Modernising Defence Programme Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Modernising Defence Programme

Philip Hollobone Excerpts
Tuesday 18th December 2018

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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We will be working closely with all our allies to make sure we have the highest standards in the use of autonomous and AI technology going forward, and we will be looking at entering into legal commitments on that.

Philip Hollobone Portrait Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)
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One of the strengths of NATO is the shared use of common 5.56 mm calibre ammunition, which is crucial for the interoperability of infantry weapons systems. What are the implications for the British MDP if the Americans go ahead with their plans to switch to 6.8 mm for their assault weaponry?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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We would not expect to see that right across all US armed forces, but the US has consistently been our closest ally and we would work very closely with it by having discussions as to how to continue to share the interoperability that we have always benefited from for the last 70 years.