Live Defence Questions House of Commons

Secretary and his team of ministers. Order, order. Questions to the

Secretary of State for Defence. I hope you will allow me to add my

tributes to Jo Cox and her work. She pressed very hard consumers never be

forgotten. I will answer this question together with question 11.

Our Strategic Defence Review set ambitious plans to strengthen our

work with allies and partners to promote our security and

perspective. We will continue to lead in Nato, G-7, the United

Nations, and to maintain good relationships with the United States

and our other friends and allies around the world. My constituency,

my country, and people of my generation voted against Brexit, but

we are going to be dragged out of the European Union against our well.

in Afghanistan, Ukraine, across in Afghanistan, Ukraine, across

Africa and the vital role in the Mediterranean. What reassurance does

the Secretary of State have for Scotland and for young people that

this vital work will not be undermined by Google last Thursday?

-- by the vote last Thursday. The bedrock of defence rests on Nato and

the United Kingdom is committed to strengthening cooperation within

Nato and collective defence across the alliance. We will be adding

further reassurance to that at the Nato summit in Warsaw the week after

next. What a shambles. The Defence Secretary, that is not good enough.

You do not have a plan for Brexit. He confused position of his

Government, there is no plan on the table. Will we be like Norway? Can I

suggest that we look it that when it comes to defence and we opt in to EU

defence schemes. Norway remains a very valued member of the Nato

alliance and we will be intensifying our cooperation with countries like

that. It is true that membership of the European Union complemented our

membership of Nato and we are engaged in an operation in the

central Mediterranean, continuing to save lives there and to disrupt the

business model of the migrant smugglers from Libya to Africa. The

Royal Navy will continue that Haskell. -- continued that asked.

Our relationship with members of the EU will remain as strong as

yesterday even when we are not members. Is not all members of the

European Union are not members of Nato, the fact that we are back

corner stone of Nato stands for a corner stone of Nato stands for a

strong defence. To be a member of both is some duplication. We

continue to argue against duplication between the European

Union and Nato. My friend is right, we have important relationships with

other European countries. We have a treaty with France and growing

cooperation with Germany. I reassure the French and the German defence

work at those relationships and to work at those relationships and to

strengthen them. Thank you, Mr Speaker. In light of the result last

week, will the Secretary of State reassure me that the United Kingdom

remains is committed to article five of the north Atlantic to the in both

the conventional and nuclear sense for allies in the eastern part of

Europe? Absolutely. That is a central commitment of Nato. We have

committed to the 2% Nato defence spending targets and we will be

offering further reassurance, particularly to members of the

eastern flank of Nato, when it comes to the Walsall Summit on Friday.

Given the bombing by President Bhutto over the weekends and the

role that written plagues in sanctions against him, how concerned

is he about the impact on the referendum result on European

solidarity standing up to Putin. solidarity standing up to Putin.

President Putin. Russia has intervened in the Syrian Civil War

and it is important it is held to account. We took the lead in not

only proposing but insuring that the sanctions imposed on Russia for

their actions are continued. They are continued for the moment but

once we are outside the European Union are in over that will be

diminished. Does my right honourable friend agree that the upcoming

negotiation on leaving the EU presents a huge opportunity to

redouble our efforts at cooperation with our EU friends and allies?

