(1 day, 13 hours ago)
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Mr Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool) (Lab)
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
The north-east plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s defence sector. I am delighted that our increased defence spending means that in the north-east spending rose from £187 million in 2024-25 to £198 million in 2025-26, supporting around 2,000 jobs, and 49% of our spending goes to the region’s small and medium-sized enterprises.
Mr Brash
I welcome the investment outlined by the Minister, but as a north-east MP, I always want to see more. One way that can be achieved is by helping our small and medium-sized enterprises to navigate the procurement system. Steel Benders UK is making a major investment in Hartlepool and is keen to understand how it can play a greater role in the defence supply chain. I have recently written to the Secretary of State about that, as its managing director, Tania Cooper, also sits on the steering committee of the north-east regional defence and security cluster. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the company to discuss how businesses in Hartlepool can contribute to growing our sovereign defence manufacturing capability?
Luke Pollard
I may be a south-west MP, but I am a north-east MP when it comes to increasing defence spending, just as my hon. Friend is. I want to see more spending in the north-east. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss how Steel Benders UK can access more of that increased defence spending. I would like to promote the work of the Defence Office of Small Business Growth in providing a single door for small businesses to access more defence contracts, helping to create more jobs, growth and opportunities in every part of the UK, including the north-east.
Jessica Toale (Bournemouth West) (Lab)
Lauren Edwards (Rochester and Strood) (Lab)
Chris Kane (Stirling and Strathallan) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Defence (Wes Streeting)
Before I begin my answer, I pay tribute to Major Paul Wilks, who was sadly killed in a road traffic accident in Ukraine last month. I know the whole House will join me in sending heartfelt thoughts and condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues, particularly his wife and children.
There has never been a better or more important time to join defence. I am determined to ensure that we give people from all backgrounds opportunities to succeed, while creating the skills and talent that keep our country safe. As part of the defence industrial strategy, we are investing £182 million to improve science, technology, engineering and maths skills for young people and increase capacity in the education system, as well as backing defence technical excellence colleges in England with £50 million, with the ambition and intention to see that expand to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have got to strengthen our defence industrial skills base to provide opportunities for the next generation; this Government, with this investment, will certainly do that.
Jessica Toale
I recently opened the new cyber-competence centre at Bournemouth University, which provides courses in cyber-defence intelligence and autonomous systems in partnership with industry. The centre is creating a vital pipeline of talent to keep our nation safe and ensure economic resilience. Will the Secretary of State tell us how we can encourage more partnerships between industry and our higher and further education institutions to ensure that this pipeline of talent continues and we keep the nation safe with those skills?
Wes Streeting
I thank my hon. Friend for championing Bournemouth University and the work that has been undertaken to develop the cyber competence centre that she opened last month. As part of our defence strategic priorities grant competition, we are investing over £2.8 million to boost the work at Bournemouth University, including establishing new undergraduate courses in cyber-defence and autonomous systems, increasing skills development for students and collaborating with employers. We would like to see that approach—of Government, industry and our innovation and science base working together—power the future of defence.
Lauren Edwards
Last week, BAE Systems in Rochester launched its Movement to Work initiative, a three-week programme that will develop practical skills, provide real work experience and build the confidence that Medway needs. Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating the company on that fantastic initiative, and outline how he is working more broadly with the defence sector to help tackle the crisis of people not in education, employment or training across the UK?
Wes Streeting
Recently, I chaired an industry roundtable with Alan Milburn, who is leading work for the Government in that area. I strongly believe that with the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war, we can not only strengthen our national defence but ensure that we have a country that is worth fighting for by investing here in Britain: backing Britain, buying British, investing in the next generation and tackling the scourge of the 1 million or so young people who are not in education, employment or training. I am delighted that the defence industry has responded to calls to help us.
Chris Kane
Stirling was home to Army headquarters Scotland until 2021; like communities across the UK, we retain skills and defence heritage but our direct connection has been weakened by the distance from defence jobs. A student from Bannockburn should have the same opportunities as one from Rosyth but will have additional costs and challenges in accessing them. Will the Secretary of State ensure that our ambition for growth in every postcode translates into practical action from the Ministry of Defence and its suppliers to build outreach and clear routes into defence careers in communities beyond their existing defence centres? Will he visit my constituency to explore our defence links, including at Queen Victoria school in Dunblane—a military boarding school owned and operated by his Department?
Wes Streeting
I would certainly like to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency at the first available opportunity. With our investment in two defence technical excellence colleges, we will be able to widen the availability of skills, jobs and opportunities across Scotland. We would like to work with the Scottish Government to achieve that, which is why I welcome the fact that, albeit belatedly, the Scottish Government have finally decided to match fund the initiative, which has been available to them since March this year.
Danny Kruger (East Wiltshire) (Reform)
The military cannot develop skills unless they can actually train. Does the Secretary of State share my concern? Does he agree that it is absolutely scandalous that non-essential training has been suspended across large parts of the British Army because there is no money? Will he tell the House when training will resume on Salisbury plain?
Wes Streeting
First, training and exercises are taking place for the remainder of this year. What I can tell the hon. Gentleman is that when I arrived at the Ministry of Defence, there was an in-year overspend that would have seen us over-committed by the end of the year. As I did at the Department of Health and Social Care, I have sent a very strong message, very early on, and I make absolutely no apology for that. Although this Government are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war, I expect my Department and our armed forces to live within their means. I think that message has been received loud and clear and will help me to tackle the historical problems that we have had at the Ministry of Defence: routine overspending, and challenges with value for money and productivity. [Interruption.] If Conservative Members want to heckle on those points, they should explain why they under-invested in defence for more than a decade.
Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
I welcome the Secretary of State to his place; I have not had the chance to do that until now. I wish him well in his new role.
Northern Ireland has a reputation for being a supply chain in action; although it has only 3% of the UK’s population, it has 70% of the UK’s Supply Chains for the 21st Century, or SC21, aerospace and defence business excellence awards—gold awards, regularly. Major Northern Ireland manufacturers in my constituency rely on small and medium-sized enterprises to deliver high-quality components and engineering. Will the Secretary of State please commit to working with the Ministry of Defence to ensure that Northern Ireland’s highly capable SMEs have improved access to defence contracts?
