Contributions
735 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDefence Procurement: SMEsI recognise my hon. Friend’s point, and I will of course meet with him and his SMEs. Over the last six months, the Defence Secretary and I have convened stakeholders from industry…30 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Procurement: SMEsMy hon. Friend makes an interesting point. There is some flexibility under our procurement rules to specify national security grounds upon which to make a decision. Half our spend…30 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Procurement: SMEsThe Government’s modern industrial strategy, launched last week, announced a 50% increase in MOD spending with small and medium-sized enterprises to £7.5 billion a year by 2028,…30 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsI thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the vital role of ITP Aero on some of our most important defence platforms, not least Typhoon and the A400M. The strategic defence review…30 Jun 2025HANSARDTopical QuestionsWe always keep in mind our obligations under international law, and we obviously discuss matters that might pertain to it among the F-35 nations.30 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Procurement: SMEsThe hon. Gentleman is right to say that I have visited Northern Ireland and its defence sector on a number of occasions, and I hope to return and do so again. The increase in…30 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Sector ExportsIn order to deliver for defence and make defence manufacturing an engine for growth, we must improve our export performance. Potential customers want a consistent…30 Jun 2025HANSARDDefence Procurement: SMEsI know Aeralis well; I visited it when I was in opposition, as I know the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) has done, and I have spoken to its representatives since.…30 Jun 2025HANSARDShipbuilding Supply LineI recognise the benefit that the construction of Type 31 frigates has brought to Rosyth, and I have personally engaged with international partners to try to secure future orders.…30 Jun 2025HANSARDNuclear-certified Aircraft ProcurementThe hon. Gentleman is correct that one cannot just buy aircraft and not train the relevant people—whether they be pilots, engineers or ground crew—to deal with the necessity of…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNuclear-certified Aircraft ProcurementNo, our continuous at-sea deterrent has been the policy of both governing parties for many years and that has not changed. The announcement today is about our joining the NATO…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNuclear-certified Aircraft ProcurementI and the Government have been very clear about our commitment to the continuous at-sea deterrent and to procuring the new Dreadnought boats and the new warhead, so I can give the…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNuclear-certified Aircraft ProcurementPart of our commitment to defence reform is to try to improve our procurement and acquisition to ensure that we meet our contract aspirations more quickly and to give us more…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Armaments DirectorI am not making any announcements today, but I have heard what the hon. Member said, and I want these matters dealt with more swiftly than in the past. He needs to listen out,…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Armaments DirectorThe hon. Member is going to ask me about the new medium helicopter.25 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Armaments DirectorWhat the hon. Gentleman said at the beginning of his speech was very simple, I must say. I understand the point that he has made, although I have not seen the answers to which he…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Armaments DirectorI mean, the right hon. Gentleman has only just walked in. If he wants to start heckling me, I am happy to have a discussion with him in the Tea Room afterwards, but there is no…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Armaments DirectorI thank all those who have spoken in the debate. I congratulate the hon. Member for North Cotswolds (Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) on obtaining it, very properly in Armed Forces…25 Jun 2025HANSARDNuclear-certified Aircraft ProcurementThe ringfenced Defence Nuclear Enterprise budget is not for purchasing aircraft; it is for dealing with our submarines. It is a fair question—I hope that that is a clear answer.25 Jun 2025HANSARDNational Armaments DirectorI am conscious that I am probably overusing my time, so I do not want to give way any more. I apologise, but there is another debate to come. All of us in the House essentially…25 Jun 2025