HMS “Queen Elizabeth” Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

HMS “Queen Elizabeth”

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Excerpts
Thursday 2nd March 2017

(7 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Howe Portrait Earl Howe
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My Lords, the 2015 strategic defence and security review set out our intent to have two front-line operational F-35B squadrons by the end of 2023, and we plan to buy 138 Lightning aircraft over the life of the programme. To date we have taken delivery of eight F-35B aircraft, with a further six, currently in production, to follow very shortly. The next annual production contract is scheduled to be let next month, and we intend to order a further three under that part of the contract.

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)
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In her visit to Washington, the Prime Minister made the highly significant statement that we would stop trying to change the world in our image. While this will come as a considerable relief to the 22 countries we have not invaded at some time or other, does the Minister agree that the Prime Minister’s important statement should lead to a reassessment of foreign policy and a possible defence saving?