Oral Answers to Questions

John Howell Excerpts

Monday 27th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

I will take many lectures from many people, but it is a little bit rich to be lectured about defence spending by the party that is led by a man who does not even believe in the British Army or a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. The Conservative party is the party that is ensuring that we deliver on 2% and that we increase defence spending. Frankly, I find it shocking to be lectured by the party that is led by a man who does not even believe in the British Army.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

3. What plans he has to increase the number of cadet units in state schools.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Tobias Ellwood)]

rose—

--- Later in debate ---

[John Howell]

The sea cadet corps in Henley has provided the youngest of my daughters with enormous opportunities for personal development. Does the Minister agree that it is important to support cadet units in state schools, particularly with things such as uniforms?

[Mr Ellwood]

I am happy to agree with my hon. Friend. He is right that cadet units provide life skills, employability and social mobility—things that schools do not necessarily offer themselves. I also pay tribute to the work of the cadets who participated in Remembrance Sunday up and down the country.