Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Wes Streeting]

I thank my hon. Friend for the work that he does in this House, as reflected in his question, to champion the great service that the United States’ personnel give to our collective security. Their presence here in the United Kingdom makes us safer and they are always welcome. The current US force posture at RAF Fairford is what we would expect to see outside of major combat operations. However, given the threat to RAF Fairford—respecting that there is still an ongoing investigation, I will be limited in what I say—we need to take base security seriously, and off-base support for UK and US personnel and those of our allies equally seriously. We have committed half a billion pounds of additional investment, and strengthened security technology and infrastructure across military sites. The challenges that we face here in the UK are challenges that are facing all our allies, and one issue that I discussed with Secretary Hegseth last week was about what more we could do together to strengthen our collective security across the alliance.

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

Does the Secretary of State agree that the Territorial Army plays an important role in our national resilience? Will he commit to fight for increased funding for the Territorial Army in the forthcoming Budget, and what is he doing to increase recruitment?

[Wes Streeting]

We certainly support our reservists—they have an important part to play in our national defence. I will take the hon. Member’s question as yet another supportive submission to the Budget process on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. I can say confidently to the House that those Budget representations fall on very sympathetic ears with this Chancellor.

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Monday 6th July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bailey]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the Veterans Hub in his constituency. I very much look forward to visiting it in due course.

[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.

Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

Monday 5th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Al Carns]

This Government have an exceptional record on supporting our veterans. We put more money into veterans than any other Government in the past 10 years. We put £50 million into Valour. We have enhanced the Op Restore programme. Op Courage on mental health has now got £21 million and has rolled out. Our career transition partnership is second-to-none. On housing, we have got Op Fortitude. We have had 4,100 referrals and more than 1,000 veterans supported. We are doing a fantastic job for veterans. We must ensure that they are protected as we go forward.

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

With the risk of future prosecutions for simply following orders, would the Minister join the British Army today if he was a young man again making a career choice?

Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Pochin Excerpts

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?

[Al Carns]

As has been mentioned, as we go through the process, we will ensure that protections are in place, to look after our veterans. The reality is—I am being really honest—that if people broke the law, they will be held accountable, but I assure the hon. Member that veterans who served will be protected.