Modernising Defence Programme

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 18th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

There is much interest in this statement, but I point out to the House that there is a Standing Order No. 24 debate to follow and then the Second Reading of a Bill. There is, therefore, a premium upon brevity and I am keen to move on at, or extremely close to, two o’clock. Some people might not get in on this statement.

[Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

Very briefly in that case, Mr Speaker, does the Secretary of State accept that as we have not seen the actual document it would be useful to have a debate at an early stage? Will he accept the thanks, I think, of the whole House for having saved the amphibious capability of the Royal Marines? Does he feel, in this era of slightly looser Cabinet joint collective responsibility or whatever they care to call it, that he might accept the fact that the Defence Committee’s target ultimately of a return to 3% of GDP is what is really needed in terms of defence expenditure?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. We now need extremely short, single-sentence questions and replies.

[Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (PC)]

With the splendid isolationism of Brexit and an obsession with nuclear weapons, is there not a danger that the British state will become the European version of North Korea?

--- Later in debate ---

[Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane) (Con)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

A single sentence, Mr Shannon.

[Jim Shannon]

Does the Secretary of State not believe that there will be cuts to civilian staff of 30% from extensive outsourcing, and that that would leave a massive gap in support staff and have an adverse effect on the MOD and the defence budget?

[Mr Speaker]

Very well done.

[Gavin Williamson]

I do not believe it will have any adverse effect at all.

[Rebecca Pow]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

The same challenge.

[Rebecca Pow]

Can the Secretary of State confirm that no cuts will be made to the Marines, and may I reiterate my invitation to him to visit 40 Commando in Taunton to see how effective it is and how much money it has invested recently, and how consolidating its position in Taunton would help the defence capability of the nation?

[Mr Speaker]

The hon. Lady can now breathe.

[Gavin Williamson]

I am very much looking forward to visiting 40 Commando, and we have no intention of cutting the Royal Marines.