Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gerald Howarth and Aidan Burley

Monday 16th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con)]

T5. Does my right hon. Friend share my recognition of the critical importance of defence diplomacy to UK interests around the world? Will he update the House on what progress he has made on making amends for the decade of Labour neglect in this area?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Gerald Howarth)]

I can assure my hon. Friend that since taking office we have set a new and vigorous pace to make up for the deficiencies of the previous Labour Administration. As my 1924 map of the British empire should remind everybody, the United Kingdom enjoys extensive historical ties with a large number of countries, giving us an unrivalled position. It is our policy to build on that strength through defence diplomacy, and we are doing so.