Defence Spending

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Thursday 12th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Baron]

I agree with my hon. Friend. One of the intended consequences of our misguided intervention in Iraq was that we fundamentally altered the balance of power in the region, and we have been playing catch-up ever since.

There are significant benefits to strong defence. As no one can predict with any certainty from where the next substantial threat will emerge, we require armed forces of sufficient capability and capacity to respond to any challenge. The straits of Hormuz or the South China sea may seem a long way away, but we would soon realise their importance should sea lanes become closed, given the fact that the majority of our goods and trade arrive by sea. Argentina is looking to buy sophisticated fighter jets, and that reminds us that our capacity must include the ability to act independently, if necessary.

The heft of a strong military underpins a successful foreign policy. By contrast, a shrinking defence budget threatens our ability to lead global opinion, reduces our foreign policy options and, crucially, sends the wrong message both to our allies and to potential adversaries. It is doubtful that President Putin would operate as he is now if he thought that NATO, especially the European NATO members, would robustly stand up to him. [Interruption.] That is very kind.

[Mr Speaker]

In deference to the right hon. and learned Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell), I think that that is called coalition co-operation.

[Mr Baron]

Whatever it is called, the glass of water is gratefully received.

Points of Order

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Wednesday 29th October 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Following the failure of the European Union (Referendum) Bill because the Labour and Liberal leaderships will not trust the British electorate on this issue, what guidance can you give on how best to proceed given that there is no money resolution?

[Mr Speaker]

I have to say to the hon. Gentleman that it is not for me to offer guidance on that matter. Procedural matters relating to Bills which have been committed to Public Bill Committees are matters exclusively within the competence of the Chair of the said Committee. Moreover, as I rather imagine that he knows, but I emphasise for the awareness of Members of the House more widely, money resolutions are exclusively a matter for the Government. Those are waters in which the Speaker does not tread.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Monday 17th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis) has spoken eloquently at me on the matter for 30 years.

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

Economic Growth

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Wednesday 15th May 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Baron]

No, no, no—[Interruption.] All right, I will answer. [Interruption.]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let us hear the hon. Gentleman.

[Mr Baron]

I will answer the right hon. Gentleman’s question most directly, provided he promises to answer my question most directly. My answer to his question is that if the referendum were held tomorrow, I would vote “out”, but I support the Prime Minister in his idea of holding a referendum in 2017. If he can successfully renegotiate and re-engineer an EU based on trade and not on politics, that will be a different kettle of fish, and we will judge it at the time.

May I now return to my question to the right hon. Gentleman? He has ducked it, and that is what gives politicians a bad name outside this place. Why will he not give the electorate their say on this issue?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Tuesday 26th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

T9. The cancer drugs fund has been a huge success and has helped up to 25,000 patients, but the negotiations between the Government and the pharmaceutical companies on its replacement—value-based pricing—is causing real uncertainty for cancer patients and clinicians alike. For example, will new medicines be available to new patients under the new system and what guidance is being given to local cancer drugs funds as they wind down? Can we please have clarity urgently?

[Mr Speaker]

I think the hon. Gentleman was seeking an Adjournment debate and is disguising his request as a question, for which we are grateful.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Baron]

The Labour Government more than doubled the national debt. This Government have done well to reduce the deficit by 25%, but this still means that we are adding to our debt, albeit at three quarters the pace. Financial repression and quantitative easing will ease the debt somewhat through higher inflation, but may I encourage the Chancellor, despite some positive measures in the autumn statement, to be bolder in encouraging economic growth, including by cutting small business corporation tax, which is the only credible way—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We have got the gist of it; it was simply too long.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Wednesday 7th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

We now come to a closed question from Mr Jeremy Corbyn. He is not here. I call Mr John Baron.

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

Our history of repatriating powers from the European Union is not a happy one. May I therefore suggest a fundamental renegotiation of our relationship with the EU based on free trade, growth and competitiveness, which other countries enjoy, not on political union and dead-weight regulation? This EU summit is a defining moment—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Will the Prime Minister seize the moment?

Aid Reviews

Debate between John Baron and John Bercow

Tuesday 1st March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. It is always a pleasure to hear the hon. Gentleman but I have a faint suspicion that he toddled out of the Chamber at one point, which is of itself not a criminal offence, but it does rather disqualify him from participating in the exchanges on the statement. We will hear from him again soon I am sure.