Debates between Derek Twigg and Mark Spencer during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Business of the House

Debate between Derek Twigg and Mark Spencer
Thursday 7th July 2022

(2 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Spencer Portrait Mark Spencer
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It is good to see the hon. Lady back in her place for business questions. I know she has missed a couple, and I hope she is now well. I can assure her that there is a functioning Government. There are a few vacancies that are currently being filled, and they will be filled very soon and the level of service will continue at the high level it has for some time.

Derek Twigg Portrait Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab)
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In view of the comments from the Secretary of State for Defence at the Defence Committee this week on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, may we have an urgent debate in Government time to examine the need to increase defence spending and the number of defence personnel?

Mark Spencer Portrait Mark Spencer
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The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the commitment we made of extra cash for Ukraine and the security situation there. I hope he recognises that warfare is changing and the requirements of the MOD have changed over the past few decades, and that is why the MOD has been reviewing its requirements. We have a Secretary of State who is very much across his brief and very much in place and who will remain so for the near future.