23/11/2015 House of Commons

Hello and welcome to BBC Parliament live coverage of from the House of

Commons. The Prime Minister will make a statement on the futtre of

the Armed Forces. Including details of an extra ?12 billion of spending

on equipment. They're also be two new strike rates by 2025. Statement

is also expected to set the scene for David Cameron's tries to

persuade the MPs that Britahn should get involved with air strikds and

serious. After that the govdrnment will try to put the all stages of

the Northern Ireland Welfard Reform Bill. Is the latest all party built

to keep the default demonstration up-and-coming. Has support of all,

... Member to join me for the round up of the day in both houses at

11:00pm. First we have questions to the Defense Secretary Michadl Fallon

and his team of ministers. First question is from Labour MP, Nick

Smith about what steps he's taken to ensure that defence industrx

benefits the UK. The second question -- let's hear the question. Order!

Order! Questions of the Secretary of State for Defense. Mr Nick Smith. Mr

Speaker that should teach it to friends of security review will very

shortly set out the honourable gentleman of the House how we will

invest more and bigger and stronger defence for Britain. The Brhtish

defence industry plays a vital role in helping to deliver more planes,

ships and armour vehicles for our Armed Forces. We are looking at how

we can drive greater innovation and how we can maximise the use of SMEs

and how we can ensure the ftture decisions contribute to a more

dynamic and productive economy. The important armoured vehicle programme

for the Army has been in thd pipeline for years. It uses Swedish

Nibert is still. We have told our specialist steel makers... When will

they ask they can produce this steel? As with all major defence

programmes the contractors determine the materials, including sotrcing

still on the basis of comparative cost, time and quality. In 2010 no

UK steel manufacturers were able to meet the prime contractors

requirements so no UK supplhed steel for the programme. I can confirm to

the honourable gentleman th`t it takes a great deal of interdst in

this because Ajax vehicles will be assembled next his constitudncy

some 2700 tonnes around 30% of the still requirement remains open to

competition. And our petition is already under way to sufficd as a

turning armour which is open for UK firms to apply. And number of

colleagues and I visit our new magnificent aircraft carriers last

week. There some interest that we learned this morning that apparently

the government is intending to order a large number of joint shark

fighters took with not only those aircraft carriers but also the world

aircraft. I wonder if my honourable friend can confirm the truth in this

substantial increase in our fighting capability. --. He's a very

experienced member of his house The after this defence questions we have

a statement from the Prime Linister who I'm quite sure will be `ble to

do that... Address the question he just posed to me? It is excdllent to

welcome the Minister again last week and to make another show of the

bipartisan support we have for renewing the UK nuclear detdrrent

Ada. Is a still a prospect of getting the main boat beford

Christmas? -- vote. I am gr`teful for him for reminding the House back

on Thursday last week I accompanied him into his constituency to

recognise the signature of the contract for the fifth astute

measure. It was good to think of many of his constituents who have

been involved in the constrtction. With regard to the investment

decision, I think again that is a subject that will come up shortly.

Of course it is true that the defence industry can no longer

sources requirements from the UK steel energy because of a loss of

capability. Will he work with colleagues and with the defdnce

industry and steel producers to ensure that there is a long,term

plan for the future that UK still has developed the capabilithes to

work in this industry with light of work in this industry with light of

course the Minister of defence is participating in the working group

that was established last month am right honourable friend the Business

Secretary. I have to say th`t while still is clearly a very significant

and important component to latch defence manufacturer, all of our

major current programmes in work, the steel is involved it represents

less than 1.5% of the total of steel manufactured in this countrx in

2013. Relatively speaking, while important, it is a small pitcher

Victor to the total steel produced in this country. Can I welcome the

newspaper report we will sed shortly that the deal is to reverse his own

decision, one of the most vhsible signs in 2010 with the photographs

of our materials being cut tp into pieces. Can I get asked the Minister

when will the first of thesd interactive service? The honourable

lady may recall that the programme she refers to was commissioned under

the previous Labour governmdnt, it was over ?1 billion over budget It

was reduced in scale under the previous Labour government to

over... In the prototype aircraft that was produced had more defects

than any other previous aircraft in production. We were not surd that it

would ever fly. Was the right decision to take at the timd and I

was the right decision, the Prime Minister is about to announce it, to

have a replacement capability. We will have to hear one that will be

available. Mr Speaker, the TK has been about as vital capabilhty for

four years as a result of rhght or wrong, that decision that hd refers

to in 2010. Just today we rdad that Britain is have to call on native

allies to provide aircraft to search for a Russian submarine offshore is.

Can you give us a definite date for which he will again have our own

maritime patrol aircraft. I am sorry to support the right honour`ble

lady, but here we are 20 minutes to three. She has to be a little bit

more patient and see what the Prime Minister announces in his f`vour and

little this afternoon. I'm sure she will be there to hear the statement.

The UK respects the sovereign responsibilities of the eight Arctic

states, while promoting our own interests in the region. We engage

with the security of the region through the Arctic security forces

round table and of course dhrectly with Arctic nations. We maintain a

naval air assets capable of deploying to the region and Arctic

trained and equipped forces including elements of re-colmanding

grades. I was confirmed that the Russian spy ship had passed through

UK warders, this undermines the fact that Scotland... Will the Mhnister

confirm when we will see UK enables efficient three days and whdn will

we see the re-establishment of that? Place-mac I cannot confirm what he

asked for. And he will wait until 3:30pm he should hear some dxcellent

news for Scotland. There'll be no questions that they will be

treating... That will lead to stress is if we do not have it corrected.

The UK has a fantastic offer in terms of those were trained in the

region. Secondly submarines, we have not trained our submarines to work

under the Arctic ice. I am grateful for his question. He will h`ve to

wait until 3:30pm until confirmation on the feature of our capabhlities.

I have taken on board his point of under eye submarines. Perhaps I can

help the minister with a qudstion that does not involve waiting to

3:30pm. My understanding is that a lot of our focus is on Northeast

Africa. Would you agree that... That a Russian submarine, it would be

naive to trust also take our .. Order! Can I gently implored members

to proceed a little but werd quickly. We have a lot to gdt

through. Both questions and answers are lengthy. I really agree with the

honourable member opposite. Mr Speaker, Ayrton patrol aircraft

featured largely in last ye`rs referendum. What my honourable

friend agree with me that they are pretty pointless. Manned or unmanned

unless there is debate about gathering and analysis technology to

do with it. And the wherewithal to respond to many threats that emerge,

something the SMP felt to offer last year. -- failed. I entirely agree

with my honourable friend indeed. Indeed. Behind bars is becoling one

of the world strategic hotspot. With the Minister agree that a n`tion

like ours to seek the assistance with friends in Canada and keeping a

hostile submarine is embarr`ssing. Can he confirm that this is the

fourth time we have had to call on such assistance? The honour`ble

member will have to wait until 3:30pm for details. But, I will

remind him that the defence Select Committee should the governlents

feel that the programme was dying. I am very glad that it will bd

possible to give better news later on today. The lack of naval

capability in the high North is indeed a worry. Even at 14 lonths

ago... With the Secretary of State, or the Minister like to takd this

opportunity to make sure th`t the promise that was made to thdm will

indeed be kept. Will be agrde with me that if that promises not kept it

will be shameful. I cannot give him a detailed answer. But I can't say

that the future of Carl Wood even brighter after 3:30 p.m.. Wd have

just completed in the last few months of the largest far North

exercise in history. -- the future of Scotland. I would like to answer

this question with number 17. The United Kingdom is making significant

top donor contribution to the international counter Isil programme

is. And in helping to train Iraqi forces, in addition to the

intelligence cooperation and border security support we have offered to

France, the House will wish to know that I have authorised the tse of

IRS... As a divergent effort for French aircraft striking in Syria.

Many of us on all sides of the awful support the government as they make

the intelligent case for extending the air campaign into seriots. We

totally reject the accusation that such a movement will be a tdster.

Will my right honourable frhend agree that our allies, not ts, our

allies will be diminishing Hsil command control, restricting their

ability to move en masse and restricting their ability to take

control of more ground. Is ht not time to stop subcontracting our

security to our friends. -- Syria. I agree we should not lead thd fight

to French aircraft, American aircraft or Australian aircraft

While we are working to est`blish a inconclusive government in the Civil

War and build more security for the Sunni areas of Syria, that should

not delay us or deter us from degrading Isil in eastern Sxria

from where they are directing their war in their region and dirdctly

threatening us. The chief of Defense staff said that not striking Isil in

its heartland in Syria a football team trying to win a match without

injuring the oppositions half. Is a long overdue that we pitched up the

page and started to defend our goal line. -- pushed up the pitch. It

moves between both, while the world Air Force can only strike in Iraq.

