Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and David T C Davies

Monday 25th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew]

I say to the right hon. Gentleman that we are trying to make our defence industry the most competitive in the world so that we win those international competitions. It would not be right for me to comment on the decisions taken by other countries on FSS, to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, but I note that the EU Commission has publicly questioned the legality of applying article 346 to the procurement of support ships by other member states, so I am glad that we have behaved properly.

[David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con)]

20. Will the Minister confirm that even after we have left the EU, members of the British armed forces will continue to be based in EU countries, contributing towards their defence, and that therefore it is not unreasonable for us to expect their Governments to support the British defence industry and the British Government as we finalise negotiations with the rest of the EU?

[Stuart Andrew]

My hon. Friend makes a valid point. Of course our commitment to EU security, European security and working with our NATO colleagues will continue after we have left the EU. That is why we are working on ambitious future arrangements. People know that they can rely on the armed forces of the United Kingdom.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and David T C Davies

Wednesday 13th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew]

Yes, indeed, in Wales, Mr Speaker. Well, I defer to my right hon. and learned Friend’s expertise in all matters legal. I would therefore, perhaps, in preparation for my meeting with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, ask for my right hon. and learned Friend’s guidance and advice so that I can present a case for the people of Wales.

[David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con)]

7. Whether he has had discussions with local councillors in Monmouthshire on air pollution in Chepstow; and if he will make a statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and David T C Davies

Wednesday 14th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew]

I find it very hard to accept a Labour Member talking about rail investment when that party electrified probably only 10 miles of line in 13 years. We are bringing record investment all over the country, particularly in Wales, and we are proud of our achievements.

[David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con)]

Is my hon. Friend aware of press reports suggesting that the Welsh Labour Government are now cancelling electrification projects in the valleys? Does he agree that if they were serious about improving transport links, they would get on with building the M4 relief road?

[Stuart Andrew]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: it is this Government who have being bringing in the investment in our rail infrastructure, and the M4 corridor really does need solving. Many people and businesses across south Wales have been calling for that for a very long time and, frankly, it is time that the Welsh Government got on with it.