0:00:00 > 0:00:00My constituents
0:00:01 > 0:00:01. I
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Welcome to live coverage of the comment. Questions being asked of
0:01:31 > 0:01:35the chair of the defence committee Julian Lewis about the national
0:01:35 > 0:01:40security capability review studying Armed Forces spending.The new
0:01:40 > 0:01:43cabinet minister David Livingstone makes a statement that the
0:01:43 > 0:01:56liquidation of the construction for Carillion. There is the first debate
0:01:56 > 0:02:01on the space industry bill. Setting out requirements for commercial
0:02:01 > 0:02:08space flight activity in the UK. They beget a joint me for a round-up
0:02:08 > 0:02:11of the day from both houses tonight. First questions to the Defence
0:02:11 > 0:02:19Secretary, Gavin Williamson, and his team.Questions of the Secretary of
0:02:19 > 0:02:28State for defences with permission Mr Speaker, I should like to answer
0:02:28 > 0:02:34questions and one and five together. The Ministry of Defence published
0:02:34 > 0:02:38the Armed Forces Covenant annual report in December 20 17. Outlining
0:02:38 > 0:02:42progress made to strengthen the covenant. Notable achievements
0:02:42 > 0:02:46include the establishment of a new ministerial covenant and veterans
0:02:46 > 0:02:52board which had its first meeting in October 20 17. The next ministerial
0:02:52 > 0:02:56covenant and veterans board meeting is due in the spring.I thank the
0:02:56 > 0:03:01Secretary of State for that reply. Before Christmas I visited the
0:03:01 > 0:03:04community awareness project in Wakefield. Many of the clients are
0:03:04 > 0:03:09former armed services personnel. Veterans assistance UK estimate
0:03:09 > 0:03:15there are 13,000 homeless veterans. Guaranteed priority access to social
0:03:15 > 0:03:18housing under the Armed Forces Covenant. Impossible to know that
0:03:18 > 0:03:23unless they are counted in the censors. Will he commit here to date
0:03:23 > 0:03:29to count Armed Forces and veterans on the census as recommended by the
0:03:29 > 0:03:33office for National statistics?I thank the right lady for
0:03:33 > 0:03:42highlighting that. I can assure her yes, we will do.Will my right
0:03:42 > 0:03:47honourable friend tell the department what is department is
0:03:47 > 0:03:53doing to support charities like the British Legion and Help For Heroes.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Specifically in helping veterans tackle isolation and loneliness.I
0:03:58 > 0:04:03think the point that my honourable friend raises is very valuable. What
0:04:03 > 0:04:08we have to be doing is reaching out to so many veterans who have given
0:04:08 > 0:04:15so much to our country over so many years. Whether it is Help For Heroes
0:04:15 > 0:04:19or the Leon C Royal British Legion, absolutely pivotal to that. We have
0:04:19 > 0:04:25recently seen the investment of two million pounds into creating the
0:04:25 > 0:04:29veterans gateway. Making sure veterans are signposted to the
0:04:29 > 0:04:32charities, support organisations and government organisations that can
0:04:32 > 0:04:37best support them. If they are suffering from loneliness or need
0:04:37 > 0:04:42additional help. Can I also take the opportunity to thank the Royal
0:04:42 > 0:04:48British Legion, whether it be in your constituency or right across
0:04:48 > 0:04:57the country which do so much for our veterans Day in and day out.The
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Armed Forces Covenant is currently more of a statement of intent then a
0:05:00 > 0:05:04statement of action. It does not guarantee the support serving
0:05:04 > 0:05:10personnel and veterans required. With the Secretary of State agree
0:05:10 > 0:05:14putting in an Armed Forces or a by body on a statutory footing would be
0:05:14 > 0:05:17a bold commitment to ensuring proper representation for personnel and
0:05:17 > 0:05:23veterans?What we have done, we have created the veterans board,
0:05:23 > 0:05:31co-chaired by previously the right honourable member for Ashford. Taken
0:05:31 > 0:05:43over my myself and the Right Honourable member for Aylesbury. We
0:05:43 > 0:05:47have been trying to achieve feedback on creation of the sport. It is not
0:05:47 > 0:05:51just about the Ministry of Defence. Also about every government
0:05:51 > 0:05:56department. About every local authority in the country. Also about
0:05:56 > 0:06:01businesses. Businesses helping and supporting our veterans and our
0:06:01 > 0:06:08service personnel.Housing regularly tops the list of concerns expressed
0:06:08 > 0:06:11by the Armed Forces families Federation as my right honourable
0:06:11 > 0:06:21friend would know. Since 2014 Carrillion has been responsible for
0:06:21 > 0:06:2850,000 of those service times. They are taking calls from concerned
0:06:28 > 0:06:34families every day. What will he do, given that Carrillion is about to
0:06:34 > 0:06:37collapse, those calls will be responded to appropriately. And
0:06:37 > 0:06:41service housing is dealt with in the longer term.I thank my right
0:06:41 > 0:06:48honourable friend. There were some problems. My right honourable
0:06:48 > 0:06:53friend, the minister, and a member for Bournemouth East has been doing
0:06:53 > 0:06:56an awful lot, in terms of working with Carrillion to tackle the
0:06:56 > 0:07:01issues. We will put all efforts to make sure the accommodation of our
0:07:01 > 0:07:06service personnel is to be very high standards with the partners we work
0:07:06 > 0:07:14with.Thank you very much indeed Mr Speaker. A very important part of
0:07:14 > 0:07:21the covenant is indeed housing for Armed Forces families. Whilst
0:07:21 > 0:07:26recognising that Carrillion is a separate entity from a given
0:07:26 > 0:07:31existing concerns about capacity and performance, what contingency plans
0:07:31 > 0:07:36that the Minister have, if there are knock-on effects for Armed Forces
0:07:36 > 0:07:41housing in light of today's's worrying news?Can I assure the
0:07:41 > 0:07:44House we have been monitoring this closely, working with industrial
0:07:44 > 0:07:49partners? There will be a Cobra meeting today to address the most
0:07:49 > 0:07:55immediate issues. And the right honourable member for Bournemouth
0:07:55 > 0:08:00East will be walking with them to make sure standards are driven up.
