Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Desmond Swayne

Monday 25th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T6. Having hitherto restrained EU military ambition, why are we now seeking to be its vanguard?

[Mark Lancaster]

Of course, the reality is that NATO is the cornerstone of our defence. Although in the past we have participated in EU missions such as Operation Atalanta and Operation Althea, we will only do so in future if it is in our national interest.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Desmond Swayne

Monday 23rd April 2018 Commons Chamber

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

I discuss armed forces recruitment regularly with the principal personnel officers of each service and with the Chief of the General Staff. Implementation of the recruitment improvement plan is a priority and I am monitoring it very closely.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

How will the Minister recruit and train sufficient engineers?

[Mark Lancaster]

My right hon. Friend makes a very important point. This is precisely why, in the Royal Navy, for example, we have associations with technical colleges. In my own corps, the Royal Engineers, we have a tremendous offer, in which young recruits are enrolled as apprentices and trained not only as infantry soldiers but in specialist engineering trade skills, such as brick laying, electrical and carpentry.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton and Desmond Swayne

Monday 5th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T10. What personnel have been reassigned to recruitment?

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

There is a contingency plan, which we are looking at very closely, where we will be moving probably about 150 personnel to act as role models on the frontline for recruiting.