Saudi Arabia: RAF Support

Chris Webb Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Chris Webb (Blackpool South) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for confirming that the aircraft will operate in a defensive role and will not conduct any offensive strikes on the Houthis. Does he share my concern that regional instability and conflict in the Gulf could have serious implications at home, driving up the cost of living, disrupting energy supplies and increasing costs for businesses? With conflicts increasing around the world and our RAF Typhoon aircraft being sent across the globe, it would be remiss of me not to raise the calls of many Lancashire MPs, including me and you, Mr Speaker, who believe that we need to invest in that aircraft now and its supply line at BAE Systems in Lancashire and across the UK.

[Mr Bailey]

My hon. Friend is a doughty champion for our brave soldiers and Royal Air Force aviators who are operating the Typhoons in the region. He is right to highlight the significant investment—half a billion pounds—in upgrades to the Typhoon aircraft that the Government agreed to earlier in the year. That is essential for ensuring that when our people are deployed in such circumstances, they have world-leading capabilities, which have been invested in by the Government.