All 1 Debates between Will Quince and Gavin Williamson

Modernising Defence Programme

Debate between Will Quince and Gavin Williamson
Tuesday 18th December 2018

(5 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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As I have said, we have already taken a number of actions to drive up recruitment in our armed forces while also increasing retention. Service personnel have gone out into the streets to be part of a recruitment process that had not taken place for the last few years since the decision was taken to withdraw them. An increasing number of people are applying for all three services; what we need to do is convert that into those who are joining them.

Will Quince Portrait Will Quince (Colchester) (Con)
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The modernising defence programme is partly about improving the resilience of our defence and our country. Has the Secretary of State received any approaches from other Departments about using our world-class armed forces personnel in the event of a no-deal Brexit?

Gavin Williamson Portrait Gavin Williamson
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As yet, we have received no formal requests from any Department, but we are making contingency plans. We will ensure that 3,500 service personnel, including regulars and reserves, are held in readiness to support any Department with contingency needs.