Wes Streeting
We are determined to spend more across the whole United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the £50 million growth deal will help in that regard. My hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People will be visiting this Thursday. As I identified when appearing before the House of Lords Select Committee last week, we can be proud of the contribution that defence makes in every corner of the country—whether it is the north-east of England or Northern Ireland. There are some parts of the country where we can and will do more.
Stuart Anderson (South Shropshire) (Con)
I start by echoing the Secretary of State’s comments about Paul Wilks, and on behalf of the shadow defence team, I pass on my condolences to the families and colleagues of the Canadian service personnel who tragically lost their lives yesterday.
Improving skills in defence requires training. Training builds readiness, which increases both lethality and survivability. Yet it has been reported through multiple outlets that the Army has cancelled important training to save money. Is that correct?
Wes Streeting
First, I welcome the shadow Minister to the Dispatch Box for the first time. I place on the record my respect for his service to our country and the expertise that he brings to the role. On behalf of the Government, I conveyed support to Minister McGuinty following the terrible incident in Canada overnight; I am sure that our Canadian friends will welcome the support across the House.
As I said, further training is to take place throughout the rest of this year, including major exercises that we have taken part in. I restate, however, that we have to live within our means. That has required some reprioritisation, including of training. We have to focus on the right things and make sure that we are ready to fight the next war, not the last one. It has not been a popular decision, but I absolutely stand by the decisions that I have taken to make sure that the culture in my Department is one that lives within its means and delivers value for the taxpayer.
Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) (LD)
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Louise Sandher-Jones)
At a time when Europe faces the most dangerous security environment since the cold war, defence co-operation is key. The UK-EU security and defence partnership agreed in May last year is delivering on that. Together, we are co-ordinating support for Ukraine, tackling hybrid threats, strengthening sanctions on Russia and enabling systematic UK-EU co-operation on global crises.
Sarah Olney
The Government have been clear that NATO faces the genuine prospect of conflict with Russia before the end of the decade, and our industrial bases across the alliance are critical to ensuring that we deter this threat. Therefore, we must ensure that our world-leading UK defence companies can support our European NATO allies in rearming to counter Russian aggression. That must include formal co-operation with the European Defence Agency as well as involvement in the European competitiveness fund. What further progress has the Secretary of State made with our European partners to deepen our co-operation on defence industrial readiness?
Louise Sandher-Jones
As the hon. Lady will be aware, we co-operate across a number of measures via the EU, through NATO, and through bilateral agreements such as Lunna House with Norway and Trinity House with Germany. As well as that, we have the security and defence partnership, and we will continue to work through that on the opportunities that she described.
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab)
It is clear from the lifting of US sanctions on Russia, reports of Starlink being slowed down and restricted, and President Trump’s recent Russia diesel deal that we, alongside our European allies, must step up to fill the void being left by the US. The path to peace on our continent will not be forged by sidelining Ukraine and rewarding Russian imperialism. What capabilities will now be given to Ukraine as a European alternative to ensure that President Zelensky is not further isolated?
Louise Sandher-Jones
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend how vital it is that we stand with Ukraine; Ukrainian security is our security. As part of that, he will be aware of the many wide programmes that we have with Ukraine—whether Operation Interflex or our equipment and industry partnerships—which we will continue. We look every day to see whether we can do anything more to support our allies and ensure that Ukraine can stand up against Russian aggression.
Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con)
May I commend the Government’s decision to stay out of the SAFE—Security Action for Europe—programme? It was going to be horrendously expensive, we would have got less money out than we would have put in, it was going to take the intellectual property of any participating company who offered a programme to it, and it was going to take far too long to build up any capability. Can we concentrate on NATO? Will the Minister advise the Liberal Democrats that defence in the EU is a reserved matter to the member states? Therefore, we are much better off co-operating through NATO, which is also much quicker than trying to do something with some European—
Mr Speaker
Order. Sir Bernard, in fairness, I think you got in your first three questions.
Louise Sandher-Jones
I will not intrude in relations among those on the Opposition Benches, but I understand that the Liberal Democrats have heard the hon. Member’s point. As he knows, we are big believers in NATO first, not NATO only; I take his point.
Luke Akehurst (North Durham) (Lab)
Last year, the UK agreed a security and defence partnership with the EU as part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening European security, supporting economic growth and reinforcing NATO. Will the Minister set out what dialogue has happened since then to implement the partnership?
Louise Sandher-Jones
It is important to note that the defence industry in the UK can still participate under standard third-country terms. Since then, we have continued to work with our EU partner nations on a variety of different mechanisms, whether through NATO or through our bilateral arrangements.
Andrew Lewin (Welwyn Hatfield) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Defence (Wes Streeting)
Terms such as “hybrid threats” and “grey zone” fail to convey adequately the seriousness of Russia’s widespread campaign of what I prefer to call state-sponsored terrorism, which it is inflicting across our continent. We expect it to continue probing and testing Britain and her allies, including through military posturing and reckless military activity. We are not at war with Russia, nor do we seek confrontation, but Russia should be in no doubt that we are ready to defend every inch of NATO territory and that we will not be deterred in our unwavering support for Ukraine.
Andrew Lewin
To deter Russia, we need vigilance at home and the support of our allies abroad. I am sure the whole House will agree that Vladimir Putin’s decision to continue to bomb and target civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine is proof that he is not interested in a ceasefire, so does my right hon. Friend agree that, at this moment, our allied response should be to give even greater support to Ukraine and President Zelensky and to look at what further sanctions we could place on Russia?
Wes Streeting
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon Friend. At the next meeting of the Ukraine defence contact group, I will be continuing to mobilise practical support from our allies. When I was in Washington last week, I made our view very clear that Ukraine’s frontline is the frontline for freedom and democracy everywhere, and that we need to stand together to increase the cost of this war to Putin, because only Putin has the means to end this war. If Ukraine were to cease fire tomorrow while Russia continued, it would pay a heavy price in casualties and in the very freedom that the United Kingdom and all our allies seek to defend.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke (Wetherby and Easingwold) (Con)
I am grateful for the Secretary of State’s last answer, because it is important that the American President and the US Defence Secretary understand that Russia started this war. Did the right hon. Gentleman also point out that the President’s decision to buy diesel from Russia is actually funding Iran, because the Russians are buying it in from Iran, and that it is therefore counterintuitive to what the Americans are trying to achieve with their blockade?
