Live Defence Questions House of Commons

Order, order. Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence.

Number one, Mr Speaker. The campaign against Daesh is making steady

progress with coalition support, Iraqi forces have freed Falluja and

as part of preparatory operations for retaking Mosul have liberated

another time. The Syrian Democrat forces have taken Manbij and Turkish

backed opposition forces have taken Jarablus, denying Daesh the last

border crossings into Turkey. As we approach the second anniversary of

our military operations, I should like to pay tribute to the men and

women of all three services who work tirelessly to defeat Daesh and to

keep Britain safe. I think the Secretary of State for that answer

but given the announcement of a US and Russian negotiated ceasefire in

Syria, does the Secretary of State believe that Russia is now an

unpredictable ally, or an unwelcome threat in the fight against Daesh?

Russian military activity in Syria has supported the Assad regime,

which bombs, tortures and stars its own people. While we welcome the

latest ceasefire from tonight, it is Russia that must make it work, by

stopping Assad from attacking Syrian civilians, moderate opposition

groups, and by helping to get humanitarian aid into Aleppo and

other cities that have been starved of food. The G20 communique last

week in China talked about terrorist financing. We have done a lot in our

military operations to degrade that. Can you say what more the UK can do

to degrade the money the terrorists are getting from smuggling and

extortion? What more can the UK military do to deny Daesh those

sources of funding? The infrastructure targets that the RAF

have been attacking in recent months have included oil installations to

reduce the revenue that Daesh have been getting from oil trading,

sealing the border will also help the flow of illicit goods and indeed

oil across the border, and we continue to work with our

international partners to reduce the access of Daesh to the financial

system. Could I ask the Secretary of State about the ammunition we

supplied to Peshmerga and the delay can do so? We have supplied, as my

honourable friend knows, not only heavy machine guns to the Peshmerga,

but ammunition for those machine guns. And I announced earlier in the

summer a fresh gift from us of ammunition for those heavy machine

guns and I'm pleased to tell honourable friend that ammunition

has now arrived and is being used. The US- Russia agreement to tackle

Daesh will clearly have an impact on British forces. Is the Secretary of

State able to say anything about the deployment of our air force there or

indeed special forces? As he knows, on the deployment of our special

forces in any country in the world, but he raises an important point

about the deconstruction of the airspace. At the moment, the

agreement between Russia and the United States, we are party to that

agreement, that ensures that there is minimum risk of coalitions --

collisions or misidentification of aircraft. And that obviously will

continue to be the case after the ceasefire. Can I ask on what date

the initial training will be deployed? Yes, I announced in June

that we would be sending another 250 British troops to the Al Asad air

base in western Iraq to consummate the Danish training programme, as

part of what is cut the building partner capacity effort. I am very

pleased to tell him that the advance party have now arrived in the last

few days at the airbase. This is indeed a critical time for the

future of Syria. May I had the SNP's voice to those across this gem in

wishing well the proposed ceasefire in Syria, and we echo the call for

all signs in this awful conflict to observe it. Given the ceasefire is

vital in the campaign to defeat Daesh, could I ask the separate --

what discussions with the UK Government Hannes with the US and

the Russian Federation and what role did the UK Government play in

helping to broker this ceasefire? I am grateful to him for his earlier

remarks. The UK Government has been involved in promoting the ceasefire

all the way back from the original cessation of hostilities, which was

announced at the Munich Security conference, and we have been part of

the intense efforts to get and to keep moderate opposition groups

around the table to negotiate a future settlement the Syria, and we

have also been part of encouraging the ceasefire has well. Mr Speaker,

talking of the moderate forces, what discussions as the UK Government had

with the representatives of the 70,000 moderate troops who we were

led to believe, we were discussing ahead of last year's bombing of

Syria, what could he tell us, what contact has been made and what

assurances have been given by those moderate forces that this ceasefire

will stick? We have been in contact with exactly those moderate forces

and indeed representatives from the different opposition groups in

Syria. They were in London last week for precisely those kind of

discussions. We very much hope that the ceasefire will stick now. A

large part of that will depend on Russia persuading the Syrian regime

to back the ceasefire in stock but it is also important that it is

properly respected right across northern Syria as well. Challenging

the death cult ideology of Daesh is vital if we are to tackle this type

of terrorism. Can the Minister update the hose-mac on the progress

being made by the 34 Muslim nations being coordinated by Saudi Arabia to

defeat Daesh? Yes, we'll welcome the efforts that have been made and have

been led by Saudi Arabia. I visited the centre they have established in

Riyadh to lead this effort to make it very clear that Islam is a

religion of peace and to coordinate the various programmes of the

