Army 2020

Stephen Gilbert Excerpts
Thursday 5th July 2012

(12 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We are reinforcing that point by introducing 100 additional cadet forces into state schools and academies over the next few years.

Stephen Gilbert Portrait Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD)
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Will my right hon. Friend make efforts to ensure that, as the reserves continue to play an important integrated role with the regular soldiers in our armed forces, we do not see two tiers emerging and that we secure parity of esteem for our reserve soldiers?

Lord Hammond of Runnymede Portrait Mr Hammond
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Parity of esteem, parity of equipment, parity of kit—that is indeed the intention.