It is a logical for us to bd hitting Isil targets in Iraq while not

targeting Isil poor leadership, its lines of communication and ht

revenue base, all found in Syria. What steps is he taking to squeeze

the supply chain of Isil. They are not just supplied by organisations

in the region, you must also be countries in establishment outside

of the region supplying Isil with those arms. Yes, we are intdnsifying

our efforts to cut off their sources of finance in particular its ability

to sell oil on the internathonal market. We are also directlx

targeting the supply route between Syria in Iraq,. The Democratic Union

party holds political power in all three provinces, of northern Syria.

Will the government be undertaking any communication or liaison with

the PYP as it continues to dxist in the region. This is a matter

discussed recently the Primd Minister and the foreign defence

minister of Turkey. We will want to see the pushback from that border

and the pocket between the two of the Kurdish areas. Let me elphasise

that all parties in Syria, Kurds, Shia, Sunni, Christian and Jews all

have to be brought into the process to deliver Syria a more inclusive

government backing and this Civil War. History gives us practhcally no

examples of undetermined surrendering in response to the

conventional air bombardment. What ground forces are credibly `nd

seriously fighting Isil, Dadsh in Syria other than some unple`sant

Islamist groups, the Kurds hn a limited area and the Syrian

government army? There are loderate forces fighting Daesh into serious.

But they have also been eng`ged in the Civil War this. The key is to

end it as quickly as possible so that we can focus on dealing with

Daesh. There are a number of troops already involved in that. -, Syria.

We have been hoping -- helphng to train them. He will continud to work

with them to ensure that Syria is rid of I aside and Daesh. -,. It

talks about the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris. The

majority of victims were yotng Muslim women. Will the Secrdtary of

State on the cross party consensus in this chamber and follow the

example of President Hollande.. Does he not accept that the language

we use is important in millhsecond next Muslims and terrorists is

dangerous. I agree with almost all of that. I do not have time to read

the report and the Independdnt that she refers to. I myself prefer the

term Daesh as I think it is more accurate and it does not embrace the

word Islam. But Isil has become and Isis have become accepted tdrms it

may be too late to make that particular change. Does my right

honourable friend agree that there's a direct threat to the UK and we

should not consider all necdssary steps to stop it on all fronts. I

agree with that. I know my honourable friend will have noted

the result though the resolttion passed to that affect. We h`ve to

confirm it by all means at our disposal. Not in terms of ddfending

our territory here, but strhking searching groups in doing whth the

politically, culturally, financially and indeed ideologically. Pdople on

all sides of the House will welcome the United Nations Security Council

resolution passed on Friday night. Calling on Member States to take all

necessary measures against Hsil /Daesh. Can the defence secretary

reassured members on the outside of the House that there is any proposed

military action in Syria thdre is also a parallel plan for pe`ce to

end the reign of terror and to have a timetable for traditional

government in Syria and protection for religious and ethnic minorities

in the country? I fully accdpt that we have to persuade them. There s a

political track as well, thd Prime Minister will be were prying towards

the end of this week for thd questions quite legitimatelx posed

by the Foreign Affairs Commhttee to deal with exactly that. A

traditional government put hnto place -- transitional. And how that

will lead to the provision of security particularly in thd Sunni

areas in northern Syria. -- not in itself delay us from dealing with

this terrorist mass that has already brought slaughter to the streets of

Paris and has already resulted in the deaths of our own citizdns on a

beach in Tunisia and one of our citizens in Paris itself. It is

dangerous to wounded enemy, especially if it is a wild beast are

fighting, given that no air campaign alone has ever dislodged a

determined enemy. After we bombed Syria, what is the plan, whdre's the

strategy? Troops will we produce -- ground troops. The Iraqi forces and

Kurdish forces will push Ishs out of Iraq and we have had some stccess.

In Syria we will need ground forces that are local, locally supported.

When you talk to prime ministers in Baghdad, he does not want British

troops or American troops on the ground. That will further

radicalised the areas. Parthcularly in the Sunni areas, on the hs a

battle that has to be won bx locally supported troops and local forces

that have the support of thd local population. -- not the terrorists

for making a start in dealing with high school from where it is being

directed -- dealing with Ishl from where it is being directed. I will

like to answer questions and for together. Is reflective in need of

kind does not competitive price UK suppliers have provided significant

quantities of steel for programmes whatever they have been abld to meet

specified standards. Our new government guidelines published last

week will help UK steel suppliers compete effectively with

international suppliers. He will be aware that Swedish still Mac was

used -- steel. Many in the still communities feel this is betrothed.

Is the field that British produced steel should be specified in order

to protect the industry. I `m sure you will agree with me that the

steel that is specified needs to be the steel that can do the job. Asked

who can supply that, we are open-minded about that. We `re

adopting the new government guidelines in relation to the

offshore patrol vessels Tholas on 20% of the requirement was sourced

to UK steel. Other countries support the industries, why not Britain

This is why this government has set up a working group, the stedl

procurement group. The Ministry of Defense is sitting on that group and

making sure that future orddrs are open to UK firms to tender. You can

bet your bottom dollar, Mr Speaker, or I should say your bottom euro

that European countries will not be abiding by European Union l`w as far

as procurement is concerned. Can my honourable friend confirm, H ensure

that he can, that we will do all that we can to secure Butte does not

British steel is used provided the quality needed. The answer to your

question is yes. No one who has listened to the ministers insisted

they will have any real confidence that he is going to take anx serious

steps to ensure that British steel was used on the purchase of the ..

That we expect to hear about shortly. Can the Minister s`y a

little bit more about measures he will take to justify the answer he

has given to the honourable gentleman. Black B are able

gentleman is right to point to the type 26 Booker meant as the next

major platform. We are determined as a government that is keen to support

our steel industry that contractors will have the industry to source

that still from the UK. We will do as much as we can to help them with

that. Clinical studies and `udits have been undertaken by my

defence... Those reports ard a matter of public record. Thhs is not

our first line treatment and it makes up about 1% of our st`rts For

some people deployed in certain parts of the world it'll be the best

drug to protect them from m`laria. It is becoming that those who have

had the drug had not been assessed fully before the usage. My

constituents are those who `re suffering most with a high level of

potential suicides, increasdd mental concerns and stress level issues,

can the Minister confirm th`t they will be doing a thorough review of

the use of the drug. And all personnel will be assessed before it

is used again? There is an individual risk

assessment of the patient, but in addition to that, as soon as the

prescription is entered onto the electronic record system, there is a

warning that is flagged to dnsure that the prescriber is absolutely

sure that the recipient has had no mental health problems. In `ddition

to that, that policy is altdred by... I would save to all mdmbers of

his house, that they have constituents think care abott - are

concerned about, please seek medical help. Thank you Mr Speaker, I and

Doris the honourable member for what they said. And I welcome thd

Minister's reply having suffered that myself and those consepuences,

I would ask her to look at the alternatives as to which thdre are

several, less bad side effects. I thank the honourable gentlelan for

that and I would reassure hhm that this is not our first line drug I'm

afraid that certain parts of the world, and given individuals

particular medical history, this is currently the only course of action

sometimes. There is a coming online and that will be looked at.

Supporting moderates is a kdy part of our help in Syria so thex can

take our place in the transhtional government that is needed to defeat

Isil and provide security throughout Syria. In the last 12 months, we

have helped to train members of the moderate armed opposition and help

save lives, bolstered civil society, counter extremism and lay the

foundation for a better futtre in Syria. To the government not

recognise that it is part of the solution to the Isis issue, we

need... To the government not recognise this as a failed policy,

by investing in the client hn a proxy in Civil war, all we're doing

is escalating that war and perpetuating it with a greater

number of deaths? I do not `gree with that. To work we are doing in

Iraq to support the democratic government of Iraq, at its request,

has stemmed and I on rush of Isil and has started to Bush Isil back,

from the Euphrates, and we need to be doing this in Syria, comhng to

the aid of moderate forces hn Syria who want to be free both of us odd

who is bombing his own civilians and Isil that represents a thre`t to us

all. What evidence is there on the ground that the free Syrian army is

recalibrating its efforts, increasing it against Isil `nd

reducing it against Assad? The picture in northern Syria is

particularly confused, it is not a simple conflict with front lines as

we would normally understand them. But it is our long-term objdctive

that Syria should be free of both Assad and others to work -- we

continue to work with others to provide the equipment they need and

when we can, provide them whth training outside Syria itself. Any

consolidation of Air Force stations is being considered as part of the

defence to put strategy. Thd threats we face are growing in scald,

diversity, and complexity, therefore we are determined to configtre our

support of military capabilhties. I'm grateful to my honourable friend

for that answer and he will know that Lincolnshire is the hole of the

RAF. Can need give an agreelent that that should remain the case and

there are very good reasons for consolidating more personnel and

assets into our County? My honourable friend is a champion not

only for his constituency btt also for Lincolnshire. I am saying he is

right that with the -- I cannot give any further details today, not even

half past three, but I hope to have further information in due course.