What plans does my right honourable friend have to protect cross-border

investments? We will continue the cooperation and I have already set

the growing cooperation that we had the growing cooperation that we had

with Germany and indeed with other European countries. Our recent

Strategic Defence Review is international by design and

prioritises working more closely with allies. As far as European

companies that are invested here, they see a rise in defence budget

here and we hope they will continue to invest here is to compete for the

various tenders we are making available. Our military alliances

lie on diplomatic ties with our European neighbours. What steps is

the Secretary of State taking to ensure our Brexit negotiations do

not sour these relationships and weekend are alliances? I have spoken

to all my fellow defence ministers in these key relationships and we

will have to work hard to ensure that those bilateral relationships

are kept in good repair. We have strong defence relationships and

defence sections in embassies across Europe and we will have to look it

these individually to make sure that in the Brexit negotiations that that

kind of operation, the joint training and exercises and

cooperation on capabilities, that none of that is put at risk. What

representations has my right honourable friend received from our

allies and defence partners about meaning Trident, which the new

Shadow Defence Secretary described as being a monumental mistake that

our country and planet cannot afford? Is my honourable friend

knows, we are committed in our manifesto to replacing the four

Trident submarines and I hope that Parliament will be able to endorse

the principle of that replacement shortly. Our allies can rest assured

that our commitment to Nato and our commitment as he nuclear power to

Nato is not altered by the result of the referendum. The Secretary of

State will be a way that is the pound plummets against the dollar,

the cost of procuring items will soar. There will be consequences for

the procurement, including the already delayed type 26 programme.

The Government said there would be a cut to the defence budget in terms

of Brexit. When and where will that axe fall and what will be tell our

allies that the worst of summit, every one of whom was convinced we

should remain within the European Union. -- Warsaw Summit. All the

defence ministers around the world wanted us to stay within the

European Union, but the British people made their decision. As far

as the equipment programme is concerned, we're negotiating for

maritime patrol aircraft and for the first leg 35s to fly of the

carriers. I hope that that will be concluded soon. Scotland faces the

prospect of being taken out of the European Union against its will. Can

I remind the Secretary of State of the first page of the 2015 document

where it said economic security goes hand-in-hand with economic security.

The European Union was an integral part and it is strategically

valuable for implementing our defences security obligations. Given

that Brexit won the referendum and the economy is in freefall, what

plans does he have to review that 2015 plan? I am disappointed he

should be talking down the British economy. So many jobs in Scotland

depend on it. I would caution his depend on it. I would caution

party against talking down an party against talking down an

economy that all our constituents depend. Our national security is, of

course, the security of the United Kingdom, including that of Scotland.

In defence questions before I take my new post, can I start... At what

will be my last defence questions before I take up minute post, can I

start by thanking the Secretary of State and his office for all the

cooperation he has given in the six months I have been in this role?

Whether it has been in arranging trips to Army bases are providing

briefings in the fight against serve-mac two, he has been a

generous opponent to stop -- Two. The thought of anyone in this house

should be on how we can reassure the British people that we can keep the

country safe and secure in the wake of Brexit. It is something we need

to put together on and work together on. Not just within our own parties,

but across the house as a whole. Can the Secretary of State please

reassure us that leaving the EU will not put an end to participation in

joint security missions with our European partners? He has mentioned

the mission in the Mediterranean, but can I also ask him particularly

about the highly successful counter piracy mission in the Horn of

Africa? I'm grateful to the Honourable Lady for her generous

remarks and congratulate her on her move. And we will welcome the new

Shadow Defence Secretary. I think he is a wall on his first parade, but

we will welcome him and paid tribute to his service in uniform. He will

be the fourth Shadow Defence Secretary I have seen in under two

years, but I hope he lasts. Let me say to the Honourable Lady, yes, it

is very important that we reassure our allies in Europe and around the

world that Britain is not turning its back on them, on the contrary,

we are still playing a leading role in the world, and that includes work

in some of the vital operations in the Mediterranean and the Horn of

Africa, some of which are led by Nato, others of which are led by the

European Union. I thank the Secretary of State for his answer

and is generous words, and I shall pass on his comments to the new

Shadow Secretary of State for defence when he takes up his post

this afternoon. They are typical of the way he and his office have

worked. One particular concern that many people have is around the

implications of Brexit for our border controls. What will happen to

our border control of Calais? What will happen to the Common travel

area with Ireland? And will be cooperation we currently receive

from our European counterparts in respect to tackling illegal

immigration be maintained? Can the Secretary of State tell us how we

will go but resolving these issues? Will be Armed Forces play a role in

that, and in what way can we keep our borders safe and secure? I

counted six questions to which I know the honourable gentleman will

make a pithy response because we must make progress to other

Honorourable Members who also have questions on the order paper,

something it would have been good to remember earlier. Noting that the

honourable lady has spawned her defence review because - it is

important to live party sticks together and as United". -- it is

important the Labour Party sticks together. Britain will play its part

in assisting the border force and other organisations like Nato in

dealing with people smuggling and illegal migration, which she asks.

