Oral Answers to Questions

Christian Wakeford Excerpts

Monday 2nd November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Johnny Mercer]

I can safely assure my right hon. Friend that standards have risen significantly since he and I were accepted into the military. We make no bones about it: the standards to get into our military are some of the highest in comparison with our peer nations. We employ some of the finest people this nation has to offer, and under this Government we are seeing a conscious shift towards how we look after them and value them as our finest asset.

[Christian Wakeford (Bury South) (Con)]

What preparations his Department has made to support the NHS and other public bodies with their response to covid-19 during winter 2020-21.

[Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con)]

What preparations his Department has made to support the NHS and other public bodies with their response to covid-19 during winter 2020-21.

--- Later in debate ---

[Christian Wakeford]

I welcome the Prime Minister’s comments about the armed forces using their logistical expertise in helping to combat the virus. However, can my right hon. Friend assure us that that will not come at the expense of the armed forces’ vital work defending the nation?

[Mr Wallace]

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, I have ensured both that we have supported our colleagues across Government in tackling the virus, and that our critical defence outputs have continued to be fulfilled every single day. The continuous at-sea deterrent, our Royal Air Force quick reaction alert force and a range of other critical capabilities, and our operations, have all been and will continue to be safeguarded.