British Military Equipment: Chinese Components

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Lord Stirrup

Wednesday 25th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Cross Benches.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

My Lords, the fact that 85% of all drone components worldwide come from China illustrates the urgent need for a more resilient supply chain. The development of such a supply chain depends on the placing of orders in the appropriate industries to build up their capacity. In the UK’s case, the placing of such orders seems to depend on the defence investment plan. When are we going to see this elusive document?

Chinese Embassy

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Lord Stirrup

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

I thought that we had just reached agreement on this.

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Lab Co-op)]

We just reached an agreement that it was to be the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup, and then the noble Lord, Lord Jamieson.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

I am obliged to the noble Lord. Is the Minister saying that, if the Cabinet takes the view that national security is being compromised, the Prime Minister is unable to overrule a decision by the Planning Minister?

Palestinian Territories: Development Support

Debate between Lord Kennedy of Southwark and Lord Stirrup

Monday 1st September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Cross Benches.

[Lord Stirrup (CB)]

My Lords, the viability of any potential Palestinian state must surely depend not just on effective institutions but on credible, capable political leadership. What assessment have His Majesty’s Government made of the prospect of that emerging in the Palestinian Territories in the near term?