With permission Mr Speaker, I would like to answer questions eight and

16 together stopping the government provides a comprehensive programme

of support for ex-service pdrsonnel. This includes an excellent

resettlement package for those returning to civilian life.

High-quality pension and compensation schemes, and mdasures

to meet health and welfare needs. The Armed Forces... Ensuring

veterans are not disadvantaged as a part of their service in thd armed

forces. I thank the Minister for his response. Veterans represent the

largest single cohort within the overall prison population. Can the

Minister confirm with the ddpartment is doing to address this issue and

the importance of charities and it's Radek Phoenix which reintroduce the

offended in this important programme? My honourable frhend will

understand that veterans in prison are the responsibility of the

Minister of Justice, however, the latest figures that I have suggest

that the prison population which are veterans is three and a half

percent. All prisoners with military history are eligible for services

from the service and in addhtion, Armed Forces charities incltding the

Royal... Sin caseworkers to support veterans in some prisons. Thank you

Mr Speaker, embers of our armed forces put themselves not only great

physical danger and also psychological pressures to defend

our country and our people. What provisions are being put in place to

help veterans of and others struggling with mental health

issues? We are determined to ensure veterans with mental health issues

are provided with appropriate support. England spends ?1.8 million

every year on mental health services for veterans, including vetdran

mental health teams. A further 18 million of funding is place to

combat posttraumatic stress disorder programme for veterans. A ftrther a

4p of government funding will provide -- it will be provided over

the next five years. What conversations have taken pl`ce with

the chancellor to discuss the impact of tax credit courts on milhtary

families including those of military veterans? I'm sure this is `n issue

that has been discussed and will be addressed later this week when the

Chancellor makes his announcement. What support is the Ministrx of

defence able to give local authorities like my own, whhch are

very keen in establishing homes for heroes? I recently announce that we

are about to undertake a review of this practice and following

conversations with the chair of the local Government Association, we

intend to do a review to ensure that best practices are now spre`d across

local authorities across thd UK The social care crisis is affecting

people across the country. Hncluding those who sustained an injury or

condition while serving our country. Is injured or heard after the 6th of

April, received compensation scheme, and have this payment disregarded by

local authorities and being assessed for social care. However those

injured before that date ard receiving war pension and don't

Will the government addressds in equality? This is primarily a letter

for the Department of Health and I've been having a series of

negotiations with my counterpart in the Ministry of health and H'm sure

we will come back to the Hotse in due course. Number nine Sir. With

permission Mr Speaker I would like to answer questions nine and 11

together. We expect to see small businesses take an increasing share

in our defence budget. Sincd they provide a vital source of innovation

and flexibility in meeting defence security requirements. In October,

we mentioned a new target to increase the procurement to be spent

with small medium enterprisds to 25% by the end of this Parliament. This

target is 10% higher than in the last Parliament. I thank thd end of

the mine minister for his answer. Can he outlined what role is in P is

playing in the programme? Especially in the supply chain? The success of

submarine from them it will be the largest project, where we expect 150

suppliers across the UK will be involved. They will employ thousands

of people in this very high skilled domain, using cutting-edge

technology and they will kedp the supply chain for Rose Royce... Where

many of them will be as in `nd many of them will be within my honourable

friend's constituency. No c`n you clarify how any small busindsses in

the defence supply chain can access the ?70 million investment that was

announced last month? I would just pay tribute to the workforcd and

Lancashire, particular in the work they have an contributing every

single one of the F 35, the largest procurement for Graham and the

Globe. Mentioned last month by my honourable friend will have its due

course, some even possibly hn the next hour. What difference with the

renewal of Trident make to the defence supply programme? As I just

indicated to my right honourable friend, my honourable friend, the

successor submarine programle will be the largest UK procurement of

military capability for dec`des to come. That will filter throtgh, I

mentioned 150 suppliers, we think will be pertaining, it may be larger

than that, it will be an enormous programme that will last for many

years and sustained thousands of jobs right across the breadth of

this country. With permission Mr Speaker, I should like to answer

questions 12 and 18 together. The government came under force -- since

then, the government has undertaken a range of actions to build it. Our

fourth annual report to Parliament is due to be published next month

and that will detail the progress we have made during the year. The

government is committed to honour our pledges and encourage the wider

society to think about their contributions. How will thehr

commitments be measured so that certain councils and others can

learn from the best and most proactive and that we can encourage

others to up their game? I 2am grateful for this support, hncluding

Sussex, who demonstrate our arms forces communities. Many ard

extremely proactive. I wish -- to discuss what more we can do to

encourage local authorities as they look to support our Armed Forces

soup community. I understand the Minister for housing intends to

write all local authorities setting out an example the best practice and

are mighty that the need to arm them under the covenant. A veter`n in my

constituency suffers from mdntal health issues from military service.

Is on the local council housing list but is one of two steps awax from

priority stages. Tonight urge the Minister to beef up the covdnant and

ensure our veterans are givdn priority status for housing as a

matter of course? The government is determined to honour the colmitments

made by the Armed Forces covenant to ensure fair treatment of veterans

and their families in need of social housing. Is why the governmdnt

change the laws so that serving personnel and veterans with urgent

housing needs must always bd a higher priority for housing. It is

up to local authorities howdver to make judgements about rises in their

areas, I will of course raise this with my colleagues. -- 10% of our

population are veterans, prhson populace and. The honourabld

gentleman will be aware of the 40 million which will be invested into

the veterans accommodation fund I work with a number of charities to

ensure this issue, and he c`n see it for himself the Beacon home if he

wishes to visit, or other places, I would encourage them to do so. Thank

you Mr Speaker, in the last five years we have seen entitlemdnts of

service personnel cut copy ` failure to return the micro group the - we

weight the... Does he accept that trading service personnel so

shoddily will affect morale and can be seen as a breach of the lilitary

government? I was hoping to avoid these words but the honourable Lady

will have to wait until 3:30pm. However, I am confident that the

renumeration package will rdmain an excellent package for our sdrvice

personnel, but she will havd to wait a few more minutes to find out

exactly whether or not to bdlieve all of the reports she reads. This

government believes we can `nd indeed will succeed in reforming and

renegotiating our relationship with the EU. The cornerstone of our

security is Nato, but the ET does play an important role in

complementing Nato, for exalple imposing sanctions on Russi`

recently, defence remains a sovereign issue. The UK togdther

with the EU partners has worked hard in areas for example on EU trading

missions, which had made a conservation to defence. With the

government give close consideration about how these would continue in

the future if Britain were to withdraw from the EU? I can only

repeat my earlier answer, wd are confident that the renegoti`tion

will succeed, yes indeed, the mission he referred to in other

missions including the one hn Africa have been a success, he is right on

that. Can I say to the Minister just in case the country votes to come

out of the EU, wouldn't he welcomed a tremendous advantage of the Armed

Forces, because the UK sends ?3 0 million to the EU each week, some of

that money could be diverted to the Armed Forces and would not that be a

good thing? My honourable friend is not, despite recollecting what might

happen after withdrawal, wh`t I will say is that I am delighted to be

part of a government that is committed to spending 2% of the GDP

on the... I think you will dnjoy the announcement at 3:30pm. I should

like to answer this question with number 15, we have seen Isil attacks

in many places and around the world, including on premise is

citizens in Paris. Isil posds a direct threat to the United Kingdom,

which is why we need to work with the international Coalition to

degrade and destroy Isil in Iraq and consider what more we can do to deal

with its headquarters and hdartland in Syria from where this threat

comes. Given that Isil are tsing their base in Syria to plan attacks

on the UK, does the Secretary of State agree with me that it is

absolutely absurd to restrict the British Armed Forces to onlx act in

an Iraq and not in powering them to act to British threats? There is a

compelling case for us to do more in Syria, not least because wh`t he

says is it is illogical to not only tackle forces in Iraq. As the Prime

Minister say, we must tackld the head of the snake and racked up and

make our case to the House `nd country starting with my right

honourable friend and his rdsponse to the committee report latdr this

week. Mr Speaker, while cithes like London are targets for terrorism,

with cooperation is the Secretary of State hiding with the home office to

do with other areas, shopping areas like my constituency could dasily be

just as under threat as central London was white we work closely

with the home office, particularly on counterterrorism and providing

assistance to back-ups of all capacity. We have 5000 troops

trained and ready to support armed police forces, 24 hours nothce, and

we will be increasing the ntmber shortly. We can only in the safety

guarantee the safety of the United Kingdom by defeating Isil in both

Iraq and Syria, and I hope he shares the new confidence of the chairman

of this committee and the -, studies committee, conditions can bd met

following the attacks in Paris. The sovereign state is unable or

unwilling to take action. To what extent does he think that applies to

Daesh and the Taliban in Afghanistan when it was supporting IK,

Al-Qaeda? There is already ` clear legal basis for military action

against Isil in Syria, which does not require a United Nations

resolution, but I hope nonetheless that he will welcome Security

Council resolution, which provides clear and unanimous politic`l

endorsement by the entire international community for the

military action already being taken by the counter Isil organis`tion?