0:08:00 > 0:08:11To make sure no one notices a fall in service.Number two, Speaker.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16With permission Mr Speaker I should like to answer questions two, 13 and
0:08:16 > 0:08:2916 together. The SDSR brought together our strategy for a thriving
0:08:29 > 0:08:34defence sector. We have published our shipbuilding strategy and
0:08:34 > 0:08:40publish defence policy. Industry have welcomed all of these. I was
0:08:40 > 0:08:44delighted last month to sign the biggest typhoon order in a decade
0:08:44 > 0:08:50was worth £6 billion.Our Nato allies ought to be living up to
0:08:50 > 0:08:53their commitments of two
0:08:56 > 0:09:03-- two percent of GDP spending. Does he agree with me if all members of
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Nato lived up to their commitments, they would be a boost to the British
0:09:08 > 0:09:13defence manufacturing sector, therefore high skilled British jobs?
0:09:13 > 0:09:16My honourable friend makes a valuable point. He is absolutely
0:09:16 > 0:09:21right, if everybody lived up to the commitments in terms of Nato
0:09:21 > 0:09:24spending, and capital equipment, Britain could be a major beneficiary
0:09:24 > 0:09:31of this. This was a point I have made repeatedly with Nato defence
0:09:31 > 0:09:36ministers this it is making sure we have a right products on offer so we
0:09:36 > 0:09:41can sell it right around globe. This is something we can be very proud of
0:09:41 > 0:09:45in this country, as we continue to make significant and important deals
0:09:45 > 0:09:52across the globe.We'll be Secretary of State confirm that by 2020, 20%
0:09:52 > 0:09:57of our defence budget is set to be spent in the US? Not supporting UK
0:09:57 > 0:10:04jobs, design, engineering and manufacturing. We look at defence
0:10:04 > 0:10:08spending policy, which excludes social employment policies.We're
0:10:08 > 0:10:12very proud we continue to sell more and more to the United States. It is
0:10:12 > 0:10:17manufactured designed and built. We will continue to do that. We have
0:10:17 > 0:10:20some world leading companies continuing to lead the way in this
0:10:20 > 0:10:28field.The defence industrial refresh was extremely disappointing.
0:10:28 > 0:10:35Particularly in the failure to include a change to Javier MFT
0:10:35 > 0:10:40calculates impact in cities like my own Portsmouth. -- particularly the
0:10:40 > 0:10:47way the MoD calculates. Could the secretary of state explain why?The
0:10:47 > 0:10:51refresher has been broadly welcomed by industry. I'm sure the refresh
0:10:51 > 0:10:54will be followed by future refreshes, happy to look at future
0:10:54 > 0:10:59options going forward.One where supporting defence exports, is
0:10:59 > 0:11:05making more of the relationship and sharing platforms. A great way of
0:11:05 > 0:11:10doing that would be to have three of the firepower is operating on the
0:11:10 > 0:11:12same platforms and the same frigates. Can the Defence Secretary
0:11:12 > 0:11:20's sake every effort will be made at the top of government to support the
0:11:20 > 0:11:28export of typing 26.My honourable friend makes a good point in terms
0:11:28 > 0:11:35of maintaining the five i relationship. I have made this a
0:11:35 > 0:11:38most radiant counterpart. This is not just British products, Canadian,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Australian. I have encourage them to purchase this platform going
0:11:43 > 0:11:51forward.In any defence contract. What conditions does government put
0:11:51 > 0:11:54in to sure the use of British Labour, new apprenticeships and
0:11:54 > 0:12:01British components?The MoD has created 20,000 apprenticeships
0:12:01 > 0:12:06scheme is over the last few years. Everything we do in terms of
0:12:06 > 0:12:11negotiation with firms, UK-based firms or international firms is
0:12:11 > 0:12:19trying to bring as much work content flirting.The smaller UK companies
0:12:19 > 0:12:23in this field, they have a very valuable role to play in
0:12:23 > 0:12:29procurement?What we need to be doing more, working at how we can
0:12:29 > 0:12:33bring small and medium-sized businesses into the supply chain of
0:12:33 > 0:12:37the Ministry of Defence. Sterling work has already been done, over the
0:12:37 > 0:12:41past few years. How can we double down on this, make sure more small
0:12:41 > 0:12:47and mid-size businesses benefit from MoD contracts?At the Defence
0:12:47 > 0:12:52Secretary will know, the government signed a letter of intent with the
0:12:52 > 0:12:58Qatar government for six new Hawker aircraft. Members at the plant say
0:12:58 > 0:13:04even if the deal goes through they'll have to be headcount in the
0:13:04 > 0:13:07production line. What does the government estate to workers about
0:13:07 > 0:13:13their jobs?Later on this afternoon I will be meeting with the Qatar
0:13:13 > 0:13:18Defence Minister in order to try and push the issue of making sure we
0:13:18 > 0:13:23deliver on the statement of intent, in terms of the purchase of the six
0:13:23 > 0:13:31Hawk aircraft. I met the Emir of Kuwait, as one of the Prime Minister
0:13:31 > 0:13:36and Defence Secretary, to push the 12th Hawk aircraft we are
0:13:36 > 0:13:39desperately hoping the Kuwaitis will look at purchasing. This will make
0:13:39 > 0:13:43an important impact on the honourable lady's constituency, and
0:13:43 > 0:13:49so many others.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Minister for
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Defence Procurement on his new job. I'm sure that he will do his best to
0:13:58 > 0:14:02ensure fairness in defence procurement. I would very much hope
0:14:02 > 0:14:07that the Defence Secretary will dispel the rumours regarding the £3
0:14:07 > 0:14:11billion contract for the new mechanised infantry vehicle. Will
0:14:11 > 0:14:14the Defence Secretary take this opportunity to give a commitment
0:14:14 > 0:14:18that there will not be a cosy Geale Dominic Dale with the Germans but a
0:14:18 > 0:14:22fair and open competition for the prime contract?So, what we have
0:14:22 > 0:14:29been doing is working to get a clearer idea of what the Army needs
0:14:29 > 0:14:32going forward -- cosy deal with the Germans. My honourable friend is new
0:14:32 > 0:14:36into the job and will be looking at the options as to how we take this
0:14:36 > 0:14:39forward and making sure that we get the best deal, the best value and
0:14:39 > 0:14:43make sure we get the right equipment for the British Army, and he will be
0:14:43 > 0:14:49looking at the details as he gets his feet under the desk.
