Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Chris Evans and Wayne David(10 years, 12 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)
6. What steps he is taking to help households improve their energy efficiency.
Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)
12. What steps he is taking to help households improve their energy efficiency.
Army Career Offices (Wales)
Debate between Chris Evans and Wayne David(11 years, 9 months ago)
Westminster HallRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
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Chris Evans
If the hon. Gentleman allows me to develop my argument further, I will come to that point as I go through my speech. That is the point of this debate; I could answer him in 30 seconds, but I will go through the whole debate.
With the closure of Army recruitment offices, it is my sincere belief that this vital link between Wales and the armed forces could be broken. Like many right hon. and hon. Members from all parties, I value highly the role that the men and women of the armed forces play in our national life. I worked for my predecessor as the MP for Islwyn—Lord Touhig, who is himself a former Minister with responsibility for veterans—and I well remember how keen he was to press home the message right across the country that joining the forces is not like going to work in Asda, Tesco or Barclays. The brave men and women in the forces risk their lives every day, risking serious injury and death.
Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)
Does my hon. Friend agree with the hon. Member for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies)—a Conservative Member—who said, and I quote him exactly:
“Joining the Army is not a career you can just research on the internet. You really need to sit down and talk with someone about it”?
Basically, that is a very sound statement and sums up very well how important these recruitment offices are.
Chris Evans
I agree entirely with my hon. Friend, who has, in a nutshell, summed up the debate—perhaps I should sit down now—and that is the reason why I have secured it. Put simply, the sacrifice is unique and special. In Wales, we value the contribution that the armed forces make to our freedom. Joining the forces is not a decision that we can take lightly, as my hon. Friend has just said. It is a way of life. It will affect family and friends. Therefore, it is vital for those who seek a career in the armed forces to have all the information and advice possible available to them.