radicalisation that are already now in force across the Arab world. Mr

Speaker, we all welcome very much the recent announcement of the

ceasefire in Syria, which as well as providing opportunity for all sides

to focus on defeating Daesh, creating space for further

negotiations and ending the conflict once and for all. The need for a

negotiated settlement in Syria is as potent as ever, particularly in

light of horrifying reports of yet another chlorine attack in recent

days. Can the Secretary of State tell the House a bit more about the

implications for the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in

Syria under the ceasefire details? I am grateful for his, for what he has

said and for his support. Yes, getting humanitarian aid into Aleppo

and some of the other towns and cities that have suffered is a key

part of the ceasefire and I think it will be one of the tests of the

ceasefire as to whether the regime is really prepared to allow these

much-needed convoys in. Sorry, Mr Speaker. Question number three.

Since the extremely generous offer by President Hollande to confer the

Legion D'Honneur on the surviving veterans, we have had a number of

discussions with representatives of the fans Government about the

process for making the award. As a result the French Government has

presented over 3500 medals to British veterans. The process is

being made as smooth as possible. No problems this time, Mr Speaker! I

thank the Minister for his answer. Several veterans are still waiting

for the award of their Legion D'Honneur, and others have passed

away over the last year without receiving it. Would the Minister

join me in calling on the French authorities to resolve this issue as

a matter of urgency and also to look at whether the honour can still be

conferred on those who have passed away since? It is established by law

in France through set requirements for scrutiny and approval. French

authorities have done the most to expedite the issue of the awards. As

with the UK, honours and awards are generally not made posthumously. I

confirm a couple of the cases have been submitted to French authorities

but there is no record of 14 the third veteran. I do appreciate the

efforts the Minister and the Department have taken in trying to

ensure that individuals get their Legion D'Honneur medals but we still

have, a large number of people who qualified and have applied but not

received it. Is it possible to do an audit in the UK of how many

applications are outstanding so he can chase those up? The French have

awarded approximately 3500. We have sent the French about 4300. At the

moment, the process is taking between six and eight weeks. I

appreciate that are still a significant period of time, given

the age of this court, but I can assure the honourable gentleman, who

has pursued this persistently, we have done everything we can to try

and make this process as quick as possible, given the circumstances

and the age of those veterans. The French embassy are trying to do

their best. If everybody has a problem with their constituent,

write to me because these people deserve better than this. The

honourable gentleman is too modest to reveal that although he is

himself not a Normandy veteran he does hold the honour. I am grateful

to my honourable friend for the support he offers and I can only

repeat we are keen to get these expedited as quickly as possible and

whilst all of the cold heart is a rather certain age of any member has

a constituent they are particularly concerned about please contact us

and we will endeavour to get it to them as quickly as possible. Number

four. With your permission I should like to answer question for and

questioned ten together. Small businesses are crucial for growth

and innovation in this country and we want them to take an increasing

share of our growing defence budget. We are committed to achieving 25% of

our procurement spend with small and medium-sized businesses by 2020 and

that target is 10% higher than the one set during the last Parliament.

May I say how nice it is to see my noble friend in the place and also

to ask what steps she can take to ensure the MOD's largest customers

use small firms to deliver their contracts. She is absolutely right.

It is essential that we work not only directly in our defence

procurement process but also with our supply chains and I'm delighted

to let the House no that the supply chain advocate network and the

supply chain champions are well under way and that last year the

Ministry of Defence was able to make direct spend with almost 5000

different companies. In addition to that country ask the Minister to

confirm what measures the MOD can take to reduce the revelatory burden

that small firms have such as those in my own constituency in making

applications when it comes to procurement of defence equipment.

The honourable gentleman is right to highlight ways in which we can make

this easier for small and medium-sized businesses. This year

we removed the turnover requirement in the prequalification process and

we're working towards simplifying contract terms so that we can reduce

it to three pages. Can I welcome the Minister to her position but can I

ask her to take notice of what happens in Huddersfield. We have

many fine people making things that people want in our defence forces

but would she disassociate itself from the fat and lazy term used by

British businessmen. We have no fat and lazy businessman in

Huddersfield. Those are not my words and I would like to pay tribute to

the many businesses in Huddersfield and around South Yorkshire which to

such wonderful work in terms of supplying our Ministry of Defence.