0:14:49 > 0:14:55Question number three, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, the MOD increasingly
0:14:55 > 0:15:01strives to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation. The defence,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04diversity and inclusion strategy is currently being reviewed and to
0:15:04 > 0:15:07continue to ensure it has the desired impact on the organisation,
0:15:07 > 0:15:11I look forward to publishing the paper later this year.Doctor
0:15:11 > 0:15:16Roberta Blackman-Woods.Having a more diverse Armed Forces clearly
0:15:16 > 0:15:21adds to their effectiveness, but unfortunately the latest figures
0:15:21 > 0:15:29show that the number of BAE regular personnel has only risen 0.5% since
0:15:29 > 0:15:322015, so what specific initiatives does the MOD have to improve on
0:15:32 > 0:15:38this? The Honourable Lady will be aware of
0:15:38 > 0:15:40the latest advertising campaign going through and she is absolutely
0:15:40 > 0:15:49right. -- BAME. If we are to reflect society we must recruit across
0:15:49 > 0:15:55society from BAME and women as well and we have a 10% target for BAME
0:15:55 > 0:16:00and 50% for women by 2020 Adah hoped to achieve that.I strongly support
0:16:00 > 0:16:05the minister's decision to encourage more Tupe people and women to join
0:16:05 > 0:16:08the Armed Forces. What has led to the conclusion that the new
0:16:08 > 0:16:11advertising campaign to which he alluded, which is rather less
0:16:11 > 0:16:15robust, will be more successful in doing that rather than be good
0:16:15 > 0:16:21old-fashioned "Be the best"?He will be aware that the be the best
0:16:21 > 0:16:26campaign continues and he will also be aware that we must recruit from a
0:16:26 > 0:16:29more diverse footprint and that means that we have two dispel some
0:16:29 > 0:16:31of the messages that are out there and that's exactly what this new
0:16:31 > 0:16:39campaign is seeking to do.Douglas Chapman.Could the Minister give
0:16:39 > 0:16:46workers in my constituency on the future work programme around the
0:16:46 > 0:16:49dockyard following the carrier contracts, just wondered if you
0:16:49 > 0:16:52would be able to meet with me in the constituency to discuss with unions
0:16:52 > 0:16:58and management about the future work programme.I struggle to identify
0:16:58 > 0:17:03the relationship between the question posed and that of which the
0:17:03 > 0:17:08House was treating. But I will charitably attribute this to my
0:17:08 > 0:17:11inability fully to hear the honourable gentleman. If the
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Minister wishes to alert out an extremely brief reply I think we
0:17:16 > 0:17:21should indulge the fellow.I hope I never blurt out anything in this
0:17:21 > 0:17:24chamber, Mr Speaker, but I will say with courtesy to the honourable
0:17:24 > 0:17:28member that if you would like to meet my honourable friend the new
0:17:28 > 0:17:31perfume administer, they could come to some arrangement.That sounds
0:17:31 > 0:17:34very encouraging. On the matter of equality and diversity, Let's hear
0:17:34 > 0:17:39from the Lincolnshire night.Of course the Armed Forces should be
0:17:39 > 0:17:44welcoming to all and open to all, irrespective of their gender, race,
0:17:44 > 0:17:48or sexuality, but is it not better to state this in general terms,
0:17:48 > 0:17:53after all we are all part of a minority, as you have alluded to, Mr
0:17:53 > 0:17:57Speaker. I'm part of many minorities in my views and the Armed Forces
0:17:57 > 0:18:02should be representative and represent the whole nation.They
0:18:02 > 0:18:06should do, Mr Speaker, and that is why even in the time frame of this
0:18:06 > 0:18:10government we have seen the number of women, for example, in one star
0:18:10 > 0:18:14postings or above increase from 10-20 and it's also one that we have
0:18:14 > 0:18:18opened up every single role in the Armed Forces to women as well.
0:18:18 > 0:18:26Royston Smith. The government's policy on the use
0:18:26 > 0:18:30of remotely piloted air systems target Daesh fighters in Syria and
0:18:30 > 0:18:35Iraq is no different to targeting conducted by manned aircraft. All UK
0:18:35 > 0:18:40targeting is conducted in accordance with UK and international law.
0:18:40 > 0:18:46Royston Smith.Thank you, Mr Speaker, other drones piloted in the
0:18:46 > 0:18:50same way as fixed wing strike aircraft but the pilots do not have
0:18:50 > 0:18:54the same service life as pilots on front line squadrons. Some drone
0:18:54 > 0:18:57pilots find it difficult to switch between being on live operations and
0:18:57 > 0:19:02being at home with their family. With the Secretary of State confirm
0:19:02 > 0:19:05what support we give to drone pilots and does it recognise the peculiar
0:19:05 > 0:19:11circumstances of their role?We do recognise the fact that this is a
0:19:11 > 0:19:15new form of warfare and we have been working very closely with those
0:19:15 > 0:19:19engaged in it, making sure that they have the support and the support is
0:19:19 > 0:19:23put in place before they go on operations during and after. We are
0:19:23 > 0:19:27also working very closely with the United States they're forced to make
0:19:27 > 0:19:31sure that we learn the lessons that they have learned over the past few
0:19:31 > 0:19:38years so that our personal stomach service personnel benefit. -- our
0:19:38 > 0:19:41personnel benefit.The one thing over anything is that legitimises
0:19:41 > 0:19:46the use of force is the rule of law, so could I ask the Secretary of
0:19:46 > 0:19:51State to further what he said a moment ago, UK operations will
0:19:51 > 0:19:54always comply with the rules of armed conflict and Geneva
0:19:54 > 0:20:01Convention?Yes, they do. Question number six, Mr Speaker.Mr
