Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Alex Cunningham

Monday 14th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mark Lancaster]

Yes. The very fact that everybody seems to be talking about it is a very positive sign. Time will tell, but early indications are that applications are up by over 20% on this time last year and by 35% on 2017, so that appears to be positive.

[Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)]

14. What recent assessment he has made of trends in the number of armed forces personnel.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)]

We remain committed to maintaining the overall size of the armed forces, and we have a range of measures under way to improve recruitment and retention. The challenge is kept under constant review.

[Alex Cunningham]

Surely the Secretary of State recognises the need for a serious recruitment programme for the armed forces rather than this targeting of gamers, whose screen skills could, I suppose, be redeployed in bombarding the Spanish navy with paintballs.

[Mark Lancaster]

I am grateful, but I am not the Secretary of State.

[Alex Cunningham]

Not yet!