National Security Capability Review Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

National Security Capability Review

Richard Drax Excerpts
Monday 15th January 2018

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax.

Richard Drax Portrait Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)
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History, sadly, has shown us that politicians are all too easily tempted to cut our armed forces in order to spend money in other areas. May I urge my right hon. Friend not to do so? We are leaving the European Union, and I believe that our commitments and responsibilities will grow, not least because by the time 27 other countries have decided to do something, it will be too late.

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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That is why the Government are committed to growing our efficiency budget from £36 billion to £40 billion, increasing the amount of money that we spend on equipment by 0.5% above inflation every single year. These are important points. The first duty of every Government is the defence of the nation, and that is why this Government take it so incredibly seriously.