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Speaker, the MOD is carefully considering the recommendations of
0:20:04 > 0:20:09the Armed Forces competition scheme review. It as was been the intention
0:20:09 > 0:20:13to publish a response a year after publication of this review, which
0:20:13 > 0:20:21came out in every 2017.I thank him for his response. I wonder if as
0:20:21 > 0:20:23part of the Government's response to the concentration that he will
0:20:23 > 0:20:27consider the fact that since the establishment of the compensation
0:20:27 > 0:20:31scheme 11 years ago, only 56% of claims have been given awards, 96%
0:20:31 > 0:20:36of those are in the lowest four levels of support, 60% of those
0:20:36 > 0:20:42low-level awards which are appealed receiving increasing the award, and
0:20:42 > 0:20:46that Tumi demonstrates a significant percentage, which demonstrates flaws
0:20:46 > 0:20:49in the original decision-making process. I wondered if the Minister
0:20:49 > 0:20:52would commit to urgently approving those first stage decision-making to
0:20:52 > 0:20:55ensure veterans are given the support they deserve.I'm happy to
0:20:55 > 0:21:02look at those concerns the lady raises. The review took place in
0:21:02 > 0:21:092016 and overall we were found to be on track and fit purpose. We are
0:21:09 > 0:21:14making changes that will be announced later in the year.Thank
0:21:14 > 0:21:17you, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, on these benches we strongly welcome
0:21:17 > 0:21:20reforms to the compensation scheme to make it fairer and easier to
0:21:20 > 0:21:25access but we are concerned at government proposals to prevent
0:21:25 > 0:21:30Armed Forces personnel and their families from seeking legal redress
0:21:30 > 0:21:33where there are failings that need to be highlighted. Not only would
0:21:33 > 0:21:38this remove an important legal right for injured service members, but it
0:21:38 > 0:21:43could also prevent the Ministry of Defence from learning lessons from
0:21:43 > 0:21:48past decisions. So, will the Minister agree to think again and
0:21:48 > 0:21:52preserve the right of redress for personnel and their families?As I
0:21:52 > 0:21:58alluded to in the previous answer, nothing has been made and I will
0:21:58 > 0:22:02present a conclusion to the results in due course and I will bear in
0:22:02 > 0:22:08mind what he said.Question number seven, please, Mr Speaker.Mr Mark
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Lancaster.This government is committed to increasing our maritime
0:22:11 > 0:22:14hydro project our influence across the world and promote national
0:22:14 > 0:22:21prosperity. -- maritime power. We will spend £63 billion on new ships
0:22:21 > 0:22:24and submarines over the next decade and we are committed to increasing
0:22:24 > 0:22:31the number of personnel in the Royal Navy.As the Minister will note the
0:22:31 > 0:22:34strongest arm of the Royal Navy is the Royal Marines. Can the Minister
0:22:34 > 0:22:38update the House on the work on going to transform the Royal
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Marines' home base in South Devon into a world leading facility and
0:22:41 > 0:22:44how this will enhance our national amphibious capability plans to
0:22:44 > 0:22:49ensure we continue to be done at the full our national and native
0:22:49 > 0:22:53priorities?In my previous role I was responsible for the better
0:22:53 > 0:22:56defence and State strategy and I can confirm it remains the intent to
0:22:56 > 0:23:02dispose of the Royal Citadel in Stonehouse in 2024 and 2027 and to
0:23:02 > 0:23:06read provide for the Royal Marines units in either Plymouth for
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Torpoint. At this point I can't confirm exactly what form that will
0:23:09 > 0:23:12take as further work is required but I will update the House in due
0:23:12 > 0:23:18course.Luke Pollard.The lack of clarity, leeks and confusion around
0:23:18 > 0:23:20the national security review is hitting morale and morale affects
0:23:20 > 0:23:24capability in the Royal Navy. With uncertainty over Plymouth's HMS
0:23:24 > 0:23:29Albion and bulwark and the proposal to merge the Royal Marines with the
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Parachute Regiment, will the Minister clear up confusion and
0:23:32 > 0:23:38without the Navy cuts and merger? Well, I'm sorry to have to
0:23:38 > 0:23:41disappoint the honourable member, but I can only repeat what has been
0:23:41 > 0:23:44said, that this government takes the security of our nation incredibly
0:23:44 > 0:23:48seriously and I think it's far more important that this review is robust
0:23:48 > 0:23:52and comprehensive and detailed, rather than rushed to make
0:23:52 > 0:23:54announcements, simply to appease the honourable gentleman.. Julian
0:23:54 > 0:24:01Lewis.Maybe take a moment to acknowledge the courageous service
0:24:01 > 0:24:05of Surgeon Captain Rick Jolly, whose death has just been announced. The
0:24:05 > 0:24:11only person to be awarded a Gallantry Medal by both sides in the
0:24:11 > 0:24:16Falklands War, Edward the Minister please take back to those conducting
0:24:16 > 0:24:22the review the united opinion on both sides of this House that any
0:24:22 > 0:24:29loss of frigates and amphibious vessels before they are due out of
0:24:29 > 0:24:34service date would be totally unacceptable?I'm grateful to my
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Right Honourable friend for highlighting the passing, the very
0:24:36 > 0:24:41sad passing of Commander Rick Jolly, he was indeed an absolute legend and
0:24:41 > 0:24:45the service you provided in the Falklands is just worth reading. It
0:24:45 > 0:24:52is unique to have been rewarded for his gallantry by both the United
0:24:52 > 0:24:57Kingdom and indeed the Argentinian forces. And I note his other point.
