Oral Answers to Questions

John McNally Excerpts

Monday 18th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ellwood]

The Defence Secretary co-chairs the veterans board, which looks at precisely this. We need to make sure, no matter whether it is in England or in the devolved Administrations, that no veterans are left without the support that they need. It is important, no matter which hospital or organisation it is, that they are aware of their covenant responsibilities in looking after our brave service personnel and veterans.

[John Mc Nally (Falkirk) (SNP)]

7. What contingency planning his Department has undertaken for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

[Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) (Lab)]

12. What recent assessment he has made of his Department’s preparedness for the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

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

The Ministry of Defence has conducted extensive planning and preparation to ensure that defence is ready for a range of scenarios including that of a no-deal EU exit. We continue to work closely with other Government Departments, key suppliers and industry partners.

[John Mc Nally]

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Cyber-security is designated as a priority in the modernising defence programme, but given that we will lose the European arrest warrant, access to Europol and the sharing of data using EU frameworks, we face challenges that the programme simply does not seem willing to countenance. How is the Department going to replicate those vital benefits from day one of leaving the EU?

[Gavin Williamson]

The work that we are doing on cyber-security is done not through the European Union, but through NATO or bilateral agreements with other countries, so I cannot see that having any impact on our continued work on cyber-security.