Mr Speaker, this Government is committed to sustaining ship

building skills on the Clyde. As we confirmed in the strategic defence

and security review last September, we will build two additional

offshore patrol vessels before build work starts on the Type 26. This

will help sustain shipbuilding skills between completion of major

blocks of the Queen Elizabeth class carriers, and commencement of Type

26 build. That remains the case, this plan has not changed, and over

the next decade we will spend around ?1 billion on Royal Navy warships.

-- ?8 billion. As my honourable colleague pointed out, the pound is

in freefall, and every fall against the dollar makes purchasing either

aircraft or the F-35 more expensive. Workers in the Clyde shipyards had

seen orders cut by 80 present already, and the current crisis

makes their situation worse. Can the Minister reassure me and those on

the shop floor in Govan that the Type 26 programme will begin as soon

as possible and not in 2019 as some have suggested? We have already

invested 1.6 billion in Type 26, including ?427 million this March. I

have to say to the Honourable Lady as gently as I can that this

commitment could not have been made of her friends had had their way and

had become independent when shipbuilding would have ceased to

months ago. The Minister will remember that radius shipbuilding

projects, in particular the carriers and the type 45 destroyers, ended up

being much more expensive because of delays. Does he accept that BAE

Systems is ready to start cutting steel on the Type 26 programme

relatively soon, and that delays will cause our total number of

warships to dip, and the ones we eventually get will be more

expensive? I would say to my honourable friend, who is

knowledgeable about these matters, this will be one of the largest

defence programmes that this Government will enter, and he will

agree with me that it is absolutely right to enter into a contract once

we are confident of the delivery schedule and the ability of the

contractors meet that schedule on a cost-effective basis. Once we're in

that position will be ready to contract. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The

Clyde was promised a world-class frigate factory, one to build 30 new

frigates for the UK. However, today, Mr Speaker, we hear what has been

delayed by a year. There are thousands of members of staff on

secondment around the country because there isn't enough work in

the shipyards, and the word betrayal rings around those shipyards and is

now factory has appeared, no work has started. We have asked in the

past four plans for the frigate building programme and for promises

that all work will be carried out on the Clyde. Questions have gone

unanswered. I ask... So I asked the Secretary of State when precisely he

will present a committed plan to build the new frigates we need, with

cast-iron timescales to bring some security to the workforce in Glasgow

and around the country. Brief response from the Minister, and we

will move on. As I have already indicated today, this Government has

already contracted significant sums into this programme. Once we're in a

position to sign a contract, that is when we say what the duration of the

build programme will be, and we are not there yet. Question number

three, Mr Speaker. With permission, I will answer this question with

another. Meeting takes place on the 20th of July, the campaign against

Daesh is making progress, with Coalition support and Iraqi forces

now hold Ramadi, the engaged in clearing Daesh from Falluja, and

undertaking preparations for retaking muzzle. The Syrian

Democratic forces are currently undertaking... Can my honourable

friend and from that Britain is playing the second biggest part in

the Coalition after the United States of America, and that our

involvement is making a real difference to the fight against

Daesh? Yes, the United Kingdom is playing a significant role in the

Coalition, I am pleased to confirm that. The RAF has undertaken more

strikes in Iraq and since December in Syria than any other Coalition

nation apart from the United States. We now have over 1100 service

personnel supporting operations in the region, and that is making a

real difference to the amount of the campaign. What assistance is the

Government providing to Jordanian authorities in light of the recent

deterioration in security there, and especially in light of the recent

suicide attack killing six soldiers outside the refugee camp? We have a

very strong defence relationship with Jordan that includes work on

training forces together, and we will obviously continue to keep that

under review, not least because of the pressure on the Jordanian and

Syrian border. Last week it was reported that US fighter jets were

scrambled to intercept Russian bombers attacking American backed

rebels in Syria. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to the

conflict competing Allied air forces in the campaign against Daesh? There

is a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Russia

about the conduct of their operations. We do not cooperate with

Russia, but there is a mechanism which we can avoid this kind of

conflict. But these is the way to avoid it would be for Russia to stop

assisting the regime and to stop bombing innocent civilians.