Wes Streeting
There is no doubt that Russia presents a threat and is an adversary of the United States as well as of the United Kingdom. We see that with the company that Russia chooses to keep and with the risk that Russia poses to US interests and US personnel as well as our own in the way that it conducts itself. The United States has not been alone in buying fuel from Russia. We have had similar challenges here on the European continent in relation to Russian gas. The more that Putin’s war machine is funded, the longer this war goes on and the higher the price for everyone. That price is being paid most of all by the Ukrainians, who did not start this war and who lack the means to end it. Only Putin can do that. He could stop the war tomorrow; he chooses not to do so.
Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
Part of the growing threat from Russia—and it is growing —includes increased maritime activity, both in the English channel and in the surveillance of critically important undersea cables, including by specialist Russian submarines. Part of our response should surely be to increase our own submarine patrols around our shores. However, for many months, not a single one of our Astute class attack submarines has been on patrol. I know that it is not the Government’s policy to comment on submarine movements, but I am asking about the absence of submarine movements. Why, on Labour’s watch, have our attack submarines been embarrassingly tied up alongside for months at a time, while the Russians are roving in the North sea and the Atlantic?
Wes Streeting
However the shadow Minister phrases his question, he is not going to tempt me to comment on operational deployments. He understands perfectly well why we choose not to do that. Secondly, I point him to recent exercises we have conducted in the North sea and to our leadership of the joint expeditionary force. To go to the heart of his question about our armed forces and their readiness, perhaps the next time he or his party want to get to their feet to lecture us about the state of our armed forces, they might begin with an apology for underfunding them for more than a decade.
James MacCleary (Lewes) (LD)
Last week, Ukrainian forces were reportedly left exposed to Russian attacks after the US President acted to restrict access to Starshield, showing that the White House is prepared to pressure American companies to interfere in allied military operations, and the importance of sovereign control over military satellite communications in facing the Russian threat. Now the Government are reportedly considering a low-ball American bid to operate Skynet—a system conceived during the cold war to guarantee British sovereignty over military satellite capability—threatening hundreds of jobs in Portsmouth, a great military city still reeling from losing shipbuilding. The Government talk about buying British and strengthening sovereign capability, and here we have a proven world-leading system operated by a European company, so can the Defence Secretary explain to me and the people of Portsmouth why he is considering handing operation of this critical sovereign capability to the US?
Wes Streeting
The hon. Gentleman will understand why I will not comment on that during a live procurement. The matter is still under consideration. To be clear, we take sovereign capability and control very seriously. It is also worth pointing out, after what was unquestionably a challenging week for relations between the United States and Ukraine, that the United States has provided and will continue to provide vital support to Ukraine, whether that is through intelligence sharing, the work we do on procurement with and through the United States, or the diplomatic track. It is worth reporting to the House that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, my US counterpart, was keen to thank the United Kingdom for our leadership on Ukraine. That suggests to me that the United States does know which side it is on.
Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)
The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)
The Government remain committed to growing the cadet forces, particularly in underserved communities where young people can benefit most from the opportunities and skills that a cadet forces experience provides. We are strengthening links between defence communities and employers to expand volunteering and cadet opportunities, so that more young people, including those in Bracknell Forest, can benefit from the cadet experience.
Peter Swallow
Earlier this month I had the huge privilege of celebrating the first ever National Cadets Week alongside 7 Platoon Berkshire Army Cadets and 2211 Squadron Air Cadets. I was struck, as I always am when I meet cadets, by the young people’s confidence, skills and sense of pride. What consideration has my hon. Friend given to the role that the cadets can play in tackling the crisis of young people not in education, employment or training, and supporting more young people to develop essential skills?
Mr Bailey
Wasn’t National Cadets Week just brilliant? I know how proud my hon. Friend is of his cadet craftsmen and women of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cadets at 7 Platoon Berkshire Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Cadets of 2211 Squadron—semper paratus. Both units show us how we must recognise the science, technology, engineering and maths opportunities that cadet engagement provides to our young people, helping to improve confidence and employability and reducing their risks of becoming NEET.
Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab)
The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)
The Government remain committed to growing the cadet forces. On 5 October, I opened the first National Cadets Week, which celebrated the skills of our cadets and recognised the contribution of the volunteers who are central to providing the experience. We are strengthening links between defence and industry to expand our cadet opportunities to more young people.
Chris Murray
I thank the Minister for that answer. Musselburgh Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets have been giving young people in Musselburgh a head start for more than 70 years, and celebrated the first ever National Cadets Week last month with an open day. I will be joining them on parade on Thursday to pay tribute to the huge contribution that they make to the honest toun. Will the Minister join me in thanking the cadets and volunteers in Musselburgh and across my constituency, and tell me what the UK Government are doing to support cadets?
Mr Bailey
I know how proud my hon. Friend is of his Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets, the 297 Squadron Royal Air Force Cadets and the tam o’ shanter-wearing Lothian and Borders Army Cadet Force, who highlight how important our cadets are to strengthening our communities and preserving our national music and totems. I look forward to hearing how he enjoys himself at the 70th anniversary event. I hope that the SNP can see fit to allow the expansion of cadet forces into our schools, which they resist at present.
David Chadwick (Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) (LD)
Young people are the future of the armed forces, and that is why cadet groups are so important. In England, schools receive £360 a year for every child from an armed forces family, helping them to provide extra support. If Wales followed the English system, over £800,000 a year could go directly to Welsh schools and service children, including £97,000 for schools in my county of Powys. The reality is in Wales schools are competing with each other for a share of just £40,000 across the whole country. Does the Secretary of State agree that the Welsh Government must stop short-changing the children of armed forces personnel and put this money directly into their schools?
Mr Bailey
I welcome the question. Wales has a proud history of serving our country, and that results in an extension of the armed forces covenant in our schools. There is something there that we need to recognise in supporting our veterans and their children in schools in the Welsh system, so I will take a look at it.
