Defence Transformation

Jeffrey M Donaldson Excerpts

Monday 18th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

Yes, where possible the Army will look to see where non-front-line personnel can be part of the reduction that has been set out.

[Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson (Lagan Valley) (DUP)]

This is about implementing a strategic defence and security review and today’s statement represents a significant reduction in the military footprint in Northern Ireland, the one region of the United Kingdom that faces the greatest security threat at this moment. The Secretary of State will therefore understand my concerns and those of other Opposition Members about that reduction. Will the Secretary of State assure me that he will reconsider the reconfiguration of the military footprint in relation to Northern Ireland as regards strengthening both the permanent garrison and the reserve footprint?

[Mr Speaker]

I shall treat that question as a full sentence with a series of subordinate clauses, but it should not be emulated by colleagues. It is not a competition.