Defence Spending and Readiness

Debate between Wendy Morton and Louise Sandher-Jones

Tuesday 23rd June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

I have given way enough times; I will keep going.

The Opposition want to use the wider situation in Westminster for political grandstanding—it is all they can do and it is all they know how to do—but we are rebuilding our armed forces for our age of big data, AI and autonomy, and have reclaimed our position on the world stage. We have committed to an uplift in defence spending. We have delivered the biggest export deals for decades and fuelled defence as an engine for growth, benefiting communities across the UK. That is a record to be proud of, and one that we will build on as we build warfighting readiness.

[Wendy Morton]

Will the Minister give way?

[Louise Sandher-Jones]

I will keep going. Rather than debate the issues constructively, we have a motion urging orderly government from the party that gave us five different Prime Ministers and five different Defence Secretaries in 10 years—[Interruption.]

Employer National Insurance Contributions

Debate between Wendy Morton and Louise Sandher-Jones

Wednesday 4th December 2024 Commons Chamber

[Louise Jones]

I am sure that the health team will listen to all and any contributions, and will make a decision.

The Labour Government refuse to balance the books on the backs of the poor, workers or people striving for a better life.

[Wendy Morton]

Will the hon. Member give way?

[Louise Jones]

I am going to make progress, as I know other Back Benchers would like to speak.

Instead of austerity mark II, we choose to invest in our services, our children and the people who fight every day to keep us safe. These increases will strengthen our public services, promote economic stability and invest in the future of our workforce. They are an investment in our long-term prosperity, and I fully support them.