Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alun Cairns and Kwasi Kwarteng

Wednesday 18th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Alun Cairns]

The hon. Lady is ignoring that we shared the drafting of the document with the Welsh Government before we had concluded the document itself. They had an integral part in contributing and sharing their views. I would also say that it was considered at length at the JMC that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster chaired days before the document was shared.

[Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con)]

8. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the Welsh Guards’ tour of Afghanistan.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)]

I have regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence about the armed forces in Wales, including about my recent visit to Kabul to meet the Welsh Guards. During the visit, I saw at first hand the important role that our servicemen and women play in the UK’s operations, and I pay tribute to them.

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

Does my right hon. Friend welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of an added commitment from the Welsh Guards to secure and to help NATO’s capacity-building mission in Afghanistan?

[Alun Cairns]

Having seen the Welsh Guards in action in Afghanistan, I have nothing but admiration and respect for the work that they do. The additional support to help them embed and the important steps they are taking to support the ongoing work of the Afghan Government will be extremely important, and I pay tribute to them for the work that they do.