Ukraine

Lord Palmer of Childs Hill Excerpts

Monday 9th March 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Ind Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Palmer of Childs Hill (LD)]

My Lords—

[Lord Stoddart of Swindon]

My Lords, it is this side—we have not had a turn yet. Did I hear the Minister correctly when he gave the assurance that the 2% of GDP would be maintained? That seems to conflict with what the Foreign Secretary said yesterday when he refused to confirm it. Finally, can he comment on the reports in the Daily Telegraph today that after the election the Armed Forces will be cut to 50,000?

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, I said that this Government are committed to the NATO 2% target—I said that clearly. I did read the article in the Telegraph about the RUSI report, but we do not recognise a lot of the figures it used.

[Lord Palmer of Childs Hill]

My Lords, my noble friend, in replying to the original Question, said, “if it is affordable”. Can he please tell us who will take the decision on whether the defence expenditure is affordable or not?

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, the decision will be made by the next Government.