Why is the government turning a blind eye to Isil selling ohl to

these Nato powers? The government is not turning a blind eye, on the

contrary we are doing our bdst to interject the supplies of ohl and

stop Isil being able to supply it on the international market, something

I discussed with Syria up's neighbours, and we also need to stop

them from selling to the Syria and regime itself. My immediate

priorities are operations against Isil and the strategic defence

security review. July's announcement of the defence budget will hncrease

every year of this Parliament and that we'll continue to meet the Nato

2% target means that we are able to decide very shortly what further

capabilities and equipment we need to keep this country safe. H'm

delighted to host the Secretary of State on a visit to my constituency.

Is it a sign of the national security and economic securhty that

they signed a 300 million pounds contract for the latest missiles

manufactured out of news sites safeguarding 400 high-tech jobs

Yes, I do recall my visit and this is part of our now plan, to provide

the very best capabilities for our armed forces. These advanced

short-range air to air misshles will equip our jets with battle winning

technologies. Helping to protect airspace and defend our Nato allies

and sustained highly skilled jobs in the new 30 million pounds plan and

also. Mr Speaker, one of thd many things in the telegraph this morning

was at the MOD will purchasd five or forgets them planned. Does the

Minister share with me a concern that we need enough forgets to

protect our carriers in operations. Any reduction to the sleep will

impair the carriers? I can't ensure the honourable member and I'm

delighted to see display. I can ensure the honourable member that we

will have enough forgets to protect the carrier and my right honourable

friend the Prime Minister whll be making very clear the forget

replacement programmes in jtst a few minutes time. For the Minister

advise the House on innovathons to working with the MOD. Will he take

the opportunity to spell out the role that he sees for things in

strategic defence in the UK? We recognise the importance of

innovation and the STL does do vital work within this department. In

leading science and technology initiatives to provide capability

advances for our Armed Forcds and we expected to sell, through the

support he gives to univers`l technical college and places Indians

constituency? Mr Speaker, mddicine sent frontier -- Doctors Without

Borders reports that Damascts was hit on Thursday. Increasing the

numbers of civilian casualthes in Syria. In light of Friday's

resolution in Syria, could the Secretary of State detailed the

additional measures that will be taken to provide safe passage and

resettlement for civilian rdfugees, should the UK vote to participate in

air strikes? Prior to that taking place, I have met with a nulber of

NGOs about a range of issues that the honourable Lady touches on and I

can ensure that this is at the forefront of our minds. Part of the

reason for wanting to do more in this place is to prevent innocent

civilians from being brutally slaughtered. Given recent mddia

coverage about the different views across this house on Trident

renewal, could my right honourable friend tell me who is responsible

for deciding government polhcy, specifically on the issue of

Trident? Flemmi reassure my friend that policy on this side of the

House is decided by the Prile Minister, the Cabinet, and hndeed

the whole government and thd whole parliamentary parties are united on

the commitment that we made to renew the deterrent and I would urge

moderate MPs offices to turn out tomorrow and vote to support the

deterrent that every previots Labour government has supported since it

was introduced. What assesslent is the government making of thd high

military capability that Assad has right now? Missile systems `nd where

they located and what other high-tech equipment falling into the

hands of Isis? We make very clear, we make sure that our own ahrcraft

are equipped with the defensive AIDS that are necessary in each

particular setting, but what we need to do is bring both of thesd, the

Civil War in Syria to an end and Civil War in Syria to an end and

then focus on the task at h`nd which is destroying Isil in its hdartland?

With the Minister assure me with the evaluation of the defence of state

being undertaken, the social economic policy, importance is taken

into consideration? Bawled the defensive state is primarilx given

to sick to the MOD does support authorities and any impact on

changes particularly when it comes to the opportunity for the local

resources as part of future campaign banning. Lockheed Martin submitted

maritime patrol aircraft contract, this aircraft costs around 40% of

Boeing's which is 80%... Can the Minister please anoint the House as

to the process undertaken to win this contract ultimately, for the

costly alternative which is not supported by British progralmes

This is another one of thosd occasions where the honourable Lady

will have to wait for a few moments for the Prime Minister. What I can

say to her is that in the event that an MPA would be to -- would be

procured as part of the programme, some billion dollars worth of the

programme is supplied by Brhtish companies. Thank you Mr Spe`ker I

personally agree with the government that Isil Daesh must be Chrhstian

Democrats in Syria as well `s in Iraq. But, the Secretary of State

has made it clear that he w`nts to cede the Syria and army forces

defeated as well. We are behng told to be more like church old Dan

Chamberlain. Does the state government minister recognise that

Churchill's great strength was that he knew when to recognise which is

the greater and lesser of two evils and that is why he was willhng

sometimes to fight alongsidd unsavoury allies against a common

deadly enemy? Let me just s`y that my honourable friend that I always

thought that Churchill's grdatest strength was confronted -- when

confronted by a direct thre`t to this country to be determindd to do

something about it. Thank you Mr Speaker, Armed Forces being the

smallest they have been since the middle of the 19th century, with the

Minister said that if the UK was to exit the European Union, thhs would

significantly undermine our intelligence and security Rtssian

ships at a time when we need these relationships the most? I do not

accept that. Of course the membership of the union has allowed

us to be imposing sanctions on Russia for the action it took an

crime area stopping -- Crimda. The bulk of our defence rests on our

membership of the Nato alli`nce Mr Speaker, at a time when it hs clear

that our nuclear capabilitids is cute, can the Minister perh`ps

provide some update on the progress in delivering our nuclear things to

the submarines? I was delighted last Thursday to announce the ?1.3

billion contract. We will s`ve money from the text layer, we would

deliver this summer in ahead of schedule of the previous ond, and we

are on track. I agree with the defence secretary that Isil poses a

very direct threat to the UK, but I wonder if he agrees with me that if

the government has to take lilitary action against Syria, it nedds to be

framed within a writer strategy to be military action can only service

one strand of that wider calpaign, the government also needs to lead

political and diplomatic tools that they have at their disposal. I

completely agree with that. Any military strategy to deal whth Isil

in Syria as well as in Iraq has to be be a part of a wider campaign to

win this struggle against Isil, politically and diplomatically to

construct a moderate governlent in Syria that has the support of all

sections of Syrian society `nd to show how that will lead to greater

security in the Sunni areas in particular in northern Syri`, once

Isil is defeated in its heartland. What is our noninvolvement hn air

strikes have in terms of international partners?

A decision to do nothing has consequences. As my honourable

friend has alluded to it has had severe consequences not simply in

the reputation of this country with its allies, but in the consdquences

in Syria itself or he has sden a vicious silver war. Hundreds of

thousands killed. And millions displaced as a result of a decision

by the West not to get involved and to put a stop to it two years ago.

It does seem strange that that we give high-level British forces

training to those fighting Hsil but we do not give them any of our

equipment. So they end up fhghting with Russian or other weapons. Are

we going to look at changing that so they get all of the armour, medical

supplies and hardware. I'm happy to reassure the honourable gentleman

that as well as providing excellent training we are also gifting

non-lethal equipment. What ly right honourable friend agree with me that

to say we can eradicate Daesh through negotiation of -- alone is

not enough. If we want to t`ckle this issue we need to use all of the

force at our ability? I agrde with that. That is reflected in the

United Nations resolution. Hsil is making -- has made no demands of

those that it wants to slaughter in Paris the week before last. This is

not an organisation that we can possibly negotiate with or dmployee

diplomacy. It has to be defdated using all means at our disposal

including military means. H`ving seen first-hand the best cltbs that

were first -- were first established Upon Hall, what more can thd

government do to support thdse initiatives started by veterans

themselves? I have to agree with the honourable Lady. It is an excellent

game and something I intend to try and progress on over the coling

months. -- schema. Statements, the Prime Minister. I would likd to make

a statement on the national security strategy and that should te`ch it

defence and security review. Mr Speaker our national security

depends on our economic sectrity and vice versa. So the first stdp in

keeping our country safe is to ensure our economy is and rdmains

strong. Over the last five xears we have taken the difficult decisions

needed to bring down our deficit and restore our economy to strength In

2010, we were ordering equipment for which there was literally no money.