Opposition activists and Kurdish officials have said that hundreds of

cards half leading -- hundreds of Kurds are fleeing their homes. If

This Place is captured Adobe the biggest strategic defeat for Daesh

in Syria. Can the Secretary of State comment on this situation,

particularly that that I have described for Kurdish civilians who

are being abducted in the hundreds? They are, that is why we need to

bring this terrible conflict in Syria to an end. Progress is being

made by the Syrian Democratic forces in closing of what is called the

pocket, and breaking the supply line up to the Turkish border, which

restricts the ability of Daesh to trade oil illegally across the

border or to recruit foreign fighters the other way. Progress is

being made there, and I hope that one day when it is recaptured, those

same forces can then move on to other areas. What discussion is

having with our allies to cut off funding to Daesh? International

efforts are underway to restrict the ability of Daesh to raise money from

selling oil or artefacts or anything else on the... Or to access other

funding on international markets. That is work that requires

cooperation right across the Coalition, and it is working which

the native kingdom is playing a leading part. While we have been

otherwise preoccupied, the atrocities that have been carried

out by Daesh over the last few weeks remain deeply worrying. Will the

Secretary of State of an undertaking that he will cooperate through Nato,

bilaterally with other European allies, and take such strategic

action unilaterally to make sure that everything is done to try to

stop this up falling, these appalling atrocities? Yes, we are

facing a most barbarous enemy that is not simply torturing and killing

innocent civilians in Syria and Iraq but still poses a very direct threat

to us here in Western Europe on the first anniversary, Mr Speaker, of

the slaughter of 30 other subjects in Sousse a year ago. Whether it is

through the international Coalition, through the use of Nato assets,

through other bilateral frameworks, let me reassure the gentleman mac

that we are absolutely committed to the fight and eventual defeat and

degradation of Daesh. The 20 13th Trident alternatives review

considered alternative systems and postures for the United Kingdom's

nuclear deterrent. And it concluded that no alternative is as capable or

offers the same degree of resilience as continuous at sea deterrence. I

thank my honourable friend for that answer. Some have expressed concern

that with advancing technology are submarines can now be detected and

discovered by underwater drones. Can my honourable friend assure me that

this is not in fact the case? Yes. We are confident that our submarine

fleet is remains safe and secure. We devote considerable resources to

assessing capabilities and new technologies that could threaten the

operation of a deterrent, including intentional threats, development of

cyber and unmanned underwater vehicles. I'm happy to reassure my

Honourable Friend on precisely that point. Whoever standard our dispatch

box or his, there is a cast-iron majority to do the right thing by

trident's successor, and to reach out roads to defend our nation

rather than turn inwards. Will devote still happen before summer

recess? I am grateful to the Honourable

Gentleman. There is clearly a majority. There is a majority in

this House and I believe it is right that this House should vote on the

principle of the renewal of the deterrent and I hope he will not

26 frigates are behind schedule. The 26 frigates are behind schedule. The

Navy is said to have ran out of money. Given the state of the

economy as of last Friday, can he give us assurance that they can run

out of money for Trident as well? These get drilled for the type 26

has not been set. The ships will cost between half a billion and ?1

billion each. I am not going to sign a contract for the ships until I'm

satisfied that they represent good value for the Royal Navy and for the

taxpayer. In January the department published an Armed Forces families

strategy, embracing seven key themes. Employment, accommodation,

children, Trinity support, specialist support, health and

well-being, and transition. We have reviewed our casualty and

compassionate processes and we are compassionate processes and we are

introducing a pilot of a new welfare scheme for reservists. We continue

to work to ensure that our Armed Forces and their families are

treated fairly. Economic and military security is laid out and

have been weakened by the recent events and this could not have

happened at a worse time for the Armed Forces. I am sorry, we do not

have time for two examples. I need a simple question with it? At the end.