On Wednesday I raised the issue of an engineering company that went

into ministration. I would like to place on record my appreciation to

the procurement Minister who are taught noticed scrambled around and

rearranged her diary to meet Administration is. Will the

procurement Minister work with me and the administrators to learn no

stone unturned until we can see if we can save these valuable jobs.

Yes, we are working hard to represent the interests. We will be

able to meet with him and the administrators later today. In rugby

we are proud of the contribution that GE Power conversion are making

to the global combat ship problem they also contribute to the local

economy. My honourable friend is right to highlight the fact that

earlier this year we were unable to announce contracts for some of the

long leave items as part of this programme and to highlight the way

in which small and medium-sized businesses play such an important

role in that supply chain. It is interesting listening to the

Minister's words and I greatly support 25% of expenditure by 2020.

However, figures published last month were quite clear that over 2%

went to companies assessed as small and medium-sized businesses. It is

determined by independent verifiers so why has there not been an

assessment of new suppliers carried out since 2014 or is the Department

resorting to accountancy? I don't recognise the figures she has cited

but I can confirm that in 2014 we spent 19% with small and

medium-sized businesses and she highlight the fact the contract in

terms of evaluating the characteristics of different firms

which is a Cabinet Office contract ended in 2014 and we are in the

process of discussing with our colleagues what the successful

framework would be like. Number five. I will answer questions five

and six together. We are determined to meet the commitment to ensure

Armed Forces overseas are not subject to persistent legal claims.

I explore the work my predecessor did working across government to

bring proposals in the very near future. I welcomed the statement and

urge the government to press ahead with reforms in this area

particularly to the extra Torino jurisdiction of human rights laws so

that we do have accountability for Ray acts of wrongdoing but we don't

subject those risking life and limb to litigation by Amblin 's chasing

lawyers. It is very important that those who have done wrong adult with

Experian wrong that tax paid lawyers are chasing around the country

trying to prosecute other people. Our Armed Forces are the best in the

world and we must do everything to protect them both on and off the

battlefield. To that end with many soldiers based in Sennybridge in

Brecon can my honourable friend assure them that the Iraq historic

allegations trailer Bale will look carefully at the claims made against

British forces personnel. I think we can all welcome the demise of

lawyers and it is for the authorities that look closely at

what they did and then income. Having trained at Sennybridge many

years ago I can assure everybody that this government is behind them.

Could I welcome my honourable friend to this place. They especially

welcome his stance on this matter. Is he aware of the fact that Phil

Shiner who has made so much money out of this is trying to conceal his

ill gotten gains by threatening editors threatening to expose him

with it so on the basis of so-called mental health problems. Can I pay

tribute for -- to my right honourable friend. Let's let the

bodies do their workforce and see what comes out on the other side of

that. Number seven. We positively encourage bids from British

companies to ensure they are in the best position to win future steel

contracts. We have issued new policy guidance to address the barriers

that might prevent UK steel producers from competing effectively

on the open market. Now that government departments are mandated

to provide information about the proportion of UK steel used in crime

commercial service would the Minister please tell the House what

percentage of UK steel has been used in current and will be using future

defence projects? She rightly speaks up for the steel production in her

constituency and she will be very pleased to know that of the largest

project the UK Government has ever procured that uses steel she will be

aware that that is the carrier programme which is currently under

construction and that the vast majority of that comes from Tata

steel. I support the increasing use of small firms but will the Minister

and take to encourage those small firms to use British Steel wherever

possible? He's right that it's a process not only of encouraging

competition within the procurement process but also where there are

long lead type items and in our security review we have set out the

largest programme of investing in ships for some time. There will be a

lot of long lead time items were small businesses will be able to

work with those who are procuring the contract in order to find a

place in that supply chain. Recent defence procurement decisions have

failed to take into account the benefits to the UK economy gained by

manufacturer -- manufacturing domestic day. Will the minister

commit to assess the wider economic and social benefits derived from

building the three new solid support vessels in the UK with British Steel

and share information with this House? She's right to highlight that

in our strategic review we have set out a programme. We are investing in

more ships, aeroplanes and more cyber investment. She mentioned the

solid support ships and those will not be procured until later in this

Parliament but I can assure her that we will do everything we can with

those items and programmes that have been set out in advance to ensure

that British company and British Steel companies have all the

information they need to be successful. Number eight.