The total black hole in the defence budget alone was bigger than the

entire defence budget in th`t year. Now, it is back in balance. By

sticking to our long-term economic plan, Britain has become thd

fastest-growing major advanced economy in the world for thd last

two years. Are renewed economic security means that today wd can

show how we can afford to invest further in our national sectrity. Mr

Speaker, this is vital at a time when the threats to our country are

growing. This morning I was in Paris with President Hollande discussing

how we can work together to defeat the evil of ice. The as the murders

on the street of terrorist reminded as so starkly, Isil is not some

remote problems thousands of miles away. Is a direct threat to our

security at home and abroad. It has Artie taken the lives of Brhtish

hostages and carried out thd worst tourist attack against Brithsh

people sent 77 on the beachds of Tunisia. To say nothing of the seven

terrorist plots in -- in Brhtain that have been foiled over the past

year. Of course the threats we face today go beyond this evil ddath

cult. From the crisis in Ukraine, to the risk of cyber attacks and

pandemic. The world is more dangerous and uncertain tod`y than

even five years ago. While dvery government must choose how to spend

the money it has available, every penny of which is part owned by

taxpayers. This government has taken a clear decision to invest hn our

security and safeguard our prosperity. As a result the United

Kingdom is the only major country in the world today which is

simultaneously going to meet the Nato target of spending 2% of our

GDP on defence. And the United Nations target of spending .7% of

our growing... On development. Will also decreasing investment on our

security and intelligence agencies and on counterterrorism. Mr

Speaker, in ensuring our national security we will also protect our

economic security. As a trading nation with the worlds fifth biggest

economy, we depend on stability and order in the world, with 5 lillion

British nationals living ovdrseas are prosperity depends on trade

around the world. Engagement is not an optional extra, it is fundamental

to the success of our nation. We need the ceilings to stay open

and... The strategy I'm presenting to the House today without clear

vision for a secure and hospice United Kingdom, with global reach

and global influence. At its heart is an understanding that we cannot

choose between conventional defenses against the state based rights on

the one hand, or the need to counter that that is not recognise national

borders. -- Bret. Today we face both kinds of threats and must rdspond to

both types of threats. Over the course of this priorities are to

deter state based threats, tackle terrorism and remain a world leader

in cyber security. And to ensure that we have the capability to

respond rapidly to crises as they emerged. To meet these allergies we

will continue to harness all the tools of national power avahlable to

us. Coordinated through the national Security Council to deliver a full

spectrum approach. This includes support for our Armed Forces,

counterterrorism, international aid and diplomacy and working whth

allies to do with the common threats that face us all. Let me take each

in turn. First, the bottom line of national security strategy was

always be the willingness and capability to use force when

necessary. Friday evening the United Nations Security Council enormously

agreed on a resolution callhng on Member States to take all the

necessary measures against Hsil in both Syria and Iraq. On Thursday I

will come to this house and make a further statement responding

personally to the foreign affairs Select Committee. I'll make the case

for Britain to join our international allies and only after

I select their headquarters in Syria, I just Iraq. I will dxplain

how such action will be an dlement of the competence of an long-term

strategy to defeat I sold. Hn parallel with a major international

effort to bring an end to the war in serious. -- to defeat Isil. --

serious. And any other task that might be needed in the years I had.

We will invest ?178 billion in buying and maintaining the dquipment

over the next decade includhng doubling our investment equhpment to

support our special forces `nd we will also increase the size of our

deployable Armed Forces. In 201 we committed to make the Mac a force of

40,000. By 2025 we are incrdasing that to 50,000. As part of that we

will read two new strike brdaks forces of up to 5000 personnel fully

equipped to deploy rapidly `nd sustain themselves in the fheld He

will establish two addition`l Typhoon squadrons and an additional

squadrons to operate from otr new aircraft carriers. We will laintain

our ultimate insurance policy as a nation, are continuous at the

nuclear deterrent and replace our missile submarines. We will buy nine

new maritime air patrol aircraft to be based in Scotland. They will

protect our nuclear deterrent, they will hunt down hostile subm`rines

and they will enhance our m`ritime search and rescue. We will buy at

least 13 new forgets and two new offshore vessels. Diesel include a

tight six anti-submarine forgets. We will design and build a new class of

like lexical general forgets. This'll be... It will allow us to

buy more for the Royal Navy. By the 20 30s we can further incre`se the

total number of Royal Navy frigates and destroyers. Mr Speaker, not one

of these capabilities is an optional extra. These investments ard

inactive clear self-interest to ensure our future prosperitx and

security. Second turning to counterterrorism will make `n

additional investment in our world-class intelligence agdncy to

ensure they have the resources and information they need to protect and

foiled plots from wherever they emanate in the world. Hasan Owsley

will invest 21 ?5 billion and employs over 1900 additional staff.

-- as I undressed. We will double more of our spending. We put in

place a significant new contingency plan to deal with major terrorist

attacks. Under this new operation up to 10,000 military personnel would

be available to support the police in dealing with the type of shocking

terrorist attacks we have sden in Paris. We will also make a lajor new

investment in a new generathon of surveillance drones. These British

design, unmanned aircraft whll fly at the edge of the Earth atlosphere

and allows to observe for wdeks on end, providing critical intdlligence

for Armed Forces. Mr Speaker we will do more to make sure the powers we

give our security services keep pace with modern technologies. Wd will

see to the draft bill we published to ensure we continue to have the

powers needed. Third, we will use our development budget on

outstanding diplomatic servhce to tackle global politics, prorate

interest and project influence and address the causes of the sdcurity

that we face not just the consequences. Alongside the

strategic Defense review, I'm also publishing our strategy for official

development assistance. At hts heart is a decision to refocus half of

defence budget on the supporting fragile and broken states and

regions in every year of thhs Parliament. This'll help to prevent

conflict and crucially it whll help to promote the Golden right of

conditions that drive prospdrity all across the world. The rule of law,

the governance and the growth of democracy. The fund will grow to

over ?1.3 billion a year by the end of this Parliament. It will also

create a new ?1.3 billion prosperity fund to drive forward our ahm of

putting global prosperity in the government stopping building on our

success in tackling the ball but we will do more to improve... Hmprove

our resilience and was constant prices, identify ?5 million a year

as a crisis reserve. And investing ?1.5 billion over the parli`ment and

a global challenges research fund for UK science to pioneer ndw ways

of tackling global problems like anti-microbial resistance. Will also

invest ?1 billion in a new fund for the research and of element of

products to fight affects this disease diseases. And... Swhtch ..

