Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Greg Hands and Nick Harvey

Monday 8th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con)]

6. What timetable he has set for the return of service personnel garrisoned in Germany; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey)]

As the Prime Minister announced on 19 October in the House, as part of the strategic defence and security review, the Government have decided to accelerate the rebasing of the 20,000 military personnel in Germany with a view to returning half those personnel to the UK by 2015, and the remainder by 2020.

[Greg Hands]

Will my hon. Friend ensure that whatever decisions are made, we continue to consult our German allies closely while also showing our thanks to the many communities throughout northern Germany that, for 65 years, have welcomed our troops as neighbours, friends and, principally, as defenders?