Defence Transformation

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 18th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. This is an extremely important statement on which a great many Members want to catch my eye, but I am far from sure that I will be able to accommodate the majority. I would like to try, but I will need help in the form of single, short supplementary questions.

[Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con)]

Will the Secretary of State do his very best to restrict the cuts in the Army to those who do not fight and make sure that the people who do the fighting are maintained as much as possible?

[Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson (Lagan Valley) (DUP)]

This is about implementing a strategic defence and security review and today’s statement represents a significant reduction in the military footprint in Northern Ireland, the one region of the United Kingdom that faces the greatest security threat at this moment. The Secretary of State will therefore understand my concerns and those of other Opposition Members about that reduction. Will the Secretary of State assure me that he will reconsider the reconfiguration of the military footprint in relation to Northern Ireland as regards strengthening both the permanent garrison and the reserve footprint?

[Mr Speaker]

I shall treat that question as a full sentence with a series of subordinate clauses, but it should not be emulated by colleagues. It is not a competition.

[Dr Fox]

I fear you might be disappointed, Mr Speaker. We have said very clearly that we will maintain a constant footprint in Northern Ireland and that we are committed to that and to using the bases in Northern Ireland for some of those returning from Germany. The House should remember, however, that the purpose of having the Army in Northern Ireland was not primarily security inside Northern Ireland itself.

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I can accommodate very few more questions, I am afraid. Time is extremely pressing, and brevity is essential.

[Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con)]

I am delighted that RAF Marham is to be retained, and I thank the Secretary of State for listening to the strategic and economic arguments put by the “Make it Marham” campaign, which includes 37,000 people of Norfolk and nine local Members of Parliament. Under the plan for the Tornado squadrons, how many will be based at RAF Marham?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am afraid that we must move on. We have had contributions from 47 Members. I would like to accommodate everybody, as I usually do, but time is pressing. I am grateful to the Secretary of State for Defence and colleagues.