0:24:57 > 0:25:06SPEAKER:Yes, Chris Bryant.Thank you. Such a long pause. Doesn't the
0:25:06 > 0:25:15passage of the Russian frigate through the English channel just
0:25:15 > 0:25:18before Christmas proved the Russians are intent constantly on observing
0:25:18 > 0:25:23our capability on the high seas? Isn't it absolutely vital that we
0:25:23 > 0:25:29maintain that as high as possible? Absolutely. The Russian activity in
0:25:29 > 0:25:34the North Atlantic is as high as it has been since the end of the Cold
0:25:34 > 0:25:37War, which is why we constantly assess that and respond
0:25:37 > 0:25:44appropriately. HMS Echo Auburn is accompanied that Russian vessel
0:25:44 > 0:25:50during its passage through the Channel.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55Thank you, Mr Speaker. Can I reiterate what both sides of the
0:25:55 > 0:26:00House have said so far and add my concerns to the future of the Royal
0:26:00 > 0:26:06Marines and Royal Navy. To my view any cutting of the Royal Marines, or
0:26:06 > 0:26:12any further part of our amphibious fleet, one already having gone to
0:26:12 > 0:26:18the Brazilians, is absolutely out of order and totally unacceptable.My
0:26:18 > 0:26:22honourable friend is a champion for the Armed Forces, and of course I
0:26:22 > 0:26:26note his own service. I can simply repeat what has been said, that I
0:26:26 > 0:26:29absolutely recognise the contribution that both the Royal
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Marines and Royal Navy have made. I was deeply honoured to be able to
0:26:32 > 0:26:37award green beret, to our Royal Marines in 2016 having accompanied
0:26:37 > 0:26:41them for a short run across the moors. I'm only too well aware of
0:26:41 > 0:26:45what they are capable of and I note his concerns.Jonathan Edwards.What
0:26:45 > 0:26:51assessments have been undertaken in naval capability to the inevitable
0:26:51 > 0:26:55response of the arms race of weapons of mass destruction which would
0:26:55 > 0:27:01follow the nuclear review in the US? I didn't catch the question, so if I
0:27:01 > 0:27:06may I will review and right to the honourable gentleman. SPEAKER:Yes.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11It was tangential to the strength of the Royal Navy I think it would be
0:27:11 > 0:27:17fair to say. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Well, we have
0:27:17 > 0:27:21heard ad nauseam from the government that the Royal Navy is growing. When
0:27:21 > 0:27:25this is demonstrably untrue. There continues to be a sharp divide
0:27:25 > 0:27:29between rhetoric and reality. It's utterly unacceptable, Mr Speaker,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32that this House should hear about the significant potential cuts from
0:27:32 > 0:27:36the newspapers, as we did yet again this weekend. Can the Defence
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Secretary refute the accuracy of these reports, and can he confirm
0:27:39 > 0:27:43that we're not going to see a repeat of the 2010 scale of to our Armed
0:27:43 > 0:27:49Forces?Welcome I must say it's deeply disappointing that the
0:27:49 > 0:27:53Honourable Lady comes to the dispatch box once again almost
0:27:53 > 0:27:59trying to sort of talk down our Royal Navy. In the opening comments.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03We are absolutely committed to some £63 billion worth of investment in
0:28:03 > 0:28:07our Royal Navy. Only shortly before Christmas we saw the Queen Elizabeth
0:28:07 > 0:28:12arriving in Portsmouth after £120 million worth of investment in
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Portsmouth. We have laid the first contracts for the first three type
0:28:15 > 0:28:2226 and looking at type 31. Nine new P8 aircraft. The investment in our
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Royal Navy is significant. So for her to come to this dispatch box and
0:28:27 > 0:28:34try and talk it down is deeply, deeply disappointing.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38Once again, we don't seem to have very clear answers on that front. We
0:28:38 > 0:28:44also know that a lack of personnel is a driving factor for decisions in
0:28:44 > 0:28:52the Royal Navy. Capita failing on recruitment targets. Failing to
0:28:52 > 0:28:59deliver savings, and bundling IT systems. What steps will the
0:28:59 > 0:29:04Minister be taking to do with that situation?We seem to be switching
0:29:04 > 0:29:14from the Navy to the Army. If it is in order, that is fine. There is
0:29:14 > 0:29:18continuing work when it comes in recruitment in the Army. At this
0:29:18 > 0:29:23point last year the application is up about 20%. There have been some
0:29:23 > 0:29:26minor glitches in the computer system, ironed out. I am confident
0:29:26 > 0:29:35we will see recruitment in the Army increasing. With your leave may I
0:29:35 > 0:29:41answer this question with question ten? Could I add a team if you are
0:29:41 > 0:29:49generous? The House is indebted. The MoD is committed to flexibility and
0:29:49 > 0:29:55choice. The future accommodation model is the programme which is
0:29:55 > 0:30:00advancing in a new way to offer choice to our Armed Forces,
0:30:00 > 0:30:06alternatively rent or buy a house. The families Federation having clear
0:30:06 > 0:30:11in their concerns about the accommodation model. A distinct lack
0:30:11 > 0:30:14of communication from the Department, and the Armed Forces
0:30:14 > 0:30:19families. When will this government bring forward some concrete
0:30:19 > 0:30:23proposals so that forces families have some clarity around the future.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27Mr Speaker, I firstly agreed it is very important we work closely with
0:30:27 > 0:30:31the family federations to make sure we look after their interest. I
0:30:31 > 0:30:36would say we have explained to them the proposals in place. I meet with
0:30:36 > 0:30:41them on a regular basis. My right honourable friend the Secretary of
0:30:41 > 0:30:44State has met with the recently to explain the role of this pilot
0:30:44 > 0:30:49scheme which will begin at the end of the year.It has been suggested
0:30:49 > 0:30:54this model will say £500 million. Also it will not reduce the total
0:30:54 > 0:30:59pot of money used to subsidise housing. Given we have been told no
0:30:59 > 0:31:04decisions have been made. Isn't it true the fiver to begin pounds
0:31:04 > 0:31:07figure has been plucked from the air, we really don't know the
0:31:07 > 0:31:12financial implications of this.Mr Speaker, let's turn this around.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16This is not about saving money committees offering choice to those
0:31:16 > 0:31:21we want to keep and retain in our Armed Forces. One of the reasons
0:31:21 > 0:31:24families choose to leave, or individuals do not because there is
0:31:24 > 0:31:29no choice. They are looking over their shoulders seeing people in
0:31:29 > 0:31:32civilian streets being able to invest in a house, to buy and rent.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37That is what we want to offer those of the Armed Forces.The Army
0:31:37 > 0:31:43Families Federation added that its service accommodation was replaced
