Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alan Strickland and Calvin Bailey

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bailey]

There are two aspects in answering this question. The first is the provision that we provide to our veterans; we are pleased to be rolling out the Valour network, with announcements for further centres soon. The second is the roll-out of the armed forces covenant and making sure that all local service providers play their part in delivering for our service families and their communities.

[Alan Strickland (Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor) (Lab)]

T4. North-east MPs and business leaders are very keen for an update on procurement for Skynet, the Ministry of Defence’s secure satellite communications system. That is because, were Lockheed Martin UK successful, 500 jobs would be created in Sedgefield in my constituency, and it would be a huge boost to the north-east’s growing satellite industry. The Minister cannot comment on the outcome, but can we get an update on when we might expect this important decision?