United Kingdom Military Installations
Debate between Luke Pollard and Tom Gordon(1 day, 9 hours ago)
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Luke Pollard
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question because it gives me the opportunity to clearly set out that the relationship we have with the United States is strong and enduring and will remain our No. 1 security partnership. Our armed forces work closely together, strengthening the UK-America relationship and the wider security of NATO. We are seeing an increase in misinformation, especially online. The hon. Gentleman will know that the Prime Minister has set out his intention to create a centre to address misinformation, which was a recommendation of the Foreign Affairs Committee. That is an important part of how we tackle misinformation, but another important part is ensuring that we do not inadvertently share misinformation or give greater emphasis to those people who wish to do us harm. Tackling misinformation online is as important as the base security arrangements—the physical netting around our bases.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
My constituency is home to the Army Foundation College just outside Harrogate. It is an isolated site west of Harrogate, yet we have seen proposals for over 280 homes to be built immediately next to it. Given that the Minister has outlined concerns about the protection of sites and the threats posed to them, what steps is the MOD taking with other Departments and North Yorkshire council on the security and protection of places like the AFC?
Luke Pollard
Harrogate plays an important role for our armed forces, and the hon. Member will know what good work takes place there. I am happy to arrange a meeting with the Minister for Veterans and People to discuss Harrogate. We should be aware that right around our country, there are communities next to our bases that care passionately about the security of those bases and actively contribute to it.
UK Military Base Protection
Debate between Luke Pollard and Tom Gordon(1 year, 4 months ago)
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Luke Pollard
The Foreign Secretary was very clear, when he was at the Dispatch Box for his statement earlier, that the UK and the US share the same long-term ambition to ensure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.
Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
Let me associate myself with the remarks about Armed Forces Week from Members across the House and the condemnation of the escalation of the situation in the middle east. Is the Minister able to explain to me if there will be any additional security measures at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, given the unique nature of what is happening there?
Luke Pollard
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising the college at Harrogate. It is a really important part of the defence family and I know that the Minister for Veterans and People, my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Selly Oak (Al Carns), who is sat next to me on the Front Bench, takes an especially keen interest in the affairs of Harrogate. As the review is conducted and we see what lessons can be learnt from the incident at Brize Norton, we will be taking measures possibly at all military installations, including training establishments across the country if that is suitable. But I am certain that the Minister for Veterans would welcome a further conversation with the hon. Gentleman in relation to Harrogate in particular.