Oral Answers to Questions

John Whitby Excerpts

Monday 1st June 2026 Commons Chamber

[John Healey]

We must spend more, we must spend faster—and we will, as the Prime Minister has said. On our nuclear deterrent, I am proud that this Government are putting £6 billion, in this Parliament, into increasing the productivity of our submarine building, to raise production levels and to increase the pace of submarine building in future.

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

T9. I welcome the fact that since this Government took office, defence funding has increased by more than 7.5%. Ukraine maintaining its sovereignty against Russia is vital for European, and therefore British, security. Are the Government committed to increasing the proportion of defence spending going to Ukraine to align with the increase in defence spending more generally?

[Al Carns]

Ukraine is doing a valiant job in holding back the illegal Russian invasion. Some £4.5 billion of UK military support has gone to Ukraine, with a total commitment of £21.8 billion. It is really important that it goes to the right place, which is why we have reviewed where the money is going, to ensure that the maximum impact can be derived from every pound that goes to Ukraine.

Oral Answers to Questions

John Whitby Excerpts

Monday 2nd February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Catherine Fookes (Monmouthshire) (Lab)]

7. What steps he is taking to improve support for veterans.

[John Whitby (Derbyshire Dales) (Lab)]

16. What steps he is taking to improve support for veterans.

--- Later in debate ---

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

It is truly wonderful to hear about the great work being done in my hon. Friend’s constituency to support veterans. Far be it from me to get between the Secretary of State and a fry-up, but if I can, I may take his place on a visit.

[John Whitby]

What assessment has the Minister made of the adequacy of housing provision for military veterans, particularly those with service-related injuries or disabilities, in rural areas such as Derbyshire Dales, where there is severe pressure on our affordable and supported housing stock?

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

My hon. Friend raises a very important point. Those veterans who choose to resettle in rural areas may face additional challenges in accessing the services that they deserve. This Government are committed to reducing veterans’ homelessness, and I note the £12 million that we have spent to do so.