Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Percy Excerpts
Monday 15th January 2018

(6 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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The refresh has broadly been welcomed by industry. I am sure that it will be followed by further refreshes, and we will be happy to look at different options.

Andrew Percy Portrait Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con)
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One way to support defence exports is to make more of the “Five Eyes” relationship and the sharing of platforms. A great way to do that would be to have three, or perhaps four of the “Five Eyes” powers operating the same platforms, potentially on the same frigates. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that every effort will be made at the top of Government to support Type 26 exports?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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My hon. Friend makes an important point about exploiting the “Five Eyes” relationship in terms of defence exports. I have raised that with my Australian and Canadian counterparts. We need to create a platform that uses not just British products, but Canadian and Australian products, to encourage them to purchase the platform.