0:31:43 > 0:31:47with a rental model, only 22% of the people surveyed would definitely
0:31:47 > 0:31:50remain in the Army. Does the Minister not agree that the future
0:31:50 > 0:31:54accommodation model risks a devastating impact on an already
0:31:54 > 0:31:59shaky retention?I don't quite recognise those figures. What we
0:31:59 > 0:32:03have done in working with the Federation is work out what the
0:32:03 > 0:32:08Armed Forces one. They want choice, particularly youngsters coming in.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13Some will want to continue living on the garrison, others will want to
0:32:13 > 0:32:17get on a housing ladder, and we need to help them, that is what we need
0:32:17 > 0:32:22to do for the Armed Forces.In terms of the future of accommodation, the
0:32:22 > 0:32:25most pressing worry of service personnel tonight will be that the
0:32:25 > 0:32:29parent company of the company that provides the maintenance of their
0:32:29 > 0:32:34quarters has just gone bust. Given the very great importance of their
0:32:34 > 0:32:38service to service personnel, particularly in the middle of
0:32:38 > 0:32:44winter, can I press the Minister further, and ask what plan B does
0:32:44 > 0:32:48the defence infrastructure organisation come up with to make
0:32:48 > 0:32:50sure maintenance will continue for service personnel through the
0:32:50 > 0:32:57winter?My right honourable friend is right to important question.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00There will be questions about the future of Carrillion. There is a
0:33:00 > 0:33:06statement to follow, I understand. From the defence perspective. The
0:33:06 > 0:33:10plan B was inheriting all the contract. These are joint ventures,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13if one of the company 's steps back, the obligation is for the other
0:33:13 > 0:33:18company to move forward and fill the space. We have been working on this
0:33:18 > 0:33:24for some time, prepared for this moment.I am fortunate to have
0:33:24 > 0:33:26visited several airbases as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary
0:33:26 > 0:33:32scheme. A concern expressed by many air of men and women is the state of
0:33:32 > 0:33:37face accommodation across the country. How can we Federation
0:33:40 > 0:33:44-- address this concern?I pay tribute to the committee, I hope
0:33:44 > 0:33:48there is not a single person who has not done the course or signed up to
0:33:48 > 0:33:53it. Gives you a fantastic insight as to what our brave Armed Forces
0:33:53 > 0:33:57personnel are doing. In relation to the future accommodation model, it
0:33:57 > 0:34:01is important people are not disenfranchised because of funding.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04We need to make sure no matter where you may read, it will be about the
0:34:04 > 0:34:09same up and down the country, that is the plan.Can I work on behalf of
0:34:09 > 0:34:14the Scottish National Party, the Minister to this place. The state
0:34:14 > 0:34:17secretary said in answer to an earlier question, in relation to
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Carrillion, military families should not see a difference in the service
0:34:21 > 0:34:28they receive. Isn't it a case they should be seeing a difference? With
0:34:28 > 0:34:331500 calls per day as mentioned by the right honourable member earlier,
0:34:33 > 0:34:43doesn't that not tell us something is wrong with the contract.I will
0:34:43 > 0:34:45extend their welcome to my right honourable friend, the new
0:34:45 > 0:34:49procurement Minister, he's very welcome. We need to understand what
0:34:49 > 0:34:53those calls are rough. If someone is failing to have a light bulb
0:34:53 > 0:34:57replaced, does that mean they're with the service, or they need a new
0:34:57 > 0:35:01light bulb? We need to be honest about what those calls are. When
0:35:01 > 0:35:04somebody is prevented from having, let's say a new light bulb as I
0:35:04 > 0:35:11mentioned, that they are compensated because of the inconvenience caused.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15Mr Speaker, we know it is not about light bulbs, it is about hot water
0:35:15 > 0:35:21and boilers, waiting to get them fixed. Is it any wonder that fewer
0:35:21 > 0:35:23than half the service families are happy with the colour accommodation
0:35:23 > 0:35:27model. When does he plan to get a grip of this, ending the dreadful
0:35:27 > 0:35:34service that the likes of companies like Carrillion are giving families?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37The honourable member is right, I should not be flippant about
0:35:37 > 0:35:41something so important. There are an awful lot of calls that cunning
0:35:41 > 0:35:44which are consistent with everyday management. Yes there are days when
0:35:44 > 0:35:47the boiler has gone, we need to make sure the individual family are
0:35:47 > 0:35:53compensated. We call the company and a couple of years ago. To say
0:35:53 > 0:35:56standards were slipping and they needed to be improved. Satisfaction
0:35:56 > 0:36:00surveys coming back since then, they say there is a dramatic increase. We
0:36:00 > 0:36:07need to keep working on this.Thank you Mr Speaker. We know the
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Conservatives have a poor record when it comes to making decisions on
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Armed Forces housing. The 1996 sell-off being the prime example
0:36:15 > 0:36:18bust that the MoD plans to sell a number of sites as part of the
0:36:18 > 0:36:22change to the defence estate. Unclear what will happen to the
0:36:22 > 0:36:26housing stock on those sites. For the Minister tell the House what
0:36:26 > 0:36:33plans are in place for housing when these sites are sold.Sitting back
0:36:33 > 0:36:37from defence questions, he will be aware there is a need for more
0:36:37 > 0:36:41housing in this country. It is very important that the Department of
0:36:41 > 0:36:46defence, that owns two percent of UK land, does its job in freeing up
0:36:46 > 0:36:54land we no longer lease, to make way for new housing. We started off with
0:36:54 > 0:37:04an announcement of 91 sites already made.Thank you Mr Speaker. Can I
0:37:04 > 0:37:09also thank members on both sides of the House for their warm welcome?
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Can take an opportunity to pay tribute to my premature
0:37:16 > 0:37:21-- predecessor for the work she did? The government is clear it is
0:37:21 > 0:37:25seeking it deepens and special partnership with the EU including on
0:37:25 > 0:37:29security matters. Important that you gain European industry can work
0:37:29 > 0:37:32together to deliver capabilities we need to keep us safe. We look
0:37:32 > 0:37:39forward to discussing future cooperation in the negotiations.The
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Minister does not make clear whether we will be part of the European
0:37:42 > 0:37:46defence fund, whether that is our ambition. Negotiations on the next
0:37:46 > 0:37:51stage of the European industrial development programme are taking
0:37:51 > 0:37:54place. What assessment has been made of the impact this will have on jobs
0:37:54 > 0:38:01in our aerospace, defence and security industries if we do leave?
