Oral Answers to Questions

David Amess Excerpts

Monday 26th November 2018 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)]

1. What assessment he has made of the importance of the contribution of the Commonwealth to UK national security.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)]

The national security capabilities review emphasised the importance of our bilateral and regional relationships, and our influence in international institutions. The Commonwealth is an integral element of our global approach.

[Sir David Amess]

Does my right hon. Friend agree that Commonwealth troops made a vital contribution to our successes in the first and second world wars? Accordingly, what measures is his Department taking to encourage more Commonwealth citizens to join the British armed forces?

[Gavin Williamson]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. More than 3 million Commonwealth and empire soldiers took part in the great war, serving alongside British servicemen, and 200,000 lost their lives. We are looking at increasing the number of Commonwealth nationals who can join our armed forces, as we recognise the important contribution they made to our international armed forces.