... They mean that Britain not only meet his obligation for the poorest

in the world, but now can focus our resources on preventing and dealing

with the instability and conflict which intends on our security at

home. Investing to create economic opportunities that lead to long term

stability across the world `nd responding rapidly and decisively to

merging prices overseas. Give as though my gives us greater hnfluence

over the world. Bridges safdty and security depends not only on our own

efforts but working hand-in,hand with our allies number to btild a

that face us all from terrorism to climate change. -- or ten's. When

confronted by danger we are stronger together so we will play our full

part in the alliances which underpin our security and Apple by otr

national power. Wilbert with our allies in Europe and around the

world as well as seizing opportunities to reach out to

merging powers. Mr Speaker history teaches us that no government can

predict the future. We have no way of knowing precisely what course of

events will take over the ndxt five years, we must expect the

unexpected, but we can make sure we have the versatility and thd means

to respond to new risk and threats to our security as they arrhve. Our

Armed Forces, police and security intelligence services are the pride

of our country. They are thd finest in the world and his governlent will

ensure they stay that way. Tsing a renewed economic strength wd will

help them to keep us safe for generations to come. I commdnd this

statement to the House. Jerdmy Corbyn. Taking Mr Speaker. H think

the Prime Minister for his statement. As I said last wdek the

first duty of a state is to protect its own citizens. At a moment this

country overwhelming focus hs on the very face from terrorism. And how we

can best ensure the defeat of Isil. Labour supports the increasdd

expenditure to strengthen otr security services, it has announced

to protect against the thre`t of terrorism. However, based whth the

current threat the public whll not understand or accept any codes to

front-line policing. Everyone will be very concerned about the warnings

as we know he has happened security officials and the that the cuts will

reduce rates significantly the ability to respond to a Parhs style

attacks. Cuts affecting neighbourhood policing would damage

the flow of vital intelligence that helps to prevent such attacks. Will

be given undertaking now, that police budgets will be suffhcient,

after review, to guarantee no reductions in police or ple`se

community support numbers and protect areas such as helicopter

cover. Will he also confirmdd that the government will meet in full to

request the Metropolitan Police commissioner and his advisers for

the further resources... For the further resources they requhre to

counterattacks such as thosd in Paris? The public rightly expect

that. We naturally focus on the immediate threat today, but it is

disappointing as inefficient analysis on the national security

strategy of the global thre`ts facing our country and people around

the world. Inequality, poverty, disease, human rights abuses,

climate change and water and food security. I have no idea whx members

opposite side of security stch a funny subject. But indeed, Lr

Speaker, the flow of arms and illicit funds that enable groups

like Isil to sustain and grow. Let me join the Prime Minister `nd paint

beats of the men and women who serve in the services. You must look after

their interest in the decishons we make and pay particular attdntion to

their welfare while serving in just as importantly when they retire Is

the Prime Minister concerned that the latest Minister of Defense

surveys showed that 25% of those serving plan to leave as soon as

they can or have already put in their notice. And the number is

satisfied with the service light has risen to 32%. Does he think it is a

coincidence that those results, the same time as the government is

tapping on forces pay and changed engine arrangements -- penshon

arrangements. The fact it h`s fallen in road turns up 14% and we saw many

soldiers, with many years operational service putting their

lives on the line being sacked days before becoming eligible for full

pensions. Is he not agree, that changes proposed by the Chancellor

to tax credits reach of the spirit of the Armed Forces covenant? Will

he now confirmed that the plan would be to cut the annual income for a

couple with two children by ?22 0 a year, will that be reversed? And as

such a family will be not bd worse off by any cuts the Chancellor is

planning. Would damage does he think will be done by the big cuts being

planned for civilian support of the armed services? The country is

united and respect for thosd who serve, but there is widesprdad

concern about how far lessons have been learned from recent military

interventions. Will confirmdd that he will update and revise this

review in the light of the forthcoming Chilcot inquiry into the

Iraq war? What is his response to the UN report this month th`t all

sides in the continuing conflict in Libya are omitting breaches of

international law, including abductions torture, and the killing

of civilians and that Isil lilitants have consolidated control over

central Libya carrying out executions, beheadings and

amputations. Last week, the right honourable member Ashton Golding,

former deputy road, bridge `nd felt to them and provide backing in the

air strikes near. We must ldarn our mistakes. -- Britain. What has he

learned from the intervention in Libya, which regrettably has been

followed by appalling chaos, persistent violence and the

strengthening of Isil? Does the Prime Minister believed there is any

prospect also in Afghanistan, maintaining its own securitx in the

new future? How does he see Britain's role in helping to ensure

this. Given the huge commitlent made over the past 14 years and the

ultimate sacrifice paid by former Justice the six members of the

British forces. Howley applx lessons learned in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan

and have the -- and elsewhere. Ensuring a further mistakes are

avoided. Version does need strong military forces to keep us safe and

-- Britain and to take a le`d in humanitarian and peacekeeping

missions. Working with and ` strengthening the United Nations. I

recognise of the increased commitment made in his statdment to

the UN. There is no contradhction between working for peace across the

world and doing what is necdssary to keep us safe at home. In fact the

very opposite. My friend, whll be leading review about how we deliver

that strong protection for the people of Britain. Our revidw will

seek to learn the lessons from Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and

looked our military capabilhties, and requirements in that light. We

owe it to the members of our Armed Forces and the country as a whole to

engage in the kind of review that is sadly lacking today. It will

consider carefully and fullx on the base of evidence for the widest

concentration and expert income whether it is right for the UK to

them it is so much of the ddfence budget to continuous at sea nuclear

patrols and if not, what other investments to our security and

military capabilities require to meet the threats that we face and

ensure skills and jobs in otr defence industries are fullx

protected. It will focus on the fight of the last government soon

replace it leaving Britain to rely on asking for explains for `irborne

maritime capabilities. Why hs the government now chosen to replace it.

Virtually no UK Defense content will be in-service. Can the Primd

Minister confirm as he was talking just now that the reduction in the

number of type 26 forgets going from 13 to eight will not impact of the

navies ability to protect the carriers. We can do Prime Mhnister

get some reassurance that the worker is, last year they were told that he

will be built and now this dight, can he confirm that it is shmply a

first... On the commitment of 1 will still stand stopping I will

question the wisdom of Brithsh arms sales with links to the funding of

terrorism and he firmly grotnded on the importance of human rights

across the world. It will rdcognise its security is about more than

defence. And look to fulfil the huge potential that this country has to

lead the way in peacekeeping among conflict resolution and peace

building. We have a highly professional and experienced at the

bowl calls. Some of the best the world as well as role class peace

and conflict academics. He does not agree that a severe cuts in the

Foreign Office budget is cldar evidence of the governments

determination to sacrifice our place in the world on the altar of

misplaced austerities. Will become it to a human rights advisor in

every embassy. I returned Mr Speaker to every figure in peoples lind

Order! I think the Leader of the Opposition is approaching hhs last

question. And it Mr Speaker. -- indeed. I am saying we have to have

the place and security servhces of fully reserves... Resourced and to

do whatever is necessary to protect. Ask the Prime Minister to

think very hard about the rdmarks that were made to him by senior

police officers in this respect and to ensure the House today that those

cuts and the policing services will not go I had. The best that can be

said about that is the longdr he went on the less he had to say.

LAUGHTER Most of his. About the importance of

have troops in the UN, the importance of shipbuilding on the

Clyde, the importance of investing in defence. The importance of having

high morale amongst our Armdd Forces. Only two months ago he said

this. Why do we have to be `ble to have planes, transport aircraft

aircraft carriers and everything else to get anywhere in the world? .

Is it the same honourable gdntleman sitting opposite is thinking of all

these uses for our Armed Forces were just a moment ago he thought there

were none the. First of all he asked about the police, let me tell them

we are think safeguarding otr investment and increasing the

capabilities that they have. There'll be a full statement

tomorrow on all of the spending decisions that we make. He light

want to have a word with his Shadow Chancellor who are recently signed

up for a proposal and at a time we have this high threat to disarm the

police stop. The Leader of the Opposition to face that we... The

Shadow Chancellor thinks thdy should not have any at all. That is

presumably what passes for defence policy. He asked a series of

questions, let me answer thdm all. He asked about the threats `nd how

we set them out. We do not publish a risk assessment and the whole point

of national security strategy is to bring together all of the threats we

face as a nation. -- we do now publish. Pandemics, climate change

and other things and bring ht together in one place I will valuate

them and respond to them. That is something that never previotsly

happened. He asked about morale in our Armed Forces. There are no

proposals here to reduce thd proposals we have to pay and

increments in our Armed Forces. Let me tell you one of the best angst

morale in our armed services is that those servicing in our Navy, or

planning to join can now sed it is going to be a bigger Navy whth

warships. The conceit is gohng to be a bigger Air Force.

They will see they will be better equipped than ever before. He asked

a number of questions, why we do not have human rights advisors `nd our

embassies. That is a role of an ambassador to advise and hulan

rights. He asked about learning lessons from previous conflhcts We

are determined to do that and that is part of the inquiry into the Iraq

war should be all about. We have not waited for that to learn thd lessons

which is why it is so portably bring together as I will expand on

Thursday, military strategy with the diplomatic strategy and polhtical

strategies. And indeed development strategies. All these same should go

He asked what lessons were learned from the Libyan conflict. Clearly we

need to make sure that in these situations that there are

governments and states that can continue. I do not apologisd for one

minute for stepping in with France and preventing Gaddafi from

murdering his own people in his own country. He asked about the maritime

patrol aircraft. I think it is right that we ordered these new m`ritime

patrol aircraft, not only is it to protect the deterrent, but `lso it

is to make sure that we havd greater safety, greater security and greater

search and rescue functions. He asked about the frigates. Does a

real opportunity for Britain here because we are ordering at least

eight of the type 26 frigatds to the full capabilities. We're also going

to look at a new frigates to be a multipurpose one. Not only what we

can create for ourselves, btt one we will be able to sell more overseas

as well. This opens the possibility of seeing the number of caphtal

ships and our Navy going up, rather than down. He asked about ship

workers on the Clyde. We have seen a great boost enable shipbuilding

because of the carriers to. We want to keep that going and that is why I

go to maritime patrol vessels being told for the frigates are btilt

Finally he told us a bit about his review. We look forward to this

review, the carried out as ht is by Ken who has absolutely no idea about

the fans. But every idea about attacking hard-working from ventures

to try to do the job for thd party opposite -- Ken. Finally, I do not

think on a day when we are discussing a better equipped army,

bigger Navy, bigger Air Force that we ought to end with a quotd from

the upright honourable gentleman who said this. Would it be wonddrful if

every politician around the world instead of taking pride in the size

of the Armed Forces did what others have done and abolished the Army and

took pride in the fact that they do not have an army was not I noticed a

pressing for people sitting opposite. That is the view of the

Leader of the Opposition. Mhsses bigger the 2010 defence revhew took

some very difficult decisions. So that our Armed Forces would be able

to grow in the second half of the decade. Cannot unequivocallx

welcomed the purchase of thd new maritime patrol aircraft -- can I

unequivocally. That was a g`p we have to take because of Labour is

catastrophic management of the programme. Can I also welcole the

purchase of more air 35 width can ask him what impact the dechsion to

Amanda to carriers will havd on legal personnel numbers. -- two

man. They may say to him because what is operable carriers and

because of the great amount of equipment coming through and our

world may be this defence rdview sees an increase in personndl in the

Royal Navy of formative people. He is absolutely right about the

maritime patrol aircraft. Wd did have to take difficult decisions in

2010 to get rid of a black hole and the defence budget. And the project

was over time and over budgdt. It was not clear who will be able to

get it back on track. We have had a gap in this capability, but this

announcement today shows how we will fill it.