Competition remains the best way of securing value for money but

sometimes we need to place single source contracts. We therefore

establish a new regime with an independent regulator to ensure

contract costs and profit rates are both reasonable and transparent. Can

I thank her for that answer. Will those changes have government

support? Yes, in March this year we reduced the profit rate on single

source contracts from 10.6% to 8.95% and the regulator will then

recommend a rate for 2017 which we will consider carefully as well as

their recommendation in terms of multiple profit rates. What steps is

the minister taking to ensure that were single source contracting is

placed abroad that there is appropriate levels set aside so that

apprenticeships in British defence companies are protected and

facilitated? She will be aware that this is an ongoing subject of

discussion. She will be aware of the commitment that General dynamics has

made in Wales to create 250 jobs in the supply chain. When the contracts

are derived unnecessary costs can be occurred when the design

specifications are changed. What steps is the Minister taking to

ensure these latest changes after contracts have started no longer

occur? This was one of the major themes that came out in terms of the

review of how we could improve defence procurement. They were

problems with the design of the type 45 which was ordered at the

beginning of the last decade which has been costly to rectify and

therefore that is why we take such care now in terms of the design to

prevent such things happening in the future.

I welcome what the Minister has said in answer to another question in

terms of the targets that are in place to ensure small and

medium-sized enterprises in the UK benefit from defence procurement.

But when she is looking at the issue of value for money and single source

contracts, can she assure the House that value for money includes

looking at British jobs, British skills and, as my honourable friend

said, investment in apprenticeships? Can I thank the honourable member

again for mentioning apprenticeships, and I will -- our

commitment to continue to work with our single source suppliers to

ensure they remain, in fact we can clearly see they are some of the

lead providers of apprenticeships across the defence procurement area.

Number nine, served. We aim to maximise the benefit of the UK for

UK technologies and know-how. These results can be exported through a

technology transfer company, which we estimate will have contributed

over ?200 million to export value by 2018 and to have generated over 500

jobs. On Friday I will launch our plans for a new approach to further

exploit innovation in defence. During recess, I spent some special

time with the Government Chief Whip and the member for Stafford visiting

Stafford barracks. As we continue to draw down from Germany,

Stoke-on-Trent and stature and enjoy an influx of highly trained

personnel and with it the growth of potential telecoms business, could I

urge the Minister to hold a meeting with the Stoke and Staffordshire

Local Enterprise Partnership to see how the MoD can help ensure that

local businesses enjoy some input to their growth from this arrival of

highly trained personnel from Stafford barracks? I'm happy to help

facilitate that meeting. I am aware that are a number of companies in

his constituency that have submitted proposals to the Centre for defence

enterprise, I think they have had some feedback and we are as anxious

as he is that we capture any of that know-how for the future. Can I

welcome the Government's recent partnership agreement with Leonardo

helicopters on research into unmanned aerial vehicles, and asked

that ministers work with me to help maximise the effect this has in

support of design and engineering jobs? We are very helpful to do

that. He will recall we announced at Farnborough the signing of a ten

year strategic partnering arrangement with Leonardo one one of

the most important defence companies based here in Britain and I hope

that will help enhance jobs in his constituency to further export

success, and through the right technology and innovation, but also

meet our own defence requirements. Question number 11. Mr Speaker, we

continually invest in recruitment to attract a diverse and talented

workforce that we need now and in future for our Armed Forces. Over

8100 new recruits joined the Army last year, an increase on the

previous year, and in July, the strength of the reserve was 23,400,

closely matching the 33,000 we need. We will continue to work closely

with all parts of the country, in particular Northern Ireland. I thank

him for that response. I understand this is the first time a boy soldier

or someone from the ranks has risen to the position of Minister of

State. With help to recruit for the Army, reserves in Northern Ireland

have met their targets. Could I ask, can the reserves in Northern Ireland

numbers be expanded or increase to take account of that positive

recruiting environment? Can I say thank you to the kind comments he

makes. We were very close pals in Northern Ireland and visited on

occasion will be visiting visiting the problems in the near future. --

the province. The ceiling is not one in that we do not want more people

from Northern Ireland, it is whether the operational units could take

them. I will look closely into looking at whether we can take more

from Northern Ireland. Can congratulate Northern Ireland for

serving the crown so well for many years. Can I ask what steps he is

taking to address the shortfall in engineers and have -- as he had any

ideas about giving short on secondment? That is exactly what we

tried to do, be as flexible as possible the contracts, not only was

short-term and long-term secondment from industry but from other navies

as well. There is a shortfall in specific areas but what we need to

do is make sure the offer we make, whether it be in marine engineers or

any other part of the Armed Forces, is suitable for the 21st century.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I want to welcome the Minister to his post. He

