Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Swallow and Calvin Bailey

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to support cadet forces in Bracknell Forest.

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)]

The Government remain committed to growing the cadet forces, particularly in underserved communities where young people can benefit most from the opportunities and skills that a cadet forces experience provides. We are strengthening links between defence communities and employers to expand volunteering and cadet opportunities, so that more young people, including those in Bracknell Forest, can benefit from the cadet experience.

[Peter Swallow]

Earlier this month I had the huge privilege of celebrating the first ever National Cadets Week alongside 7 Platoon Berkshire Army Cadets and 2211 Squadron Air Cadets. I was struck, as I always am when I meet cadets, by the young people’s confidence, skills and sense of pride. What consideration has my hon. Friend given to the role that the cadets can play in tackling the crisis of young people not in education, employment or training, and supporting more young people to develop essential skills?

[Mr Bailey]

Wasn’t National Cadets Week just brilliant? I know how proud my hon. Friend is of his cadet craftsmen and women of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cadets at 7 Platoon Berkshire Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Cadets of 2211 Squadron—semper paratus. Both units show us how we must recognise the science, technology, engineering and maths opportunities that cadet engagement provides to our young people, helping to improve confidence and employability and reducing their risks of becoming NEET.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Swallow and Calvin Bailey

Wednesday 4th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)]

1. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing economic growth in Wales.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

2. What recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing economic growth in Wales.

Armed Forces Bill

Debate between Peter Swallow and Calvin Bailey

2nd reading
Monday 26th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Peter Swallow]

Absolutely. As well as our reservists, there is a huge role for cadets to play. I am so proud that the Government are committed to expanding the cadets by 30% by 2030, including by ensuring that there are more opportunities for cadets to learn science, technology, engineering and maths skills, as I am hearing they are in my hon. Friend’s constituency.

[Mr Bailey]

At the other end of the scale, we have seen a significant expansion of the service life that we can offer members of the armed forces. Flight Lieutenant Phil “Popeye” Powell was a special forces pilot for nearly 30 years. Does my hon. Friend agree with me that people like Popeye should be given as much time in the service to practise their craft?