It causes considerable concern. Does he agree that the continuing welfare

of our personnel should be a priority? The ants is yes. -- the

answer is yes. The majority of companies and those who have signed

up to the Armed Forces covenant kills that the country as a whole

feels that should be a yes. I have been working with the veteran

support group to assure that those leaving the Armed Forces received

the support that they need. Will the Minister explain what his Government

is doing to extend support offered through projects that the of serving

of prevention rather than cure? I am of prevention rather than cure? I am

grateful for the work that the honourable lady mentions where a

range of charities are working with the Armed Forces. We give

considerable priority to this and to ensuring that people's transition,

which is one of the seven aspects of the strategy I mentioned, is

successful and the stories that one hears from companies that sign of

covenant successfully taking on-board people for new careers

are doing the local authorities and are doing the local authorities and

housing are bearing fruit. With promotion I would like to add some

questions six and seven to gather. The Government is blubbering

stronger defence. The defence budget will rise by 0.5% every year and

they will access money from the joint security fund. This is the

first time in six years that the defence budget will increase in real

times. Given the vote last week, does the Minister agree that Britain

should continue to remain a key player on the international stage

and will Britain continue to use its influence to encourage Nato to have

2% spending of their GDP? Nato is the cornerstone of our defence and

we are leading players in full and six fellow members in beating the

spending commitments. Since 2014, allies have made progress. Five of

them now spent 2% and it spent 20% of their defence budgets on

equipment. 16 have increased their spending. Obviously with the

increasing budget comes increasing responsibility for ensuring value of

money for tax hears. Has my honourable friend learn the lessons

of failed procurement under Labour. One of the programmes that

experience delays and cost overruns. The decision 2010 to cancel it was

difficult, but the purchase of nine aircraft will give us the capability

that we need in the time frame that we want and I best value for the

taxpayer. Are you making sure we have adequate defence and that we

get value for money? The Public Accounts Committee were very

disturbed recently when we looked disturbed recently when we looked

into the nature of the housing management for our service families

which seems to be war. Can the Minister tell me how he is going to

make sure we get value for money and a better service to our service

families? I am pleased to be able to confirm that the Public Accounts

Committee is also finding that in the area of defence equipment and

German we have consistently brought programmes then within budget and

with minimal time overruns. We have more to do on housing. Where the

defence budget is spent is crucial and given the uncertainty that has

because of the British Steel industry as a result of the EU

referendum vote, what reassurance can he give them at this time? We

have adopted the Government's policy to ensure that Steele contracted

makes all steel procurement opportunities available to UK

producers. It is the case that there is a much reduced amount of steel

expected to be available for tender in future work because the

substantial part has been in the aircraft carrier programme and we

will not be building vessels as big as that for the foreseeable future.

I welcome the Government's spending 2% on defence, but can he confirmed

there is no increase in cash terms and we will not find a situation

like this year where in order to meet the 2% money was transferred

from other departments to meet the 2%? As is made clear last year at

the same time as the STS are, it is going up each year in real terms.

There has been much talk about the increase in the defence budget, but

to hit the 2% of GDP target, we have to be careful given the result of

the Brexit vote and there may be a recession. Can he reassure the

House, the public and the Armed House, the public and the Armed

Forces that the Government's commitment on defence spending will

be maintained not just in terms of GDP but also tonnes of cash? I will

not join with those on the other side of the House you want to talk

the economy down. We have a clear commitment to meet the Nato defence

spending pledge and that is what we spending pledge and that is what we

will do. Mr Speaker, the department continues to develop are unable for

structure as we set out in the defence review. This will include

completing two aircraft carriers, eight combat ships, offshore patrol

vessels. Can the Minister confirm press reports today of leaked

correspondence showing that the MOD are looking to save ?500 million and

the type 26 programme, refusing an offer from PE and starting the

programme in time? As I have already said on the type 26 programme, we

will enter into a contract was never established the best value for the

taxpayer and to schedule that can be delivered by the contractor. After

the vote last week, these are uncertain times for UK manufacturer.

