Contributions
1,451 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDDefence JobsYes, my hon. Friend makes an important point about small and medium-sized companies and their role in the supply chain; I see it as part of my job as Defence Secretary sometimes…24 May 2021HANSARDDefence JobsI went recently to Telford to launch the Challenger 3 contract, which will grow to a significant number of jobs—nearly 200 to 300 from that alone. The Boxer coming on stream,…24 May 2021HANSARDDefence JobsThe £17 billion that the right hon. Member refers to is the sum that was identified by the National Audit Office before the defence settlement. So what have I done? I have got a…24 May 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Withdrawal of UK ForcesNATO Foreign and Defence Ministers confirmed on 14 April that an orderly and co-ordinated withdrawal of NATO forces would start on 1 May, and we have met that timeline. The…24 May 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Withdrawal of UK ForcesThe Afghan forces have been fully responsible for the security of Afghanistan since 2015, and I want to place on record my admiration for their remarkable resilience and courage…24 May 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Withdrawal of UK ForcesI hear my right hon. Friend’s requests—I know he has recently written a letter to the Prime Minister making that request. First, there is a stark difference between Iraq and…24 May 2021HANSARDAfghanistan: Withdrawal of UK ForcesMy right hon. Friend makes a very pertinent point and a very real suggestion. The US, in that peace agreement, chose not to make it conditions-based at the end. That was a regret…24 May 2021HANSARDUK Nuclear Warhead Replacement ProjectTransition to the mark 4A warhead is ongoing to ensure that we continue to have a safe, secure and available stockpile until the replacement warhead is available by the end of the…24 May 2021HANSARDDefenceThe right hon. Gentleman put a series of questions to me. On the steel, I am happy to write to him with details of each individual class of ship. As he knows, we are committed to…29 Apr 2021HANSARDDefenceThe right hon. Gentleman put a series of questions to me. On the steel, I am happy to write to him with details of each individual class of ship. As he knows, we are committed to…29 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentI note my right hon. Friend’s final phrase, “strategic allies”. Not only are they allies, but they make a strategic difference, and they stand for the rule of law and the same…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentThe hon. Gentleman makes a really valid point about the varying types of threat, from Gatwick airport, as when I was Security Minister—we all remember that—all the way up to a…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentYes, and it is a long future. This is not a 10-year or 20-year project; these are 30, 40 or maybe 50-year platforms. Who knows what will be flying off those decks in 50 years’…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentI regret to inform the right hon. Member that I have not read the US report, but it is absolutely right that we keep an eye on all these issues. The supply chain for all our…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentFirst, on the carrier alliance, I think the bigger lesson to take is for our future combat air system—the future fighter programme. There are so many vested interests in it and it…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentThe hon. Gentleman asks a valid question. Strictly speaking we could, but we do not envisage such deployments unless we are in a time of war or significant stress. At the moment,…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentI am not sure how long I will last in this job; no one ever does. I would love to be in Japan when she arrives and join my Japanese counterpart. The Japanese are in a rough…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentOne of the lessons from the pandemic is that joined-up working and burden sharing is the key, whether that is better integration internally with devolved Administrations and local…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentI would like to make a statement on the forthcoming deployment of the carrier strike group. Before I do, I wish to send my condolences to the Indonesian navy and the families of…26 Apr 2021HANSARDCarrier Strike Group DeploymentI echo what the right hon. Gentleman said about this being a proud moment for this nation: a British made carrier deploying overseas, protecting Britain’s interests and supporting…26 Apr 2021