is one of the -- is aware of the big issue here is taking on, how he will

assist the Government Dicko -- to achieve the manifesto pledge of the

army not falling. He also recognised a huge issue in the British Army in

terms of retention. Does he think what he is saying actually

recognises the scale of the challenge that faces us, for the

Government to achieve that manifesto pledge? We are determined to fulfil

manifesto pledge, but it is right manifesto pledge, but it is right

for the Army in particular. I know how difficult it is with retention.

I purchased my discharge from the army myself. But what is making

people leave? Are we being as flexible as we can? When I left, I

had a letter a couple of months later asking me whether I wanted to

re-enlist. If we have got them in uniform, let's keep them in uniform.

commitment to and inequalities commitment to and inequalities

ordered across the public sector. As the younger demographic from which

the army recruits is increasingly ethnically diverse, will my

honourable friend commit to pay special attention to the recruitment

retention and promotion figures of BME service personnel? And I also

pay tribute to my honourable and gallant colleague for his service to

her Majesty when he was in uniform. For the Armed Forces to work on the

21st century, it has to represent the community where they come from.

Whether it be from DME or more women in the Armed Forces, -- BME, I think

we need to be careful to make sure that we promote the Armed Forces to

those sorts of people so that they feel comfortable in the Armed

Forces. Can I add my voice to those who are welcome you to your place

today in the hot seat on this issue. This Government may not be very good

at meeting its own targets, particularly on Army recruitment.

But ministers at least deserved point for creativity. Their plan to

grow the trained strength of the Army by changing the definition of

training may help with cooking the books but it will not address the

problem. Can the Secretary, the Minister tell us whether he believes

it is appropriate for personnel to be deployed on operations before

completing their full training, and if so, how he can be confident they

will be adequately prepared? Can I say from experience, some duties

once you have passed phase one training can be done and it will

certainly done in my time in 1974 when there was a Labour Government.

If we are trying to recruit people, we need money, we need to be part of

Nato that something -- liver-mac want us out. Can I welcome him to

his post. Can I just touch on Navy recruitment? Can he quash these

rumours that we will not have enough trained sailors demand both our

aircraft carriers when they are launched? We have not hidden the

fact that it is very difficult to make sure we are doing everything we

can, but we will have, and I was on one of the aircraft carriers

recently and I was watching the other craft being built, and we will

have the crews and they will be the pride of the Navy. Number 12,

please. Mr Speaker, while maintaining the freedom of action to

operate independently, interoperability with our Nato

allies is fundamental to virtually all UK defence capabilities. For the

general-purpose frigate, the Royal Navy is already exploring how this

can be delivered and considering how it will operate within Nato. Does

the Minister agree that by opening up more of the procurement process

to a broad range of suppliers and avoiding any hint of protectionism,

it may be possible to keep the costs of replacing the frigates low? I

know that the honourable member for Clacton pays close interest to

defence procurement issues, and he will also be eagerly anticipating

Sir John Parker's National shipbuilding strategy, which he has

committed to publish for before the Autumn Statement. In that context,

he would be aware that complex warships can only be built in the

UK. Specifically on the type 30 one. When can we expect an announcement

on building these ships? We have the capability and the skills,

presumably we have a budget. Scotland expects. Can I gently

reminded the honourable gentleman that we are building these ships

because we all decided to remain part of the UK, and indeed, we are

in the process of providing more ships, more aircraft, more equipment

to our Armed Forces than ever before. As soon as we have concrete

timetables to announce to the House, we will do so. Question 13. The cost

of production scheduled for the Type 26 global combat ship will be

decided at the main investment decision point of the programme.