One thing the Government could do to boost manufacturing would be to make

a decision on the successor. Can he say when that will be? He will have

heard my right honourable friend confirmed this will not be very

long. The national security council has considered preparations for the

Walsall Summit next week. Our intention is to demonstrate at

adaptable and transparent and adaptable and transparent and

responding to the range of threats responding to the range of threats

that we face today. The United that we face today. The United

Kingdom is seen as an ineffective partner in global Affairs, as is

highlighted by the supreme Commander of Nato. What does the Secretary of

State think his Government can achieve in Warsaw? I hope that we

can further reassure those Nato members on the eastern flank that we

stand by our commitment in the face of Russian aggression. I hope we

continue to make the alliance more flexible to deal with the new threat

that we face, particularly from cyber and hybrid warfare. I hope to

British leadership we will encourage other allies to meet the 2%

commitment that we are already meeting this year. The Secretary of

State will be aware that we cannot hide behind the percentage GDP. We

need Nato membership and partnership more than ever before giving the

vote on Thursday and the dreadful result. You can get all of our

defence forces into Wembley. We have more than 100,000 members of our

Armed Forces, but I agree with him on the importance of Nato. Because

we are withdrawing from the European Union, it is even more important to

reinforce our commitment to Nato and to the obligations of Nato

membership. That is why we lead in complying with the 2% commitment and

that is why you will hear at the Walsall summit the additional

deployments we are likely to make to the eastern flank. Forces aligned to

the Libyan Government of national accord are making progress against

Daesh, while Daesh may have suffered setbacks in their stronghold in the

East they have not been defeated and they may look to re-establish

themselves elsewhere in Libya. In Tripoli the security situation is

calm but fragile, with increasing support for the president from the

militia. Libya was seen as the worst foreign policy disaster of the

Government. What discussions he has had with EU counterparts about the

continued involvement in the cost of Libya? I continue to discuss this

counterparts. We have agreed to counterparts. We have agreed to

deploy an additional vessel to that particular operation and we are

working with the new Libyan Government, I have spoken to the

defence Minister there, we are working with them to support them in

their fight against Daesh. It is also vital that we continue to work

with other allies along because flying and I can announce today that

we are extending the training that we provide to Tunisian forces for a

further year. Small businesses are crucial for growth and innovation in

this country and we are determined they should play an increasing part

in supplying defence. We are committed to achieving 25% of

barbecue and spend with small and medium businesses by 2020, that is

10% higher than sector in the last Parliament. We have refreshed our

small and medium business policy. What that is my honourable friend

taking to make as simple as possible for small firms to benefit from this

increased spend? We have appointed a new network of supply chain

advocates to provide a named point of contact for potential suppliers.

We are providing an online tool to supply opportunities and we are

simplifying our terms and conditions.