0:38:01 > 0:38:06The impact would be significant, everybody would expect that. The
0:38:06 > 0:38:10intention and the government is to make sure moving forward, despite
0:38:10 > 0:38:12leaving the European Union, the relationship we have with European
0:38:12 > 0:38:17partners in terms of security and defence is enhanced and
0:38:17 > 0:38:21strengthened.Surely the Minister knows of the deep concern amongst
0:38:21 > 0:38:25our friends and allies across Europe, not just the European
0:38:25 > 0:38:29defence fund, but the fact this country is running down defence
0:38:29 > 0:38:33capacity, weakness in supporting Nato is under threat from leaving
0:38:33 > 0:38:40the European Union. People believe we will soon be using our seat at
0:38:40 > 0:38:43the Security Council. What does he say to our friends in Europe?The
0:38:43 > 0:38:47honourable gentleman is making a statement which I do not recognise.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51This country is one of the largest spenders on defence in the world.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54This country still meet its obligation in Nato. Our European
0:38:54 > 0:38:58partners are well aware the United Kingdom has a huge amount to offer
0:38:58 > 0:39:02them go forward. The picture painted by the honourable gentleman does not
0:39:02 > 0:39:11reflect the reality.I am sure the whole House will join me in paying
0:39:11 > 0:39:14tribute to the thousands who worked in munitions factories in both world
0:39:14 > 0:39:19wars. Producing vital equipment which helped us to fight to victory.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22For practical reasons it is not possible to pursue individual
0:39:22 > 0:39:27awards. The Department for business, energy and industrial strategy would
0:39:27 > 0:39:32be happy to work with colleagues across the House to recognise the
0:39:32 > 0:39:36collective record of munitions workers.My constituents wrote to me
0:39:36 > 0:39:40about her auntie who worked in emissions factory during the Second
0:39:40 > 0:39:47World War. Can I urge my right friend Jilly McGonagle friend to
0:39:47 > 0:39:52work with the Department for business and industrial strategy to
0:39:52 > 0:39:56ensure munitions workers are properly commemorated for the
0:39:56 > 0:40:02bravery and a half of this country for is I'm delighted to say we are
0:40:02 > 0:40:07in negotiations with the Department and will happily pursue the work.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12Last year I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Afful Parker a
0:40:12 > 0:40:1699-year-old former munitions worker, she is incredibly proud of her
0:40:16 > 0:40:21service. She will be 100 in May. I'm sure she will forgive me for
0:40:21 > 0:40:27mentioning her age. For her and many others time may well be running out.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31They would like to be at the opening of a memorial, ideally not in
0:40:31 > 0:40:35London, so they can visit. Can we progress this is a matter of
0:40:35 > 0:40:39urgency, as we have with other memorials, so they can see the
0:40:39 > 0:40:43testament to their work to deliver victory in World War I and World War
0:40:43 > 0:40:47II?I can only once again pay tribute to those members,
0:40:47 > 0:40:52constituency paid such an important part, well no longer in the First
0:40:52 > 0:40:56World War, but certainly the Second World War. I recognise the urgency.
0:40:56 > 0:41:03A similar issue when it came to honours from France. There are
0:41:03 > 0:41:13similar mechanisms in place. I will pursue this is a matter of urgency.
0:41:13 > 0:41:19Shut may I group this question with number 21 prison the answer is it
0:41:19 > 0:41:25was not group.I think we ought to indulge you.I think I may go out
0:41:25 > 0:41:30and buy a lottery ticket first I was getting confused.I know defence is
0:41:30 > 0:41:33his responsibility rather than arithmetic. The grouping was between
0:41:33 > 0:41:4014 and 21. Really rather difficult to put this with 21. The honourable
0:41:40 > 0:41:45gentleman should satisfy himself with what will be a high-quality
0:41:45 > 0:41:49answer to the honourable lady, the member for Canterbury.That is why
0:41:49 > 0:41:53you are the Speaker, I am just the Minister, Mr Speaker! Whilst much
0:41:53 > 0:42:02attention into defence debates focuses on those in uniform, we must
0:42:02 > 0:42:07recognise the service of family services to those who serve. I have
0:42:07 > 0:42:10met with the War Widows Association on several occasions, listening to
0:42:10 > 0:42:15their case for the reinstatement of war Widows pensions for those widows
0:42:15 > 0:42:20who have remarried or cohabited before the 1st of April 20 15. The
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Secretary of State is already appraised of the issue.We are
0:42:24 > 0:42:27considering a way forward.The honourable gentleman is a respected
0:42:27 > 0:42:32minister. On a very serious note, on the recognition I have the whole
0:42:32 > 0:42:37House with me on this matter. As we discovered not that long ago, the
0:42:37 > 0:42:43honourable gentleman is a very brave man.As the Minister will know,
0:42:43 > 0:42:48other tree and unjust transitions in pension status can have dire
0:42:48 > 0:42:52consequences for those who depend on them. Particularly shameful when
0:42:52 > 0:42:56those affected by the families of those prepared to make the ultimate
0:42:56 > 0:42:59sacrifice for our country. Members of my own family have been affected
0:42:59 > 0:43:05by this. Will the Minister directly to discuss this issue?Mr Speaker I
0:43:05 > 0:43:08would be delighted to meet with the honourable lady, particularly with
0:43:08 > 0:43:12her own experience of this particular matter. A very difficult
0:43:12 > 0:43:17issue. We must recognise War Widows pensions are not compensation for
0:43:17 > 0:43:22the loss of a spouse, that paid to assist with maintenance, but we must
0:43:22 > 0:43:26pay tribute to any family that has undertaken the burden of losing
0:43:26 > 0:43:31somebody in uniform to the service of this country.
0:43:31 > 0:43:40Question number 14, Mr Speaker.I think somebody will now volunteer.
0:43:40 > 0:43:47Nobody else is stepping forward so I will jump in, Mr Speaker. With your
0:43:47 > 0:43:52leave, question number 21. As the House is where pay rates are
0:43:52 > 0:43:55recommended by the Armed Forces independent pay review body and the
0:43:55 > 0:44:00senior salaries review body for the most senior officers. The next set
0:44:00 > 0:44:06of recommendations are expected in the spring.Does the Minister share
0:44:06 > 0:44:11my concern that all three services are running below strength? And that
0:44:11 > 0:44:18the delay in the lifting of the Armed Forces pay cap and the Armed
0:44:18 > 0:44:22Forces recruitment will only exacerbate the problem.Mr Speaker,
0:44:22 > 0:44:26I think the whole house, I hope, would agree that pay is not the
0:44:26 > 0:44:29reason people join the Armed Forces but it is also not the reason why
0:44:29 > 0:44:33people choose to leave the Armed Forces but we don't want it to
0:44:33 > 0:44:38become one. That's why I'm pleased that the Armed Forces salary review
0:44:38 > 0:44:42body has been liberated from the 1% pay freeze which has existed for a
