Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Eddie Hughes Excerpts
Monday 18th February 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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Having had the opportunity to visit Barrow a number of times, I know that the town offers so very much. We are very dependent on the residents of Barrow for the amazing work they do in developing our nuclear deterrent. I would be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss how we can work across the Government to deliver that vision.

Eddie Hughes Portrait Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)
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Following conversations at the recent Munich security conference, does the Minister believe that all European countries are committed to spending 2% of GDP on defence?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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It is fair to say that some are more committed than others, but we have to hammer the message home. We need European countries to be spending a minimum of 2% of their GDP on defence, not because it is an issue raised by the United States, but because they should be spending that money on defence for their security and for Europe’s security. That is the reason they need to be spending a minimum of 2%.