Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Johnny Mercer and Nick Smith

Monday 2nd November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Johnny Mercer]

This country has a very long-standing system to ensure that we have strong safeguards against that sort of behaviour. Everyone deploying to Mali will be equipped with the mission-specific training that we have done on operations over many years now. We have some of the highest and most rigorous standards in the world, and that will be continued in operations in Mali.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

The vital Crowsnest project for the carriers has faced severe delays. Delivery is now promised for September 2021, 18 months late. Can the Minister confirm that it will definitely be ready next year?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Johnny Mercer and Nick Smith

Monday 6th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Johnny Mercer]

I ask the right hon. Gentleman to reflect briefly on whether I would advocate a piece of legislation that would do that. The Bill does not do that. It is clear that we are bringing in various conditions to stop our service personnel and veterans repeatedly having to give evidence in relation to historical incidents or to respond to allegations. It has been a long time in the making; the injustice has gone on for many years. What he is saying is simply not in the Bill. I would be more than happy to meet him and Members from all parts of the House to discuss what is in the Bill. We need to work together to get the Bill over the line.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

What steps his Department has taken to maintain the overall size of the armed forces as set out in the 2015 strategic defence and security review.