James MacCleary (Lewes) (LD)
The Liberal Democrats have proposed expanding our cadet and reserve forces to include a voluntary civilian resilience strand, equipping British people with skills in cyber-defence, emergency response and protecting critical national infrastructure. Last week, the director general of MI5 warned of escalating Russian hybrid warfare and the need to strengthen our national resilience. The Defence Secretary will be aware that Britain once had a civil defence corps, with tens of thousands of volunteers during the cold war. Will he back our proposals to establish a new civilian volunteer reserve co-ordinated by a new, dedicated civil defence office, harnessing the enthusiasm of Britain’s young people who want to serve their communities and strengthen our national resilience?
Mr Bailey
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Indeed, if the hon. Gentleman spent some time with our Royal Air Force cadets, he would see the amazing cyber-programme that they are rolling out, which will be expanded across the Army Cadets and the Sea and Royal Marine Cadets as part of the cadets action plan.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Louise Sandher-Jones)
Low flying plays an indispensable role in achieving and maintaining our warfighting capability. I understand it can be disruptive, but it is spread throughout the whole of the UK to minimise that disturbance. The amount of low-flying training conducted is limited to the operational requirement, and night flying is only conducted when necessary.
Wendy Chamberlain
Just over a month ago, my constituent had a Chinook helicopter fly extremely low over their farm on two occasions with no prior warning or engagement. Despite guidance that the Minister referred to that farms and livestock should be avoided, the flights caused significant distress, with a vet bill for urgent treatment for an animal who collapsed as a result of the flights. Can the Minister assure me that such incidents are investigated, and will she meet me to discuss this particular one further?
Louise Sandher-Jones
Absolutely, we will certainly meet the hon. Member at the earliest opportunity. Otherwise, I invite her to write to me in the meantime with the specifics of the case. There is a mechanism, so I will be happy to help her with it.
Sonia Kumar (Dudley) (Lab)
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
Thanks to our growing defence budget, last year we spent £1.8 billion in the west midlands, benefiting not just west midlands businesses but those in my hon. Friend’s constituency. That is an increase of 3% on last year. I am keen to visit Dudley to see some of the businesses that I know she has been championing so consistently in Defence questions, but also in between in our many frequent conversations. I know that we are looking to spend more with UK businesses, and that includes ones in her constituency.
Sonia Kumar
I wholeheartedly support the Government’s ambition to buy British, and there should be no difference in defence. I take this opportunity to thank the Minister for his defence roundtable being held in Dudley later this year. Can my hon. Friend outline what proactive work has been done to make new small and medium-sized enterprise supply chains in Dudley and outline how industrial bases such as the Pensnett estate in Dudley are well placed to benefit from future defence investment and procurement opportunities?
Luke Pollard
I thank my hon. Friend for that work. She will know that we have stood up the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, which is a dedicated front door for small businesses to access and navigate the defence procurement process and speed up security clearances and cyber essentials. She will also know that many companies that could benefit from it may not classify themselves as defence businesses; they may be a provider of a service or component that could make a big difference to defence as well. I look forward to making the case to her businesses that there is an easier way now to contract with defence which I hope will create more opportunities for those in the west midlands.
Ben Obese-Jecty (Huntingdon) (Con)
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Boxer is vital to defence procurement across the west midlands, including for those constituents in Dudley who work at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land. The MOD has now confirmed that earlier this year it cut nearly £2 billion from the £7 billion allocated to the mechanised infantry programme—a cut that included three new variants for the Army, including the critical repair and recovery variant. What will the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers light aid detachments be equipped with, given that there is no longer a plan to procure those vehicles, and how will the Army repair and recover damaged Boxer vehicles without a repair and recovery variant?
Luke Pollard
I welcome the hon. Gentleman to the Dispatch Box. I am sure there will be no shortage of parliamentary questions from him—indeed, this relates to a question he asked about Boxer to which I have already replied. We look at the criteria for what we need to buy for our armed forces, and that includes looking at the Boxer programme. The Boxer programme is incredibly successful for KNDS and RBSL. We are looking at the variants required to ensure it is appropriate for the modern fight and armed forces, and we are prioritising spend against those capabilities as recommended by the Army. I am more than happy to have a further conversation with the hon. Gentleman and Members with Boxer-producing constituencies. Boxer is a real success story, and I want to continue delivering more Boxer capabilities.
Laura Kyrke-Smith (Aylesbury) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Defence (Wes Streeting)
The strategic defence review published last year set out that defence must play a stronger role in protecting our homeland. The Ministry of Defence is taking a whole-of-Government approach, working closely with the Cabinet Office and particularly the Home Office. We are bringing together industry, civil society, emergency services and the public to help build a whole-of-society approach to resilience and preparedness. We are refreshing our homeland defence plans, we will introduce a defence readiness Bill, and we are strengthening critical national infrastructure resilience. I look forward to keeping the House updated, including on the actions that Members can take and ways they can support their constituents, and to supporting the national conversation that is under way.
Laura Kyrke-Smith
Whether the threat is from Russia, Iran or rogue AI agents, keeping our country safe is the precondition for growth and progress here at home. Protecting ourselves means protecting the critical national infrastructure on which our constituents’ lives depend, whether that is our banking systems, road and rail networks, or electricity grid. As the Chief of the Defence Staff and the Secretary of State have said, we face a society-wide threat, and we must prepare and respond with a society-wide effort. Will the Secretary of State say more about what he is doing with Cabinet colleagues to protect our critical national infrastructure, and will he advise my constituents on what they can do to play their part in keeping us all safe?
Wes Streeting
The Prime Minister has announced threat briefings for CEOs from sensitive sectors, including defence and critical national infrastructure operators, to strengthen their understanding of the threats we face and improve our collective resilience. The Government have announced a national resilience public awareness campaign and a wider national conversation on defence and resilience to improve public preparedness. Individuals can play their part by following the preparedness advice on gov.uk, and we will all have a role to play in getting those messages across. Finally, we should be clear that those threats do not come just from overseas and that the aggressive targeting of defence industry leaders by protesters here at home is not acceptable. We will not tolerate the intimidation of people who are doing a job for our country.
