Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Joan Ryan and Julian Brazier

Monday 18th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Brazier]

We have one of the strictest regimes in the world for controlling exports. I would say that exporting to a key ally at a dangerous time in the middle east was smart power.

[Joan Ryan (Enfield North) (Lab)]

9. What progress his Department has made towards meeting its targets for recruiting additional reservists.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Julian Brazier)]

Our programme to grow the reserve forces remains on track, and has reversed many years of decline. Central to that is an improved offer, including better training, equipment and remuneration, and an improved experience for reservists. A total of 8,640 people joined the volunteer reserve in the 12 months to 1 December, a 46% increase on the number who joined during the equivalent period a year ago. Trained strength has risen to 26,560, well ahead of target.

[Joan Ryan]

In fact, the Government are still nearly 8,000 short of their target number of trained reservists, and the shockingly poor recruitment figures have started to improve only since the Government raised the age limits, allowing some recruits to join until they are in their mid-50s. The Major Projects Authority has judged the plans “unachievable”. Do the Government now accept that the Army has been cut too far and too fast?