Royal Navy: Escort Vessels Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Royal Navy: Escort Vessels

Lord Craig of Radley Excerpts
Monday 17th June 2013

(11 years ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Astor of Hever Portrait Lord Astor of Hever
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My Lords, I cannot comment on what the noble Lord says about BAE. However, I compliment him on his resolute lobbying for the Royal Navy to attend the Royal Australian Navy’s 100th anniversary. The noble Lord has had a word with me two or three times about it. I can now assure him that the Royal Navy has responded to his request and will attend the 100th anniversary. HMS “Daring”, a Type 45 destroyer, will also be out there.

Lord Craig of Radley Portrait Lord Craig of Radley
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My Lords, bearing in mind the reduction in the number of surface vessels over the past few years, what commitments have Her Majesty’s Government had to give up as a result?

Lord Astor of Hever Portrait Lord Astor of Hever
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My Lords, the Naval Service, which includes the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary which supports them, is able to fulfil commitments around the globe and maintain a maritime presence in priority regions, such as the South Atlantic, the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The Naval Service also safeguards the security of home waters, meets our defence commitments in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean, patrols the Antarctic waters and undertakes periodic deployments to other areas, such as the Far East and the Pacific.