Covid-19: Security Risks Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Covid-19: Security Risks

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Excerpts
Tuesday 19th May 2020

(4 years, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Goldie Portrait Baroness Goldie
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I reassure the noble Lord that the response of the MoD to the Covid-19 challenge has been highly effective and very impressive, and there is widespread evidence of that not just across the United Kingdom but in relation to our international contribution. He will have seen from news footage in the UK exactly how much, how effectively and how positively the MoD contribution has been received.

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Portrait Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (LD)
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Can the Minister confirm, contrary to recent reports, that the Government have no intention to reduce defence expenditure in real terms?

Baroness Goldie Portrait Baroness Goldie
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The noble Lord will be aware of this Government’s very creditable record in relation to defence expenditure. We saw an upping of £2.2 billion for 2019-20. We have committed to a 0.5% increase above inflation for the lifetime of the Parliament. The Government’s commitment to and resolute support for defence are self-evident.