Oral Answers to Questions

Jack Lopresti Excerpts

Monday 27th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

7. What steps he is taking to ensure that the UK remains an effective defence partner.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)]

The MOD works closely with our allies and partners, making a crucial contribution to Britain’s status as a global power. The challenging global security context, including a resurgent Russia, makes our relationships all the more vital. In my first three weeks, I have met Defence Ministers from the US, France and other NATO members, and I will continue to engage widely.

[Jack Lopresti]

Given the current financial pressures within the MOD, does my right hon. Friend agree with Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, who was the commander of the US army in Europe and who said that Britain risks

“going into a different sort of category”

of ally if we cannot maintain our capability commitments?

[Gavin Williamson]

When I had the good fortune to sit down with Secretary Mattis to discuss our partnership, what struck me was the value that the United States puts on everything that Britain does, and the contribution our men and equipment make. He was left in no doubt that that commitment—that resolute support that we have always provided to the United States—will always be there.