Oral Answers to Questions

Adrian Bailey Excerpts

Monday 9th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ellwood]

I made a full statement to the House on this issue. Capita won the contract fairly and squarely. This is not the first time that the private sector has been used. A number of airfields already have a set up in place. We need to make sure that we provide the best safety for airfields, and I think that Capita will be able to provide that.

[Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What assessment he has made of the effect on the UK defence and military aerospace industry of the UK leaving the EU.

[Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol West) (Lab)]

11. What assessment he has made of the effect on the UK defence and military aerospace industry of the UK leaving the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Bailey]

The EU Galileo satellite navigation system is vital for Britain’s future defence capacity. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the finances required for an independent system in the event of a post-Brexit exclusion from this EU project?

[Guto Bebb]

I am glad to say to the hon. Gentleman that a cross-governmental group is looking into this issue to ensure that we are prepared for the possibility of having to build an independent system for the United Kingdom, but I repeat from the Dispatch Box what I have said previously: our preference is to remain involved in the Galileo project. To exclude the United Kingdom from the project would harm the project and do nothing to enhance the defence of Europe or the United Kingdom.