Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Pollard and Sarah Pochin

Monday 6th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

Can the Secretary of State explain to this House, the British people and our NATO allies how it is that our welfare bill is increasing by roughly £19 billion this year, we spent £13 billion on foreign aid last year and £15 billion has been committed to net zero schemes, and yet the defence investment plan still has a funding gap of £4.7 billion?

[Luke Pollard]

We are increasing defence spending—that is what the Labour party is doing in government. Look at what Reform has been doing: one of its politicians was accepting bribes from Russia. I do not accept what the hon. Lady is saying. We are increasing defence spending.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Luke Pollard and Sarah Pochin

Monday 8th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Luke Pollard]

My hon. Friend is simply prolific in the areas in which she is seeking to improve defence, and I would be very happy to meet her to discuss this further. There will be an announcement on skills in the defence industrial strategy that is coming out this afternoon. There is a real opportunity to expand this work, not just in defence technical education colleges, but in institutions nationwide.

[Sarah Pochin (Runcorn and Helsby) (Reform)]

Will the Secretary of State guarantee—yes or no—that no British serviceman or veteran will face prosecution for actions taken in Northern Ireland while serving their country?