Lincoln Jopp (Spelthorne) (Con)
When this issue came up in the Defence Committee last week, the Secretary of State said that the national conversation should leave the public “alert but not alarmed.” I personally think the public need to be a bit more alarmed, so I was reassured when the excellent General Sir Roly Walker said last week that
“very soon, the political leaders of this country will start to have a frank conversation with the citizens of this country about just what is going on, and where the risk lies,”.
When the Secretary of State starts that conversation, will he make it as cross-party as possible? It is important that this House sends a strong message to the country about the threats we face.
Wes Streeting
I wholeheartedly endorse the comments made by the Chief of the General Staff, which were widely reported over the weekend. Our armed forces chiefs are some of the most credible message carriers, and the ones the public will trust most. That is not to cast aspersions on Members across the House, but given that our popularity as politicians sits somewhere beneath traffic wardens and estate agents, we should lean in to—[Interruption.] I am not sure the Liberal Democrats want to go there this week.
Let me take seriously the hon. Gentleman’s point about the need to work together on a cross-party basis. I am proud that on issues like Ukraine we speak with one voice and there is total unity, and there is enormous consensus across the House about the nature of the threat we face, the need to invest more, and the type of capabilities we need. That will be reassuring to both the public and our allies, and I would be delighted to work together in that spirit.
Dr Peter Prinsley (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket) (Lab)
Many United States servicemen from RAF Lakenheath live off base in my constituency. As we all know, lately the United States’ bombers were removed from RAF Fairford. What more can every citizen do to increase national resilience, so as to protect and support the brave United States servicemen and servicewomen who are in our country at a time of increased threat from Russia?
Wes Streeting
I thank my hon. Friend for the work that he does in this House, as reflected in his question, to champion the great service that the United States’ personnel give to our collective security. Their presence here in the United Kingdom makes us safer and they are always welcome. The current US force posture at RAF Fairford is what we would expect to see outside of major combat operations. However, given the threat to RAF Fairford—respecting that there is still an ongoing investigation, I will be limited in what I say—we need to take base security seriously, and off-base support for UK and US personnel and those of our allies equally seriously. We have committed half a billion pounds of additional investment, and strengthened security technology and infrastructure across military sites. The challenges that we face here in the UK are challenges that are facing all our allies, and one issue that I discussed with Secretary Hegseth last week was about what more we could do together to strengthen our collective security across the alliance.
Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)
Does the Secretary of State agree that the Territorial Army plays an important role in our national resilience? Will he commit to fight for increased funding for the Territorial Army in the forthcoming Budget, and what is he doing to increase recruitment?
Wes Streeting
We certainly support our reservists—they have an important part to play in our national defence. I will take the hon. Member’s question as yet another supportive submission to the Budget process on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. I can say confidently to the House that those Budget representations fall on very sympathetic ears with this Chancellor.
Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Louise Sandher-Jones)
The UK is stepping up its defence of the High North. This year, our carrier strike group operated in the region, alongside 19 NATO allies, and 1,500 of our Royal Marines have trained in Arctic conditions. We are also doubling our military presence in Norway, investing in key anti-submarine warfare and undersea surveillance capabilities, and our carrier strike group will be returning shortly to NATO’s northern flank.
Patricia Ferguson
The North Atlantic, High North and Baltic are the frontline of the UK’s security, which is why British leadership of the joint expeditionary force is so vital to our defence. Will the Minister update the House on the recent meetings of the joint expeditionary force counterparts in Iceland, and on the major exercises that have taken place across the region?
Louise Sandher-Jones
We are rightly proud of the work that we are doing with partner nations in the JEF. In July this year, the carrier strike group deployed to the High North, working alongside 19 NATO allies, and is due back this autumn. The UK has recently taken command of NATO’s Joint Force Command Norfolk, which oversees all NATO operations across the High North, and the Royal Marines took part in Exercise Cold Response, alongside approximately 25,000 personnel from 14 allied nations.
Dr Al Pinkerton (Surrey Heath) (LD)
Last weekend I was in Iceland for the Arctic Circle Assembly, where I heard a great deal of support for greater co-operation with the United Kingdom in the High North, but also an excitement about the impending Arctic policy framework that was published on Thursday. That document recognised the great strategic importance of the High North to the United Kingdom. Given that, will the Minister say more about when a new icebreaker will be brought online, which is clearly critical to our polar strategy and posture? What other resources will the United Kingdom need in the short term to deliver that strategy?
Louise Sandher-Jones
The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the importance of our icebreaking capability. Project Shackleton is looking at the longer-term options for the capability.
David Reed (Exmouth and Exeter East) (Con)
I was pleased to see the Defence Readiness and Industry Minister welcoming HMS Protector home to Devonport, although judging by the three tugboats, I suspect she was rather less enthusiastic about the reunion than he was. With growing Russian activity in the High North and renewed chest beating from Argentina over the Falklands, Britain’s only naval ice patrol ship faces an uncertain future. How can a single replacement sustain a credible presence at both poles, while allowing for maintenance and refits, and how will the Minister prevent a gap in capability?
Louise Sandher-Jones
We have recently launched Project Shackleton, which is looking at some of the very questions that the hon. Gentleman raises. It is a very important capability, and we will look at the options to ensure we are mitigating the risks that we know we all face.
Jodie Gosling (Nuneaton) (Lab)
The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)
Through Valour, we are improving access to and co-ordinating essential care and support for veterans. We have the new Valour centre in Telford, and in March we announced more than £13 million of Government funding to veteran support centres. Some 21 Valour-recognised centres are open, supporting veterans across the country, including in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bids for the second round of funding are under consideration, and I will announce the successful organisations soon.
Jodie Gosling
I am once again championing the brilliant Valour bid from Veterans Contact Point in my constituency. We have the backing of 10 cross-party MPs in the region, which highlights the strength of feeling and our dedication to our armed forces. More than 2,500 veterans are set to benefit from locally delivered community support, and I am proud to mention that VCP is rolling out its female veterans transformation programme alongside that. Will the Minister please update us on how quickly we can start work to transform the lives of our veterans in Nuneaton and across the wider region?
Mr Bailey
My hon. Friend has been a great champion for veterans and is very powerful in her support of the bid in Nuneaton. Through Valour, we are improving access to and co-ordinating the essential care and support available to veterans. The new Valour centre in Telford—the hub—is a collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council and others, and this is just one example of our co-ordinated approach. Bids for the second round of funding are under consideration, and I will announce the successful organisations soon.
Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP)
Will the Minister pay tribute to all the work done by many of the Veterans’ Commissioners and those involved with helping veterans across the United Kingdom, including the Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland? They do all that work to try to help and assist many of those who have suffered greatly in the past. Will the Minister become a champion for veterans both now and beyond the Budget?
Mr Bailey
This Thursday, I will be in Northern Ireland with my very good friend, the Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland, where I will hear his representations on the issues affecting our veterans there. We have an incredible champion in our Veterans’ Commissioner for Scotland, who is doing an incredible job. A few months ago, I enjoyed breakfast in Wales with our Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales. All our commissioners play a valuable part and contribute to my understanding of the veterans landscape across the country, and they know that I have their back.
Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
This Government have ended the underfunding and hollowing out of our armed forces that we inherited from the last Government. We are getting ready for warfighting readiness by 2030. That is why we are directing more of a growing defence budget at British companies, retiring old equipment, and giving our brilliant men and women in the armed forces the latest kit. Defence spending is up, morale is up and recruitment is up.
Ian Roome
Speaking in Washington last week, the Secretary of State for Defence said:
“Defence spending is the measure of our commitment. Defence capability is the measure of our credibility.”
How will the Government ensure that in addition to increasing defence spending, this country maximises the capability that it gets for every pound?
Luke Pollard
We inherited defence spending of roughly 2.3% of GDP. That figure will be 2.7%-ish next year, and—as the hon. Gentleman will know, having read page 11 of the defence investment plan—at the spending review next year, the Chancellor will set out the spending profile that takes us to 3% and 3.5%. We are not only spending more on defence, but ensuring that we have the right equipment and capabilities. That is one of the reasons why we are retiring so much old equipment that no longer delivers for our armed forces and investing in new equipment, be that the hybrid Navy, autonomous drones or the latest capabilities for our people.
Alex Baker (Aldershot) (Lab)
When it comes to improving defence preparedness and resilience, I was really pleased to see the Minister launch Project Safari at the Hebrides range last week, particularly as I am the MP for Farnborough, which is home to the headquarters of QinetiQ. Will the Minister update the House on Project Safari, how it will modernise test and evaluation provision across the UK, and why this is important?
Luke Pollard
Project Safari is a superb example of how, when we have asked industry to step up, it has responded. Steve Wadey, the chief executive of QinetiQ, is pioneering a new set of requirements for test and evaluation, with more access to our ranges for small businesses, a greater focus on more collaboration, and more utility for us to test new capabilities. Project Safari was delivered from start to finish in three months—it is a model for how I expect other companies to react to our move to warfighting readiness.
Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
The Secretary of State for Defence (Wes Streeting)
Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for the United Kingdom and the United States. As I said in the US last week, our priority is to secure the long-term operation of the base and protect UK national security. To that end, we are working closely with Mauritius and the United States to secure an agreement that can command the support of all parties involved. Any arrangement must be acceptable to all of us, including President Trump, and that will be our focus in the coming months.
Sir Julian Lewis
In his discussions in the United States, did the Defence Secretary explain to our counterparts there that Mauritius is a signatory to the Pelindaba treaty, which means that no nuclear weapons can be deployed or stored anywhere on its territory? If Mauritius takes over the sovereignty of the Chagos islands, that means that no nuclear weapons can be stored in the Diego Garcia base. How did the Americans react to that disclosure, if the Defence Secretary saw fit to make it?
Wes Streeting
As a matter of policy, we obviously do not talk about the storage of nuclear weapons. Suffice it to say that however much people want to try to find another way around this, I can only assure the House that, having looked at this issue with a fresh pair of eyes, I have reached the same conclusion as every Prime Minister since Boris Johnson, including this one. That conclusion is that the capabilities provided by the Diego Garcia base make it extremely unwise—and a risk not worth taking—to have legal uncertainty, which is why efforts to negotiate a treaty continue. [Interruption.] Conservative Members may disagree now. If they do, they should explain why Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and the right hon. Member for Richmond and Northallerton (Rishi Sunak) were all trying to achieve the same outcome.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Reform)
The Secretary of State for Defence (Wes Streeting)
Last week in Washington, I met my US counterpart in person for the first time to discuss a range of issues including Ukraine, Russian aggression and Iran’s state-sponsored terrorism. In recent weeks, we have seen threats to our airbases here at home and deadly attacks on civilians in Saudi Arabia. The first responsibility of any Government is to defend the nation, and this Government are stepping up to meet the challenge with the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. We are building a country ready to fight and a Britain worth fighting for.
Andrew Rosindell
Since 2020, the Royal Navy has lost more than half of its frigates, its entire landing craft capability and its only icebreaker, and all of its attack submarines are now inoperable. I fear that our ability to protect the Falkland Islands is now in doubt, so will the Secretary of State take the defence of His Majesty’s overseas territories seriously and rebuild our naval capability?
Wes Streeting
It is simply irresponsible, not to mention inaccurate, to suggest that the UK is incapable of defending the Falkland Islands. We are perfectly capable of doing so, and we had a very visible demonstration of that only recently. Maybe if Reform had a defence spokesperson, they might have noticed.
Danny Beales (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Lab)
The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)
We are rapidly improving defence housing; we have already upgraded 1,250 homes, with a further 1,000 brought back into use this year. We have introduced customer commitments for service families, including clear pledges on housing standards, customer service and listening to families’ experiences. I will find the time to meet those people who live in service housing in my hon. Friend’s constituency.
James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)
As it is the first time we have debated, may I begin by welcoming the new Secretary of State to his position? On 26 July, he appeared on the Camilla Tominey show on GB News and was asked, “If the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not stump up enough defence spending, will he resign?” The Secretary of State replied, “Absolutely.” Is that still the case?
Wes Streeting
Absolutely. My answer is the same as it was before, and the reason I could give that answer so confidently in my first week in office was because this Government are already delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. The Chancellor resigned from the previous Government on a matter of principle. He is committed to invest more at the Budget, and he will set out the path to 3% and 3.5% at next year’s spending review. I trust the Chancellor a hell of a lot more than I trust the record of the previous Government, who under-invested in defence for more than a decade.