Negotiations are ongoing to delivering contracts that are value

for money for the Navy and for the taxpayer. The general-purpose

frigate programme is at its very early stages. Decisions on build

location and timetable will take advantage of the recommendations of

the national ship building strategy. I thank him for his answer. He is

well aware that his department promised 13 frigates on the Clyde in

2014, a huge part of the Scottish independence referendum case for the

union play on this promise. With the number already dropped to eighth,

why can he not answer a civil question, when will the Type 26

design be approved? -- simple question. There will be a large

number of new frigates, but specifically eight new

anti-submarine warfare ships designed to protect the deterrent

that the Scottish National party voted against. The me be clear, the

timetable, I hope, will be set out shortly, when the design continues

to mature and many negotiations with BEA Systems are completed. Isn't it

a fact that BAE Systems are ready to start cutting steel right now, and

the only thing that is holding things up is a lack of funds in the

MoD's budget? The reality is that if we don't start building these ships

on time, surely we will end up with the same old story that we will drop

below the already inadequate total of 19 frigates and destroyers, or if

we do not, we will have to pay a lot more money to keep old ships in

service longer than they should be kept in service? Wick-mac can I just

reassure my honourable friend we have invested over 1.8 billion

pounds in the Type 26 ship already. I announced a further 183 million in

July for the guns to go on the ship. A lot of the design work has been

completed. But I am not prepared to sign a contract with BAE Systems

until I am absolutely persuaded that it is in the best interests of value

for money for the taxpayer and indeed for the Navy. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. The Secretary of State will be aware that the shipyards are in

my constituency. Can I say to him, the clear message from the workforce

can perhaps be best paraphrased by Darth Vader, we want these ships,

not excuses. Can he explain why the original timetable to cut steel was

made this year, but has not been done, and can I ask him to speed up

the process so that ships can be built on the Clyde? We will not be

ordering anything from the Clyde if Scotland had become independent

because convex warships are only built in the United Kingdom. --

conflicts. But this contract is to be in the best interests of the

taxpayer. I am aware of the need to sustain a boy Matt on the Clyde.

That is why the Strategic Defence Review last December also announced

the construction of two further offshore patrol vessels, in addition

to the free that are currently being built on the Clyde. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. Could my -- would it be possible for the Ministry of Defence

to consider positioning as a home port some of the Type 26 offshore

patrol vessels in Gibraltar, where the facilities are superb for them,

and they are in a very good position to operate?

Gibraltar is a key base for the Royal Navy. We had to three ships

from their only the calling in Gibraltar and Gibraltar retains its

affiliation to the Crown despite the recent referendum. Number 14. The

MoD is proud to be one of the largest providers of quality

apprenticeships in the UK and the largest in government having

delivered over 150,000 apprenticeships. We work closely

across both government and industry to develop apprenticeship standards

to maintain key defence skills across the country. With major

defence and infrastructure projects on the horizon now is the wrong time

for the government to be cutting funding. What guarantees can the

Minister give that quality apprenticeships will be protected? I

think we stand by our record. We have delivered over 150,000. Any new

recruits joining the Armed Forces is on an apprentice scheme and will

continue. The Minister knows that logistics is an incredibly important

area for the military and it's also vital for other parts of the

economy. It's essential in refugee work. Can the Minister tell me if he

will increase apprenticeships on logistics and if he can ensure the

quality of those logistics apprenticeships? The MOD offers a

number of apprenticeships in the logistics field including driving

goods vehicles, an international trade and logistics. I recognise the

portents of logistics and efforts to address skills shortages needs to be

balanced with other areas but I will look at it. Participation in one of

our cadet forces to lure of our best apprenticeships. We have wonderful

sea cadet group in the Rhondda. Why on earth now that the MOD is the

catering pensioner barracks in the Rhondda are they putting it up for

auction on the open market rather than giving it to the Sea Cadets? We

will extend cadet forces by 500 by 20 20. We have very strict rules and

it comes to the disposal of defence property but I am happy to look into

what he says. Topical questions. Topical question number one. My

immediate priorities remain implementing our security review.