The Prime minister's commitlent to a contingency plan which allows 1 ,000

members of our armed Forces in case of terrorism. For the prime minister

tell us how long it will take to train those military forces and will

that also mean that he will revise his plans to update police numbers?

The thinking here is that jtst as in France, it was necessary to surge

the number of uniformed personnel on the streets to sometimes provide a

security cordon or keep people safe. We should get rid of the divide that

has been for many years abott the deployment of military personnel on

the streets in Britain, so she asked when these people betraying? The

first 5000 are already fulfhlling that function, should it be

necessary, and we will get to that figure of 10,000 as I announced In

terms of the role they will play, this is not about supplanting or

taking over from the police, it has been at the proposal to makd

disposal the police to provhde a security court on or partictlar

safety, as I say in the past we have an artificial divide between these

two functions and it think ht is time to get rid of it. The defence

select committee will be assessing the SDSR against a check list of

threats and vulnerabilities published in our report at the

weekend. But I ensure that lost members will find some relidf in the

plugging of gaps such as naval aviation and maritime patrol

aircraft, and especially thd emphasis on flexible and versatile

Armed Forces and our inabilhty to predict crisis before they `re upon

us. Can the Prime Minister say a little bit about some reports in the

press concerning the pay of Armed Forces, and can he also givd us an

indication of when the main gate contracts for the successor to the

Trident summary ends will bd brought before the House for debate and

decision? First of all I am sure it the committee will have a check list

and want to scrutinize this document thoroughly, and I look forw`rd to

their conclusions. What I c`n tell him about hey is that we ard keeping

the annual pay and upgrade hn the increments that our Armed Forces

have, there's a package out for new joiners which I'm sure the defence

will want to look at carefully. The other points he mentioned wdre the

maritime patrol aircraft, which he welcomed, and the main gate

decision, will be moving ahdad with the submarines and obviouslx at the

appropriate moments we will have a vote in this house. May I bdgin by

thanking the Prime Minister for the statement and you Mr Speaker for

allowing the effective opposition to have four minutes to respond. Can we

begin by reiterating our support for measures in the SDSR, which follow

recent terrorist incidents, including support for the

intelligence agencies and other counterterrorism capabilitids

including special forces and cyber security. The Prime Minister has

announced eight 2025 target for deployable strike brigade, which is

welcomed in support of the TN sanctions operations stated Mike.

Every five years as a worthx -- provides context and allows the

policy decisions. Is worth noting that in the 2010 SDSR, therd was no

mention of high north or thd Arctic. Not a single mention when

considering the risks and opportunities for necessary

response, not a single menthon about our immediate northern backxard

Five years ago, the Prime Mhnister made the disastrous decision to

scrap the entire fleet of Nhmrod patrol aircraft, throwing away 4

billion of taxpayer investmdnt. This has meant that uniquely amongst

Armed Forces and neighbours, the UK has had no... And has had to muddle

through. The NBA amongst other things has had to rely on fhshing

vessels to report on passing forces. Date confirmed that social ledia was

a helpful source of... As is currently the case, the UK hs

relying on French and Canadhan and American MBA assets to patrol and

stream around UK waters. Not only has there been a deficit of MPA but

the Minister of defence has not been taking this seriously at all. With

the Atlantic to our west, the Iceland got to our north, the North

Sea to our east, who thought it would be a basic requirement,

however the UK has never evdr provided a single fast jet for Nato

northern air patrol in Icel`nd. In recent years, the Royal Navx has not

provided any assets, not a single vessel for Nato northern maritime

patrol routes, these are facts. Today we learned that there is some

good news, we can rectify this capability of gap, is welcole that

there'll be maritime patrol aircraft and will the Prime Minister say more

about the in-service date? The UK does not station a single oceangoing

patrol vessel anywhere except the South of England. We have bden told

over number of years that in Scotland we should be delighted that

there will be 13 type 26 frhgates built. In fact, voters in Scotland

were promised 13 T206 vessels just as long as people voted no hn the

independence referendum. It was a clear promise. In just over one year

since the referendum, and no voters shipyard workers are being betrayed

with a 40% cut in T206 vessdls. Under this Prime Minister, we have

seen a... There have been a disproportionate cut to units and

manpower, ministers promised a super base and the doubling of Arly

numbers in Scotland with returns from Germany. Instead, that was

dropped. Army headquarters hn Scotland is downgraded, and service

personnel are down consider`bly Personal numbers are at a rdcord low

in Scotland. On and extended life span for fast jets, message to the

Prime Minister that this is welcomed, but can I raise s`fety

issues about traffic collishon avoidance systems which havd not

been installed. With the Prhme Minister confirm that the fhrst

recommended in 1990, and is still not installed an old tornado and

Typhoon aircraft. Moving on from issues of necessary and sensible

convention defence spending, to the elephant in the room, which is

Trident replacement. The we`pon system of mass distraction which can

never be used. As we learn, it's replacement is ballooning and is

going to be squeezing out ddfence alternatives. How expensive does

Trident need to be for this government to realise that ht is a

super expensive vanity projdct which does not deter. It has not

deterred, and conclusion ag`inst terrorism or cyber attack or

conventional attacks on the UK and its allies and friends. Even at this

late stage, may I appeal to the government and to the Labour Party

to realise that it is a feudal state to renew Trident. May I bring it

like her them both that in Scotland, the overwhelming majority of our

parliamentarians and civic organisations or mar nation`l

churches and faith groups to the Scottish Trade Union Congress are

all opposed. What kind of f`mily of nations with a respected Mr Speaker

impose something on one of hts members against its will? When

listening to the honourable gentleman, you would not thhnk that

Scotland was getting more txphoons, more maritime patrol aircraft, more

ships, the truth is that thd United Kingdom punches above its wdight in

the world and Scotland punches above its weight because it is in the

United Kingdom has such a proud partner in our defence. Let me

answer this question very clearly about the maritime patrol ahrcraft.

The fact is then 2010, we h`d to take difficult decisions, this was

an aircraft that was not properly in-service, we acted on advhce

because the costs were not clear and the capability was not clear. In any

event, it was as he would ptt it guarding a deterrent that hd does

not want in the first way. He should welcome it's replacement, hd should

welcome the fact that it is going to be based in a city. In terms of the

service state, at least thrde of the aircraft will be in place bx the end

of the Parliament, he asked that the role we play in defending in

northern Europe and we are looking very carefully at some of the

petroleum emissions, but we already have tight .uk Typhoon patrolling

emissions, which are regardhng his country. May I answer the qtestion

about naval issues in Trident. In terms of the shipbuilding programme,

will be publishing a paper hn 2 16 about our shipbuilding strategy but

the fact is Scotland now has the opportunity to build more than 3

frigates because of the changes that we are making, so there will be

eight of the type 20 sixes `nd at least another five of the ndw type

of frigate, probably more and they can be built in Scotland if the

conditions are right. The only way these ships would not be buhlt in

Scotland, that is if Scotland was independent and did not havd the

massive resources of the Roxal Navy. That is what he should be s`ying to

shift workers in Scotland, ht is the United Kingdom in our defence budget

that helps keep their jobs safe On Trident, it is clearly not squeezing

out other defence requirements of this document so clearly shows

today. Up here Mr Speaker it is the rub. The SMP described themselves as

the effective opposition, yds they are wholly opposed to Trident and

therefore wholly unsuited to govern. Thank you Mr Speaker. I welcome my

right honourable friend's statement and in particular his investment in

counterterrorism and reiter`tion of the money that will go to the

intelligence and security agencies. In that context, can he help the

House a little in identifying how the government is going to carry out

the necessary auditing procdss on both the massive expansions, but

also for the other expensed in an expenditure to ensure we have value

for money? I thank my honourable friend makes a good point. ,- to

make sure that all these colmitments are properly delivered in the way

that they should be. Along with the other organisations in the

government to do this to make sure there is good value for mondy.

Cannot also welcomed the resources for counterterrorism, we have the

best counterterrorism officds in the world and this is the right time to

increase the budget. Last wdek, the global terrorism index showdd that

last year, 32,600 people were killed in terrorist attacks in 67

countries. In this statement today, the Prime Minister is marryhng what

happened in this country and integrating it with our str`tegy

abroad. If we take one country for example, to needs you as yot

mention,... Bearing in mind what happens on issues of Tunisi` in the

on the streets of London? I thank the honourable gentleman makes a

important point. Whether it is Yemen, Nigeria or Somalia, take

heart in the strategy because we want to help, we recognise that

their security and our security are linked. We want to help with things

like aviation security wherd we are extending massively our budget. We

also want to help in building the capability of armed services,

policing, and counterterrorhsm capabilities. That is a verx

important role in the coming years for our army, in terms of forming

trading battalions, it is also very important part of our intelligence

services capabilities and the trust that they have an partner agencies

in keeping us safe. I welcole the statement and any particular

commitment to naval platforls and manned and unmanned Air France. Can

my right honourable friend say the extent to which the costings for the

F 35 have affected the likelihood that UAVs will end up with the

relevant technologies by thd end of service aide? He is an expert on

this, what we have on particularly with our partnership with the French

is a plan for the next generation of fighter aircraft be unmanned combat

systems. The research is thdre, the work is being done with the French

and Americans, choices about that will have to be made in the future.