A former first Sea Lord told the Defence Select Committee that the

delay in the Type 26 frigate programme was due to money problems

in the MoD budget. So can the Minister tell the house and more

importantly tell the workers on the Clyde how many jobs will be lost,

and what is the impact on the world-class apprenticeship

programme? Apprentices are very important to maintain skills on the

Clyde to complete the programme for Type 26. The intent is to, once we

signed the contract, we will then have clarity on the best value for

money that we will be able to get for the taxpayer, and that is our

priority. With regard to targeting the rules of engagement, the use of

remotely piloted air Systems is no different to that of any other

aircraft. Therefore there is no separate policy of their use in this

respect. With respect, it is evident the Government intends to use lethal

force outside armed conflict for counterterrorism purposes despite

the legal basis for that being unclear. Will the Government clarify

the legal basis for the use of Crohn's or targeted killing outside

of armed conflict? -- the use of drones. We are very clear that this

is guided by international law, and we're there is an identified, direct

and immediate threats to the United Kingdom, where we have no other

means of dealing with it, we reserve the right to use force. There was a

question on this very same subject, does the member wish to intervene

and give a benefit of a sports? No. Very helpful. Order! Topical

questions. My immediate priorities remains excess in our operations

against Daesh, and in preventing our Strategic Defence Review

commitments. On Friday week I will join the Prime Minister for the Nato

summit in Warsaw where we will review progress since the Wales

summit, agree further reassurance to our eastern allies, and take further

steps to demonstrate the Alliance's strength and unity. Given the

project success of the Brexit campaign and the subsequent downward

spiral in the value of the pound, which is now a 31 year low, can the

Minister tell me additional cost to the trident renewable programme on

top the current estimate of ?205 billion? We published in the

Strategic Defence Review, our most up-to-date assessment of the cost of

the Trident replacement programme, at ?31 billion, plus a contingency

of a further ?10 billion. In light of the momentous decision taken by

the nation last Thursday, can my honourable friend explained to the

house what implications that decision has on working in military

intelligence from not only European countries but also other countries

from around the world? Defence in the UK is grounded in our strength

and relationships with our closest allies and partners. We worked

extensively with them principally through Nato, but also bilaterally.

The UK's decision to leave the EU does not change that approach? . In

the first year of this Government, there were over 1800 properties

within the married quarters estate that will let NT for the majority of

the year. Since then, the number has more than quadrupled. Can the

minister explained why this has been allowed to happen, why these

properties are not being used? My understanding is there are just

under 10,000 VoIP properties at the moment under the SFA estate. We need

VoIP properties division that when people trickle post they have a

project to go to. She will be aware we are moving the army back from

Germany at the moment, so we need to their properties, but up to half of

these properties are currently up for disposal. The fact is apartment

property, policy, is that around 10% of these properties should remain

vacant, in fact there are more than 20%. The reality is that there is

such a high proportion of these anti-properties because they are not

in a fit state for people to live in, and they cannot be released for

sale by the leaseholder because they would cost too much for this

Government to repair, and yet the taxpayers having to spend more than

30 million every year for the MoD to rent these properties. Can the

minister explained why his department is wasting ?30 million?

I'm not sure the honourable lady had my answer. It is not every year we

seek to return the Army back from Germany, which is why we do need to

have extra properties. But over half the properties are currently up for

disposal, and in addition to that we also invested over ?200 million in

building 1200 new service accommodations to ensure we get the

best quality accommodation for our troops. Whilst I welcome the recent

announcement that Lincolnshire will still have an airshow, what is my --

what steps is my honourable friend taking to increase home ownership of

memories of the Armed Forces? I'm delighted to say that since the

forces helped to buy scheme was introduced thousands of service

families have taken the opportunity to buy their own home. Will the

Minister undertake an urgent review of the awards of the Legion of

honour? I have many constituents who have been awarded by the French

authorities, I have notified the Mr defence over a year ago, and are

still not received their medals. Could the Minister look at this

urgently? I am more than happy to look at this. The honourable

gentleman will be aware there was a review. It is fair to say the French

authorities have simply been overwhelmed by the number of

applications, but we have a system over 200 cent each week to the

French, and of the original applications which remain I

understand the all now have been awarded. My honourable friend will

be aware of the valuable and essential work done by African union

troops to prevent and ameliorate conflict all or African, work that

is essential for this country as well. Can he update the house on the

support being provided to them by the UK to assist with their

peacekeeping role? He affords me the opportunity to be commuted to our

forces are training the Rwandan forces as well as the African union

East Africa stand-by force. The training we are providing is there

to help security sector reform and also enhance their capabilities for

peace operations and also disaster relief. Following the questioning of

MoD officials at the Public Accounts Committee on infantry management,

will the Minister tell us what the current state of the commodity

services transformation programme is? Is the super shed built, and how

confident is the Government that the transformation of logistics to

support armed services will not result in equipment shortages? The

new MOD Donington facility will be completed on schedule before the end

of the year. Can the Department update the house on progress being

made in increasing the number of cadet units in state schools so that

more young people can benefit from the skills and experiences from

those cadet units? We are receiving a healthy number of applications to

set up new units, Mr Speaker. These are processed through a run. 25 new

state school units have been approved since November last year.