Last week I hosted the first-ever United Nations peacekeeping

ministerial where I underlined the UK is stepping up its global commit

and is backed by a rising defence budget and including additional

troops to peace keep -- peacekeeping in South Sudan. Can he confirm that

contrary to what he told the today programme last week it does matter

which budget conflict and security spending comes from and if he is so

strapped for cash maybe he should be scrapping Trident. I met the French

defence minister last Thursday and the president of South Korea is

Madame part who I met during our most recent visit. The difficulty of

the Shadow Defence Secretary has now got is that all my defence ministers

don't actually know who he is! So far as the budget is concerned this

is an increasing defence budget and we are committed to meeting the 2%

target and the defence budget will also rise in real terms for every

year of this Parliament. What steps is my friend taking to address the

concerns about the antimalarial tablets deployed overseas? The MoD

takes the health and well-being of its personnel seriously and

acknowledges its duty of care to provide the best possible support to

them. As part of this kid I am delighted to confirm today that we

have introduced a single point of contact providing information to a

range of services to help those with concerns. Further details are

available on the website. Last week the MoD was accused of a

terrifying error after accidentally publishing the details of 20,000

people online. Following a number of recent high-profile security

breaches many servicemembers will understandably be concerned about

their personal safety. What reassurances can the Secretary of

State provide to these men and women with regards to the security of any

personal information about them? We're doing everything we can to

protect people's personal details online. I went to Marham myself to

days after the incident to give the ashore and says to the serving

personnel and their families that we were doing everything we could to

protect them. British military personnel in Saudi Arabia include a

number of liaison officers stationed in military headquarters in Yemen.

These officers are deployed to gain insight into these operations and

advise people how to comply with international humanitarian law. Will

the Secretary of State tell the House whether any comedic nation

from these British officers have indicated any concerns about the

conduct of operations in Yemen including the possibility that

humanitarian law has been violated. Let me make it there that the UK is

not a member of the Saudi led commission and UK personnel are not

involved in directing or conducting operations in Yemen or in the target

selection process. We have not assessed that the Saudi led

coalition is targeting civilians what is in breach of humanitarian

law. During the EU referendum of the government said if we voted to leave

it would put the security of the UK and Western Europe at risk so can I

ask by how much are they increasing the defence budget as a result of

this outcome all was that particular scaremongering something we can add

to the ever-growing file? My honourable friend will know that the

defence budget is increasing and will go on increasing each year of

this Parliament because of our commit to meet the 2% target. I know

he will join with me in reminding our allies that although we are

Exeter in the European Union we are not abandoning our commitment to

European security which is why we are leading a battalion in Estonia

next year, we have committed extra troops to Poland, we have typhoons

policing the Baltic airspace. Radar systems installed is a cutting-edge

business and exporting around the world as Russia continues to test

our defences and security concerns about breaches grow. This is the

kind of manufacturing weenies. The Minister is already coming to

Stafford but after that can invite him to Stoke-on-Trent? The

honourable gentleman is a champion of the businesses in Stoke-on-Trent

and I know the Secretary of State has already offered a meeting with

businesses from his constituency and I will look forward to hearing more

about the he mentioned in his question. Would the Minister support

the recent application by the Magna School in Newark for a new cadet

force and agreed that it is the site kind of school in a deprived area

with a real problem of white working class boys with his new cadet units

will make a difference. The government has committed ?50 million

in funding to increase the number of cadet units and schools to 500 by 20

20. This manifesto commitment will establish around 100 new units

across the UK. It is a priority to focus in areas of high deprivation.

People in my constituency are very worried about the UK Government's

plans for the Army base at historic Fort George which supports around

750 jobs. Speculation not helped by unhelpful comments made by the

Secretary of State in Scotland this weekend about the condition of the

base. Will the Minister to the right thing and back Fort George and end

this unhelpful speculation? The MoD is continuing to view our estate to

ensure it is smaller and more sustainable. It has enabled the

investment insights. No decision has been made on the future of Fort

George but Scotland will continue to be a vital home to our Armed Forces.

But Scotland must expect some sites to close. Research from the phrase

Alen Institute found that despite promises to the contrary in 2014

defence jobs in Scotland are plummeting.

