarine personnel. I am sorry that he does not seem to…21 Oct 2019HANSARDArmy PersonnelI think we are doing a lot, actually. As I said, we need only look at this year, where all the signs are very positive. The real challenge we have faced recently has been in the…21 Oct 2019HANSARDArmy PersonnelI have to declare my interest: the first Army unit I joined was the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers back in 1988 in Hong Kong. I am delighted that, speaking off the top of my head, we…21 Oct 2019HANSARDArmy PersonnelHalfway through the recruiting year, approximately 70% of the Army’s regular soldier requirement have either started training or are due to do so. In addition, direct entry…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionThe hon. Gentleman makes a really important point. It will come as no surprise to him that, having been a serving member of the reserves for 31 years, I take reserve service very…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionThe hon. Lady rightly highlights the important contribution that the north-east and the north-west have made to recruitment to all three services over many years. I am determined…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionA training ship, Upholder, in Chelmsford is indeed an excellent base for the Chelmsford Sea Cadets. It is right that the sea cadets have a different funding formula from the other…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionI am grateful to the hon. Lady—Madam President—for those words of advice, and indeed for that constructive suggestion. I am more than happy to consider any way we can encourage…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionIt is normally family pressures that are the No. 1 reason cited by members of the armed forces for leaving the armed forces, which is why it is absolutely right that we get this…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionI am grateful for my hon. Friend’s comments about the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust. Indeed, that is a scheme from which many hon. and right hon. Members have benefited. When…21 Oct 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe Home Office has responsibility for counter-drone activity within the United Kingdom. The MOD has a layered air defence capability, and we are happy to allow other Departments…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionMy hon. Friend makes a really interesting point. As we move forward there are different specialist skill sets that we need—cyber is an example, as well as medical services—and…21 Oct 2019HANSARDTopical QuestionsThe University of Northampton’s research into the social impact of cadet forces, including those in state schools, suggests that membership can increase social mobility and help…21 Oct 2019HANSARDService Personnel: Recruitment and RetentionHow could I resist such a kind invitation? I should be delighted to visit. Indeed, I started life as a cadet, so I know the value of it. In accordance with the UN convention on…21 Oct 2019