Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Henry Smith and Leo Docherty

Monday 20th May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

We are doing all those things at pace and, of course, the scale of the challenge is very significant. We are injecting a huge amount of money and institutional energy into ensuring that our cyber-defences are up to scratch. We are at the point of the spear when it comes to defensive cyber, as illustrated by the brilliant men and women who are part of our National Cyber Force, and we commend them.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

16. What recent assessment he has made of the security of the UK’s military bases and service personnel in the middle east.

[The Minister for Armed Forces (Leo Docherty)]

Of course, the force protection of UK service personnel and our bases across the middle east is kept under constant review. Having been in Bahrain and Qatar in recent days, I can report that the morale and conditions of those posted to the middle east tend to be very high—they are a very purposeful set of people—but, for operational security reasons, I would not make any comment on the security readiness action plan.

[Henry Smith]

I pay tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the British armed forces personnel in the middle east who have kept us safe from terrorism and other hostile threats over many decades. Will my hon. Friend consider relooking at recognising all people who served historically in Aden for a service medal?

[Leo Docherty]

That was a very important campaign, and I am very happy to engage with my hon. Friend. I imagine that he might be asking about a specific constituency case, and I am very happy to sit down together to consider that.

Death of Alexei Navalny

Debate between Henry Smith and Leo Docherty

Monday 19th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

I do agree with the hon. Gentleman, and there is no inevitability about the Russian people being ruled by a tyrannical latter-day Tsar. Mr Navalny knew that, and his messages and brilliantly produced and humorous videos were watched by millions of people in Russia because many millions of Russian people seek that alternative.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

It is clear that domestically the Putin regime is a criminal racket, and that internationally it has brought war against Ukraine and threatens many others. What discussions are the UK Government having, and what diplomatic efforts are they making, with other NATO members that do not pay the minimum 2% of GDP towards our common defence?

[Leo Docherty]

My hon. Friend has asked a very good question, and we continue to make that point to our NATO allies in a full-throated way. As he knows, NATO is a growing organisation with a growing potency and capability, but collectively we must and will put our money where our mouth is.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Henry Smith and Leo Docherty

Tuesday 18th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

I do agree and I think it is a hugely valuable platform. We must ensure that efforts to deliver good impact from the OSCE are not derailed by Putin’s machinations.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

T1.   If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.