Can the Secretary of State tell us how Scotland is better off in the

union given this reality? Scotland is getting additional investment in

Faslane. It is playing a key part in the

construction of our new Navy. All of these contribute to more jobs in

Scotland. Kurdish fighters in parts supplied by this country have been

the most effective ground forces against Irish yet they find

themselves under attack from our Nato ally Turkey. How can this

circle be squared? My honourable friend is right that the situation

in North Syria is compensated and we urge the opposition groups in Syria

to combat -- although they are under pressure also from the regime. I

hope as a result of the ceasefire tonight that all those armed groups

in Syria can now concentrate their fire against the murderous ideology

that is -- and allow humanitarian aid into those towns and cities that

have been so long denied it. Our military charities do phenomenal

good but one of them combats stress has just received 400,000 to help

carry out its vital work. However its plan to move to using triage

nurses to handle calls rather than using the admin staff experienced in

handling such mental health cases is what really concerns me. These

callers need sensitive hands. Will the Minister meet with

representatives to discuss how we can do this better in the future? I

am grateful to the honourable gentleman for highlighting this. Of

course he raises a very important issue and I would be delighted to

meet him to discuss it. The royal air force has a long history in

Wales and the connection has been maintained by schools. What steps

are being taken to return skills to Wales? I commend my honourable

friend on his tenacity in pursuing this issue. He knows there are

significant challenges surrounding the viability of aerodromes in South

Wales. But following his persistence I am looking to see whether other

sites are financially viable. I welcome the establishment of

veterans breakfast clubs as a way of supporting veterans. Why are they

being denied the right to use official veterans logos on their

clubs? I visited several veterans clubs. They had a fantastic thing

which I am keen to encourage. Last week, it was announced the MoD

was going to be disposing of a barracks in my constituency. Can he

clarified the criteria to keep three commando Brigade within my .Mac the

decision to close up to 30% of the estate is based on military

capability. It is a military decision but I'm happy to meet my

honourable friend to discuss it with him. Can I thank the veterans

Minister for meeting with Eric Cartman, who set up the veterans

breakfast club and asking what progress has been made in rolling

out the breakfast clubs across the country, because they meet such a

real need in the community. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with her

constituent, I thought it was an excellent breakfast club. I also met

with the national Chairman and we are in discussion about how the

department can support this excellent initiative. Well the

Secretary of State confirm that the service provided by BBC monitoring

to open source intelligence is of vital interest to the Ministry of

Defence, and does he agree with me that it would be totally

unacceptable if the BBC inflicted swingeing cuts in the monitoring

service, as is proposed, including the closure of Caversham Park? It is

always good to be able to find common ground with my honourable

friend on a defence matter and I certainly confirm the first part of

his question, and I will do what I can to convey the gist of the second

part to the BBC. Very prudent and whys of the Secretary of State, I'm

sure. An article in the Times newspaper on the ceasefire in Syria

mentions the fact that the USA in -- and Russia have been working

together. Could the Secretary of State provide more details on how

this would work in practice, how the UK will be involved and how we can

ensure that such coordination ensures no civilian death --

casualties. It is a very complex situation, and we have continued to

urge Russia to use all its influence on the Syrian regime to get

humanitarian aid in and stop the regime targeting particular

opposition groups. We do not have combat troops deployed in Syria, as

he knows, but obviously, the strikes we carry out on behalf of the

coalition will also now have to reflect the new reality on the

ground. The British Royal Navy is now smaller than the flotilla that

we tend to take back the Falklands. When will we have a date for the

type 45 destroyer replacement that is desperately needed, so that we

can at least maintain the 19 ships we currently have? I hope she is not

confusing number with quality or power. The ships that we are now

deploying, the aircraft carriers, the type 45 destroyers, the

forthcoming Type 26 frigates, of course much more powerful than the

ships that sailed to liberate the Falkland Islands. I know she will

join with me in welcoming the new missions of the two type 25s, HMS

Diamond and HMS Daring, who sailed in the last few weeks. A serious

issue for recruitment policy for service family accommodation, I'm

sure the Secretary of State agrees with the recommendation for the

committee for public audit service family accommodation. The Secretary

of State update the hose-mac are dealing -- the hose-mac with this

and how we will make it does not happen again? As a result of the

recent get well-planned, there are no meeting all but two of the key

performance indicators. But let me reassure the House that I for one do

not take this recent improvement for granted. I am utterly determined

that the poor standard of service personnel received in recent years

will not be repeated. I do not want the honourable gentleman to be sad

or to be isolated, let him have a go. Mr Perkins. A few moments ago,

the honourable lady from West Worcestershire said that we were

procuring more warships and aircraft than ever before. This is so far

removed from reality. In setting the record straight, and she confirm if

this sort of information is part of the induction in them Ministry of

Defence team or did she do it by herself? Can I recommend to him that

he reads the SDSR and you can see that we are increasing defence

spending every year, investing in more ships and planes, more troops

that are ready to act, better equipment and more for cyber. In

contrast to the Labour Party, which wants to scrap our nuclear

deterrent, withdraw from Nato and abolish our army. They cannot be

trusted with our security. Order! Statement, the Secretary of State

for Education. Secretary Justine Greening. With permission, Mr

Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the Government's

consultation published today, Schools That Work For Everyone,

copies of which I have placed in the libraries of both houses. As the

Prime Minister has said, this Government is putting the interests

of ordinary working class people first. We want this country to be a

truly meritocratic country, where what matters most is a person's

individual talent and their capacity for hard work. So we need to build a

school system that works for everyone, not just for the

privileged few. The various proposals set out today in this