Defence Programmes Developments

Debate between Desmond Swayne and John Healey

Wednesday 20th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[John Healey]

I am proud of our tradition of UK shipbuilding, including in Scotland. I want Britain’s warships to be built in Britain. My hon. Friend may be aware that we are committed to make the Government’s industrial strategy with the defence sector one of those priority sectors, so that we not only strengthen our forces for the future but use defence to strengthen our economy, create fresh jobs and back the innovative companies that will have a bigger part to play in both our security and our prosperity.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

The Secretary of State presented the savings as no-brainers—the ships were damaged and obsolete—but in his closing remarks he told us that these would not be the last difficult decisions. He simply cannot have it both ways. It is all about the messaging in the end. What message will be received from this statement in Buenos Aires, Moscow, Peking and Tehran?

[John Healey]

The message is clear: we now have a Government who are willing to take the decisions to deal with outdated equipment that should have been retired long ago, so that we can switch our focus and our finances, and develop the capabilities, technologies and weaponry that our forces need to fight more effectively in future.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and John Healey

Monday 14th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T7. Does the Secretary of State share my incredulity that he has not been told the cost of leasing the facilities in the Chagos?

[John Healey]

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman heard me; I said earlier that the Foreign Secretary had said the other day that the detail of the costs and the agreement will be set out properly before this House when it comes to consider and debate the treaty.