I think it is too early to stomach to say whether the next gendration

of aircraft will be manned or unmanned, I think it is right that

we have the 35 with the Americans and should do some serious thinking

about whether to move to fully unmanned platforms in the ftture.

Personally, as an amateur r`ther than a professional, I would have my

doubts. The Prime Minister has said that he will come back to the House

on Thursday to respond to the select committee. Could he also ensured

that there is a full day's debate in Government time on this isste well

before the government puts down any motion on military intervention so

we can have a full debate not on the day of it, but well in advance so

that the House can get this proper consideration? I will consider with

the honourable Lady says, btt what we have is a statement on Thursday,

when I will be publishing the foreign affairs select commhttee,

and the pending on the reaction of the House in the sense that right

honourable members have abott whether we should move ahead with

this, my intention would be to have a full day's debate and subsequent

to that in the coming days `nd weeks. I think there's also debate

as I've said, on Monday for Ben time for people who want to make further

points about this issue, put it like this. I do not think we are going to

be understood in or under considered before we take this step. That

statement last week, statemdnt today which has links to Syria, statement

on Thursday, and a debate in the government time with plenty of time

for people to air their views and I would hope have a vote. As well as

the robust critics of the government in the last five years, the cuts

they have had to make friends to my economic reasons. I would lhke to

welcome the Prime minister's and this afternoon, but also on the

quite number of details on the MPA is. In a fast-changing world, was

out of date, this one as well will change rapidly. Will be comlit that

both the SDSR and its base should not be set in stone and unchangeable

but be reviewed regularly? Can I thank my honourable friend for his

warm support for this appro`ch? We had to make difficult decishons in

the last Parliament, think ht was right to freeze our cash terms at

around ?35 billion but now we can see an increase. That is a choice we

are making, we have to make this choice, it is an active chohce we're

making in order to deliver greater security. Is right that these

documents are not set in stone, they are living and breathing documents.

I think it is sensible everx five years to hold a defence revhew, but

then again on implementing, I think of we and Leslie re-examine and

Ricoh gate, we will find th`t lots of people doing analysis and not

actually delivering the str`tegy which is what this about, is about.

The first duty of the Prime Minister of the day and the leader of her

Majesty's Royal opposition should be to ensure the protection and defence

of the people of this country here and abroad. Can I ask on behalf of

our benches warmly welcomed at the Prime Minister at least is living up

to that requirement in the House today. In that context, can I

welcome his decision to comlit to 2% funding on defence and in tdrms of

extra money on resources thhngs built on security services.

Specifically in relation to maritime surveillance, can I welcome the nine

new aircraft being deployed there, the gap that existed for too long,

but can I ask him finally in specifically to get a commitment

that the two new carriers whll both be deployed as stray carriers going

for? Both carriers will be brought into service, both will be created

and that is the reason why we are looking for an increase in personnel

of 400. I think they will bd a very big addition to British powdr, the

largest ships the Royal Navx has had under its command. Will the

government strengthened controls that at our borders with thd new

intelligence, which I must welcome, that he is going to get. Thdre's a

clear danger at the moment that military action in the Middle East

could displace terrorists who might shift tactics and want to sdek

either legal or illegal entry into our country? My friend is rhght

that having border controls only helps if you are also sharing

intelligence with others about the people trying to cross thosd

borders. There are weaknessds in the European system which we nedd to

strengthen. I was discussing that with President this morning. We have

borders where we are able to stop and detain people and not ldt them

in our country, even if thex are European Union citizens if we think

they are a threat to nation`l security. That is now for Britain.

Some of the countries in Europe are introducing policies like that on a

temporary basis, others likd that on a permanent basis. Does the Prime

Minister accept that the continued existence of so-called forcds are

one of the important drivers of radicalising people here and

elsewhere in Europe and the wider world. Will he accept that before

the public can be convinced into taking further action, parthcularly

in Syria, a clearer case nedds to be posed about what the scale of it

would be? I think the honourable gentleman is right. The fact is that

Isil is a so-called state. Committing these appalling `cts

both locally in Syria and around the Grove. It is one of the most

important hinges that we face. - Globe. He is also right that we will

not degrade and destroy Isil as we need to do for our national security

student lead through the exdrcise of military force. We need to combine

that with the proper diplom`tic and political activities of backing a

proper government in Iraq, `nd backing over time a transithonal

government in Syria. Both of those things need to happen. The point I

will be making on Thursday `s I do not think we can wait for the

political process to be completed in Syria before we start taking some of

the action to degrade and ddstroy this organisation which opposes such

a threat to us today. May I welcome the prime minister's statemdnt, and

the defence sector both private and public-sector Going back to Africa,

as the prime minister seeks to reform the European Union and given

that some of the causes of terrorism to me like a prosperity and

unemployment, especially in Africa, what more can the European Tnion

do, with East African communities to ensure that we have a Pan African

continental free-trade area in order to reduce migration, increase

posterity, and increase sectrity? I think my honourable friend hs right

to focus on this issue. The fact is we need to see more developlent and

growth and jobs, employment, in Africa and that can have a real

influence on that. Not only through aid programmes which have a

difference, but also to makd sure their trade arrangements don't

arrangements not only betwedn African countries in Europe but also

between African countries themselves. We have done a lot of

work to promote African trade, because creating those sorts of

markets will make a huge difference to lives of the people on continent.

Can I welcome the Prime minhster's spending commitments on defdnce and

overseas development. I would ask him to ensure that his statdment on

Thursday, he sets out that how both are used in order to take ilmediate

action against Isil and plan for the long-term reconstruction Syria so

desperately needs? Let me p`y tribute to the honourable l`dy who

is arguing for increases in defence spending earlier on this ye`r. She

was absolutely right about that She is also right that we need to

combine our overseas aid logic with our defence budget because ,- it is

equally important that we are building security in systems where

people can see their countrhes are working for them. We will not solve

the problem in Syria through missiles and bombs alone. And has to

be solved by helping the Syria people have a government and country

in which they can put their trust. RAF conning speed is in my

constituency up from where both typhoons and the Battle of Britain

Memorial Flight fly. As we have remembered this year, the 74th

anniversary of the Battle of Britain, can my otter on --

honourable friends confirm that the investment in fast jets and

increased numbers of Typhoon squads will ensure that we retain

world-class capabilities? I can certainly give my honourabld friend

that assurance. I think the Typhoon is proving itself, not just in

Britain but also around the world as an absolute world lead up the Mac

leader in terms of its capabilities. She will be older read about this

more in detail, but we plan to further upgrade the Typhoon

aircraft, the weapons systels that it needs. -- it also grants it air

as well, with the news about Escher typhoons, I think there is `

parliament can look forward to a very strong defence in the xears

ahead. They give very much Lr Speaker, as we know the UK's bombing

Isil in Iraq and Syria. We have asked question, does the government

wants a bum Isil left in Ir`q? I think the point I would makd to the

honourable gentleman is that the border between Iraq and Syrha does

not recognise why Isil. It hs literally a line in the sand and it

makes no sense if we want to degrade and destroy Isil to restrict our

activities as some of the most professional and dedicated pilots

and some of the most efficidnt equipment anywhere in the world to

restrict that to Iraq. Thank you so much Mr Speaker.

Can do is be delivered with an the constraint of 82,000 regular army

personnel and why is it going to take ten years to deliver them? Can

my honourable friend expedite the creation of those frigates? In

defence of the 2010 review which he was involved in, yes we did have to

take difficult decisions, btt I would argue that the moves that we

have made reducing the numbdr of battle tanks and focusing on

flexible Armed Forces and those things, actually were the rhght

judgement. Those were the things we needed more of an now we ard able to

supply even more of them. What we are doing in terms of the strike

brigades is that as he knows we currently have the capability to

deploy a brigade anywhere in the world and sustain it and definitely.

What we are seeing with the new armoured vehicles such as the Ajax

vehicles is that we will have them with the new way that we ard going

to rotate our armed forces personnel, we will have the ability

to instead of the way one brigade, we can deploy to with greatdr

mobility. The time this will take will depend on how sent the new

equipment comes on board, mx commitment is that the strike

brigades are as ready as thdy as soon as they can be. The Prhme

minister's statement on Isil in Syria on Thursday, can I urge him to

listen carefully to those on the side of the House that have an open

mind on this question, who want reassurances on specific thhngs

specifically the issue of humanitarian protection and making

sure that we prevent further displacement and suffering, but also

a specific commitment to long-term reconstruction and stabilis`tion