350 school cadet units are currently parading. And the programme is on

track to achieve its target of 500 in schools by 2020. Thousands of

Kurdish Peshmerga have died of its usually injured by fighting wood.

Can we -- by fighting Daesh. Can we rush in a field hospital and allow

at least some of the must use the injured to benefit from special

searing the UK? It is the least we can do. We have done it huge amount

to support Kurdish fighters. To date we have trained 3900, and that

includes not just dealing with IED pars-mac, but also first aid and

first line support. -- IEDs. I met a constituent who was injured by

thunder flash in 1979 but his injury was not diagnosed until 2011. Will

Ministers look at his case to ensure he is receiving all the compensation

and pension that he deserves? I will of course be delighted to look at

the case, may I suggest that we meet? What percentage of the G8

contract will be offset to British companies, and will he confirm that

missiles will be procured from British companies? The P8 contract

has not yet been met. We announced at the time our intention to procure

P8 that some $4.5 million per aircraft is UK sourced. Support

contracts will be let in due course. Despite Airbus trying to bully their

employees to vote Remain in the referendum last week, and my

honourable friend assure the house that the wings of the beneficent

aircraft will still be made here? Airbus are an important defence

contractor who are obviously a significant employer in his

constituency in both civil and defence work. Where they choose to

locate wings in civil contract in the future will be a matter for

Airbus. Distressingly, Unicef reported that yesterday in Syria 25

children were killed by air strikes. Can I ask the Secretary of State to

tell us what conversations he is having with our international

partners to make sure that we take every necessary step to defend

civilians? The Honourable Lady raises an important point, and to

date on that operation we know that from the UK strikes we have had no

reports of civilian casualties, and that is because of the care that we

take, and the investigations that we do after every strike. We are

working with our allies to develop joint policy in this area.

I'm delighted to receive such a welcome. The Royal military School

of music has been here for 150 years. Will the Minister work with

me to work with the Ministry of Defence to keep a physical military

presence remaining in Witton. Can I commend my Honourable Friend? Our

constituents could not ask for a greater champion when it comes to

this issue. Since our adjournment debate last

month, the situation has not changed, however, I am convinced we

will continue to have military concerts there in the future.

Exactly what action is the Government taking to protest about

the use of phosphorus bombs against the people? We have a very clear

policy in this country for the export of the nations and the like.

We have not exported cluster munitions since 1989. The Honourable

Lady is asking about phosphorus. I will write to the Honourable Lady

later. I was grateful for the Minster's earlier answer on the

expansion programme. Could he indicate at what point if at all

expressions of interest from schools in non-priority areas will be

accepted if insufficient applications are made from priority

areas? My honourable friend reflects on the problems of success. We do in

fact have many applications from priority areas according to the

three criteria that have been set out a number of times. I cannot make

any firm promises, I'm afraid, for those who do not meet the priority

criteria. We are firmly on track to deliver the skills we need. Last

Friday I was invited to the 4th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment

based in Barnsley, to thank them for their service I had of Armed Forces

Day. Will the Secretary of State join me in pain could it to the

superb men and women there, superbly led a major Darren Schofield? That

may congratulate all those from the Armed Forces, including those from

reserve units who took place at key events in Cleethorpes, Plymouth,

Glasgow, Woolwich, and many other locations up and down the country.

We are proud of them, and we gave the public the opportunity to show

their support. Will the Secretary of State reassure the house that in

contrast to the party opposite, morale in Armed Forces remains high,

and desertion rates are very low? I'm happy to confirm that from our

attitude survey that we do every year. Morale is high, and the Armed

Forces appreciate that with a growing defence budget every single

year they have much to look forward to. I thank the veterans Minister

for listening to the plight of war widows penalised for remarrying.

Could he give a sense of how long his review into this matter will

take? I hope to come back to the house and the honourable gentleman

as soon as possible. World member wishing to take her

seat, please come to the table. -- with the members.

I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and there true

allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors,

according to law, so help me God.