James Cartlidge
The Chancellor resigned then to go to 3% on defence. Bearing that in mind, on the same day, the Secretary of State also appeared on Times Radio and was asked by Adam Boulton if a failure to deliver on defence spending would be a resignation issue for him, as it had been for the now Chancellor. The Secretary of State replied:
“It is. It is absolutely, for me, a matter of principle.”
It begs a simple question. If the Budget does not deliver 3% for defence by 2030, will he resign?
Wes Streeting
This is what happens when the shadow Secretary of State writes his question before listening to the answer to his first question. The Chancellor has been very clear. I do not think repetition is a crime in the Commons, so I will repeat what I said just a moment ago: at next year’s spending review, the Chancellor will set out the path to 3% and 3.5%.
Lloyd Hatton (South Dorset) (Lab)
The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)
I was hugely impressed by what I saw when I visited Dorset Innovation Park. Awarding Yeovil college status as one of the five defence technical excellence colleges was good news not only for Yeovil and Leonardo and its helicopter business, but for the wider region. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss how we can operate more of the hub-and-spoke models that the DTECs deliver up and down the country.
Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD)
Mr Bailey
There are two aspects in answering this question. The first is the provision that we provide to our veterans; we are pleased to be rolling out the Valour network, with announcements for further centres soon. The second is the roll-out of the armed forces covenant and making sure that all local service providers play their part in delivering for our service families and their communities.
Alan Strickland (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor) (Lab)
Luke Pollard
I thank my hon. Friend for the work he does in raising defence business opportunities in his patch. This is an ongoing procurement, and no final decisions have been made. Both the UK-based bidders are subject to full evaluation of their proposals and must offer satellites that are assembled, integrated and tested in the UK. We hope to make an announcement shortly.
Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) (Con)
Luke Pollard
I think I was the only Plymouth MP not at REPMUS, given that the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) and my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Moor View (Fred Thomas) attended. I support the work that the hon. Member for South West Devon is doing. We have a huge opportunity in marine autonomy to create more jobs and increase the lethality and deterrence of our Royal Navy. I am very happy to pick up the points that she raised.
Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)
The Minister for the Armed Forces (Louise Sandher-Jones)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising such an important topic. Protecting the vital sea routes on which Britain depends is a fundamental task of the Royal Navy. We are strengthening these capabilities through the strategic defence review and defence investment plan, including through investment in the hybrid Navy, which will bring together crewed warships, submarines and uncrewed systems.
Edward Morello (West Dorset) (LD)
Wes Streeting
We support the diplomatic track that is being promoted by the Americans, which aims to bring together the Ukrainians and negotiators from Russia to bring an end to the war. Our position is clear, and I relayed this directly in Washington last week: there can be no decision about the Ukrainians without the Ukrainians; the peace would have to be acceptable to them. We will back Ukraine to the hilt.
Joe Powell (Kensington and Bayswater) (Lab)
Wes Streeting
Notwithstanding the challenges posed by the fact that Ukraine continues to be subject to bombardment by Russia, which is targeting its energy facilities, we are working closely with our Ukrainian friends on this, delivering £17 million to support repairs to the site. We want those repairs to be undertaken as quickly and safely as possible, while recognising the challenging planning environment in which we are operating.
Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)
Support for defence bonds now reaches far beyond political divides; it has spread from the Liberal Democrat Benches to former Conservative Defence Secretaries and many Labour Members. Given that broad support, can the Secretary of State confirm that he will make representations to the Chancellor about including defence bonds in his Budget next week?
Luke Pollard
I thank the hon. Member for his continuing support for defence. There are a variety of methods for increasing support for defence. I am grateful for the work he is doing, and I am always happy to have a conversation with him. In the meantime, the Government will continue to increase defence spending for our armed forces.
Katrina Murray (Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch) (Lab)
Across Scotland, including in my constituency, innovative companies are helping to develop the UK’s space capabilities. Innovation in the sector, however, comes with considerable up-front costs, as new technologies require extensive research and development and rigorous testing to the point of destruction. What steps is the Ministry of Defence taking to support research and development, overcome these financial barriers and help businesses in the space sector to grow and thrive?
Luke Pollard
I thank my hon. Friend for her interest in championing space. As a space nerd myself, the subject is close to my heart. In fact, I have had two brilliant small ministerial group meetings on space in the last week alone. I direct the House’s attention to the new UK space strategy, which was published only a few weeks ago. It sets out how we will grow the space sector, creating more jobs and providing more testing, more launch capability and more resilience for our space assets.
Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) (Con)
Veterans injured serving our country can see their pension credit cut because their military compensation is counted as income. How is that consistent with the armed forces covenant? Will the Minister commit to working with the Department for Work and Pensions to end this deduction?
Wes Streeting
I recognise the challenge raised by the right hon. Member. That is something I am looking at.
Frank McNally (Coatbridge and Bellshill) (Lab)
Businesses such as Cairnhill Structures in Coatbridge play a critical role in supporting infrastructure repairs in Ukraine, including the rebuilding of bridges destroyed by Russian forces, to help reconnect Ukrainian communities. Does my right hon. Friend agree that our continued support for Ukraine can go hand in hand with strengthening Scottish industry, supporting skilled employment and driving economic growth? If he gets the opportunity, will he visit Cairnhill to see the work it is doing?
Wes Streeting
I would be delighted to visit, diary permitting, at the first available opportunity. My hon. Friend is absolutely right that investing in the UK’s defence and in Ukraine’s defence can also have a positive impact on jobs and growth here in the United Kingdom. We are determined to deliver that benefit for our country.
Jerome Mayhew (Broadland and Fakenham) (Con)
A moment ago, the Secretary of State for Defence said that the Government would set out a path to spending 3% of GDP on defence, but he forgot to say by which year that would happen. Will he take this opportunity to confirm that this is 3% defence spending by 2030?
Wes Streeting
I refer the hon. Gentleman to page 11 of “The Defence Investment Plan”. I also urge him to understand why, after the catastrophic misconduct of the Government of Liz Truss, we take a rather more prudent approach to the management of the public finances, and do not set out spending commitments without showing how we will pay for them.
Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)
The north-east has the highest rate of NEETs—those not in education, employment or training—and remains the region with the lowest level of Government defence investment. As the defence youth participation and employment pledge is signed by primes, and the north-east defence industry is largely based on small and medium-sized enterprises, can my right hon. Friend assure me that we will see some tangible support from that pledge for our region?
Wes Streeting
I can give my hon. Friend that commitment. Indeed, in front of the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee last week, I highlighted my dissatisfaction with investment in the north-east. The Government have already taken steps since the general election to increase defence spending in the north-east, as the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry reported, but we can and will do more, including through the employment pledge.
Lara Bird (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) (SNP)
Scotland is on the frontline of defending the High North, yet despite the very real threats we face, the UK Government spend seven times more on defence in south-east England than in the whole of Scotland combined. Given the very real threats that we face, and given that our coastland is currently undefended by the Royal Navy, will the Secretary of State commit to placing a surface-level vessel permanently on the north coast of Scotland?
Wes Streeting
Can I just say gently to the hon. Member that I think it is both inaccurate and irresponsible to suggest that Scotland’s coast is undefended? In the same spirit, I underscore that I am very willing to work with the Scottish Government in defence of the United Kingdom, regardless of our constitutional differences. It is important that we work together, and I hope we can do so, in the spirit in which I answered her question.
Al Carns (Birmingham Selly Oak) (Lab)
Drones are changing the way we fight and the structures used to fight. America is creating the robotic uncrewed systems combatant command; Germany is creating an uncrewed regiment; and the Ukrainians have created the Unmanned Systems Force. What projects are we moving forward with, to revolutionise the approach used in the Army, Navy and Air Force?
Wes Streeting
May I first thank my hon. Friend for the leadership he showed in this space as a Minister in the Department, the work he is now championing, and the support and advice he provides to me? As he will know, whether we are talking about initiatives like the hybrid Navy, the collaborative combat aircraft programme or the heavy investment we are making in innovation and drone technology, we have to be ready for the fight ahead. That means innovating—not just out-producing, but out-innovating and building new systems and new platforms, rather than relying on old ones. I look forward to working with him closely on developing those.
Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)
During the Hillsborough law debate, the Prime Minister pledged his support for the families of the 1994 Chinook tragedy. I have since written to him, alongside my hon. Friends the Members for Lagan Valley (Sorcha Eastwood) and for Wells and Mendip Hills (Tessa Munt). Sadly, our meeting has been pushed over to the Ministry of Defence. As we come up to the Prime Minister’s 100th day in his role, will the Secretary of State facilitate that meeting between the families and the Prime Minister?
Wes Streeting
I will certainly make sure that a meeting is arranged with my Department to discuss the issue.
Kevin Bonavia (Stevenage) (Lab)
In the last few days, Ukraine’s satellite intelligence has been badly disrupted. Nobody’s defence should be dependent on someone else’s decision on whether to provide that support. What can the Secretary of State and the Government do to ensure that our defence intelligence is kept secure and sovereign?
Wes Streeting
I can give my hon. Friend an assurance on that. I can also reassure him that over the weekend, I was in contact with both the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, in the United States and Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara in Ukraine to try to improve the coverage and the capability of that intelligence.
Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con)
For all intents and purposes, Diego Garcia is an American military base, but the Government claim that to protect it, we must basically sell it to Mauritius at vast cost. There is one country in the world that does not acknowledge the International Court of Justice: the United States. Why do we not create a virtuous circle and sell the base to President Trump for £6 billion, and use that £6 billion to start the process of raising our defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030?
Wes Streeting
With great respect to the Father of the House, I do not think that is the right solution. I think we can reach an agreement with the United States and Mauritius—and before Opposition Front Benchers become too animated, let me just delicately point out that they were accused only last week by the United States of playing politics with national security. I could not agree more, and I hope that they can work in a more constructive spirit.
Ms Julie Minns (Carlisle) (Lab)
My great-aunt was one of the thousands of Canary Girls who did vital but dangerous work in Britain’s munitions factories during both world wars. Those women have no national memorial. Does the Minister agree, as we approach our national day of remembrance, that that is a historical omission, and will he meet me to discuss a national memorial for the Canary Girls?
Mr Calvin Bailey
As a proud east Londoner, I learned as a child about the Woolwich Canaries, and the difficult conditions to which they were exposed in support of our war effort and to keep our armed forces equipped. The contribution of the Canary Girls, along with that of all civilian and military women, is recognised on the “Women of World War II” memorial in Whitehall. Because the responsibility for matters involving civilian wartime workers sits outside the Ministry of Defence, I direct my hon. Friend to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, but as an east London MP who knows very well of the great sacrifices of the Canaries, I would like to meet her and support her campaign.
Mr Speaker
Nowhere were those sacrifices greater than in Chorley. I call Sir Roger Gale.
Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)
Mr. Trump’s disgraceful show of support for Putin has clearly raised the stakes, not only in Ukraine but in the Baltic states and Poland. Given the perfidious nature of the current incumbent of the White House, will the Secretary of State reaffirm our commitment to NATO, and indicate very clearly that an attack on one NATO state is an attack on all of us, and that this country stands by its friends?
Wes Streeting
I can wholeheartedly give that commitment to the right hon. Member. This is a principle, but also a conviction that is held across the entire NATO alliance. Putin should be in no doubt that NATO stands ready to defend every inch of NATO territory. Let me place on record again that when I was in Washington last week, the United States, through the Secretary of War, thanked us for our leadership in Ukraine. It has not been an easy week for US-Ukraine relations—I would not pretend otherwise—but I think that we should recognise the support that the United States provides, and will continue to provide, for Ukraine. This country will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Andrew Cooper (Mid Cheshire) (Lab)
My hon. Friend is aware of the unique case involving my constituent Rachel Gallagher, a former MOD civil servant who was released from her role under civil service nationality rules. While I accept that my constituent was not legally employable, I simply cannot accept that, after a decade of dedicated service, her accrued pension contributions have been declared void. Will the Minister meet me, so that we can ensure that an equitable resolution is found, and my constituent receives the full pension contributions that she earned in service to this country?
Mr Calvin Bailey
My hon. Friend is making a passionate case about a very complex and tragic issue. I agree to meet him, and I hope that we can find an equitable outcome for his constituent.