Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Craig Whittaker Excerpts
Monday 27th June 2016

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Philip Dunne Portrait Mr Dunne
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As I have already indicated, this Government have already contracted significant sums into the programme. Once we are in a position to sign a contract, we will say what the duration of the build programme will be. We are not there yet.

Craig Whittaker Portrait Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con)
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3. What recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on progress in the campaign against Daesh.

Louise Haigh Portrait Louise Haigh (Sheffield, Heeley) (Lab)
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14. What recent assessment he has made of the progress of the international campaign to defeat ISIS/Daesh.

Craig Whittaker Portrait Craig Whittaker
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Will my right hon. Friend confirm that Britain is playing the second biggest part in the coalition after the United States of America, and that our involvement is making a real difference to the fight against Daesh?

Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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I am pleased to confirm that the United Kingdom is playing a significant role in the coalition. The RAF has undertaken more strikes in Iraq and, since December, in Syria than any coalition nation apart from the United States. We now have more than 1,100 service personnel supporting operations in the region, and that is making a real difference to the momentum of the campaign.

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Michael Fallon Portrait Michael Fallon
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In the strategic defence and security review, we published our most up-to-date assessment of the cost of the Trident replacement programme at £31 billion, plus a contingency of a further £10 billion.

Craig Whittaker Portrait Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con)
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T3. In the light of the momentous decision taken by the nation last Thursday, will the Minister explain to the House what implications that decision will have on working with military intelligence from not only European countries but other countries around the world?

Penny Mordaunt Portrait The Minister for the Armed Forces (Penny Mordaunt)
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Defence in the UK is grounded on the strength of our relationships with our closest allies and partners. We work extensively with them, principally through NATO but also bilaterally. The UK’s decision to leave the European Union does not change that approach.