0:44:42 > 0:44:50number of years.Satisfaction was found to be the lowest level of
0:44:50 > 0:44:56pensions Amaq recorded with pay and pensions with half of service
0:44:56 > 0:44:59personnel stating their pay and benefits are not fair for the hard
0:44:59 > 0:45:02work they do. How bad do things have to get before the government takes
0:45:02 > 0:45:08this seriously?Mr Speaker, I repeat the important situation changes that
0:45:08 > 0:45:14the pay freeze, the 1% pay freeze has had, that has been lifted and
0:45:14 > 0:45:18it's up to the pay review body to make recommendations. There is a
0:45:18 > 0:45:23complex process involved in Armed Forces pay including progressive
0:45:23 > 0:45:28pay, which is takes account of The X Factor and a variety of allowances
0:45:28 > 0:45:32that must be incorporated and considered as well.Question number
0:45:32 > 0:45:4317, Mr Speaker.Mr Speaker, there has been a comprehensive change in
0:45:43 > 0:45:47how we deal with mental health issues in the Armed Forces, as
0:45:47 > 0:45:52outlined in the mental health and well-being strategy, which I was
0:45:52 > 0:45:55privileged to launch last year. We have already seen the start of a
0:45:55 > 0:45:58cultural change in removing the stigma that for so long has been
0:45:58 > 0:46:01associated to those wanting to raise mental health concerns during their
0:46:01 > 0:46:08service time.Jo Swinson.I thank the Minister for the reply. A recent
0:46:08 > 0:46:13report found 31% of Armed Forces personnel and veterans with recent
0:46:13 > 0:46:16mental health problems had accessed and mental health specialist. Does
0:46:16 > 0:46:20the Minister agree that the high rates of medical discharge amongst
0:46:20 > 0:46:24UK personnel might prevent people seeking help out of fear it may in
0:46:24 > 0:46:27their career but with the government do to encourage people with mental
0:46:27 > 0:46:31health problems to seek help?The Honourable Lady is absolutely right,
0:46:31 > 0:46:34which is why we will have to introduce a fundamental change in
0:46:34 > 0:46:38our strategy. People were not coming forward. If you have a knee injury
0:46:38 > 0:46:42you declare it, show it, and get back into the line. If you have
0:46:42 > 0:46:45something wrong with your mind, soldiers, sailors, air personnel
0:46:45 > 0:46:49were reticent to come forward but that's changing. We're changing the
0:46:49 > 0:46:53stigma and we are grateful to the support of the Royal foundation for
0:46:53 > 0:46:57providing funding for extra studies on this important matter.Johnny
0:46:57 > 0:47:01Mercer. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Would my honourable friend agree with me,
0:47:01 > 0:47:04and we need to be careful around this narrative around veterans, that
0:47:04 > 0:47:09it would go too far down the road of promoting the idea that we will not
0:47:09 > 0:47:12contribute anything, it will not help us to meet the challenge and
0:47:12 > 0:47:20present mental health treatments on a fair and acceptable footing for
0:47:20 > 0:47:23our Armed Forces.Maybe I could take this opportunity to explain that the
0:47:23 > 0:47:27absolute majority of the 14,000 that leave the Armed Forces every single
0:47:27 > 0:47:31year, make the transition into civilian life without a problem
0:47:31 > 0:47:36whatsoever. In fact, the majority, 90% or so, are either in education
0:47:36 > 0:47:43or in a job within six months. But some require support and they often
0:47:43 > 0:47:47don't know where to find support on my Right Honourable friend the
0:47:47 > 0:47:49Secretary of State mentioned the Armed Forces veterans Gateway and
0:47:49 > 0:47:54this is the important portal, which opens up over 400 military facing
0:47:54 > 0:48:02charities, which can provide that support for our deserved veterans.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06The total number of 145 pilots formally applied to leave the Royal
0:48:06 > 0:48:10Air Force in the last three financial years. Does the Minister
0:48:10 > 0:48:14agree that the RAF must do everything possible to retain its
0:48:14 > 0:48:17experienced pilots, particularly in the light of competition from the
0:48:17 > 0:48:21civil sector? And will you look at the case of 100 experienced pilots
0:48:21 > 0:48:24disadvantaged in relation to their peers by the latest change to pay
0:48:24 > 0:48:30and conditions?I absolutely recognise that we do need to retain
0:48:30 > 0:48:34our experienced pilots. There are a number of financial retention
0:48:34 > 0:48:37schemes to do that. Equally, pilots have a choice as to whether or not
0:48:37 > 0:48:41they wish to remain to fly by going into specialists flying scheme, or
0:48:41 > 0:48:46stop flying going to the generals team. I found it deeply encouraging
0:48:46 > 0:48:50that since the announcement that we would be buying nine P8s the number
0:48:50 > 0:48:54of commercial pilots who have left the Royal Air Force who now want to
0:48:54 > 0:49:00rejoin.Mr Speaker, RAF pilots from Lossiemouth in my constituency and
0:49:00 > 0:49:02other military personnel in my constituency have contacted me about
0:49:02 > 0:49:09the SNP's tax, making Scotland the highest taxed part of the United
0:49:09 > 0:49:12Kingdom, and potentially making it a less desirable posting. Does the
0:49:12 > 0:49:16Minister agree with me that the SNP should drop these dangerous plans,
0:49:16 > 0:49:22but if they want, what support could the government give RAF personnel in
0:49:22 > 0:49:25Scotland who will face paying more tax than their counterparts south of
0:49:25 > 0:49:30the border?. Bang on about SNP policy, we don't need to do that. He
0:49:30 > 0:49:34should focus on the latter part of the question, which was orderly and
0:49:34 > 0:49:37did relate to the policy of the government, for which the esteemed
0:49:37 > 0:49:38minister is responsible.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44Mr Speaker, I wouldn't dream of banging on about the Scottish
0:49:44 > 0:49:48National Party, but it is of course for them to justify to our Armed
0:49:48 > 0:49:53Forces personnel about their higher rate of income tax. What I would say
0:49:53 > 0:49:58is I am yet to be contacted by any Royal Air Force pilots wishing to
0:49:58 > 0:50:01leave and I will continue to do my best to ensure that they want to
0:50:01 > 0:50:09stay in the Royal Air Force. Minister Paul Sweeney.Questioned
0:50:09 > 0:50:1220, Mr Speaker. The National shipbuilding strategy made clear
0:50:12 > 0:50:16that as non-lordships the fleet will be subject to international
0:50:16 > 0:50:20competition and that a clear cost of for money and advantages for
0:50:20 > 0:50:22maximising competition which remain the cornerstone of defence
0:50:22 > 0:50:24procurement. UK companies are welcome to participate in the
0:50:24 > 0:50:30competition.Thank you, Mr Speaker. South Korea building the tired class
0:50:30 > 0:50:36fleet tankers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have benefited from unfair
0:50:36 > 0:50:38state assistance from the South Korean government. Will the Minister
0:50:38 > 0:50:43give assurances that for the next batch of ships any ship yard
0:50:43 > 0:50:46worldwide benefiting from unfair state aid will be excluded from the
0:50:46 > 0:50:49competition and even better wouldn't commit the UK shipbuilders will be
0:50:49 > 0:50:54able to bid on that basis?I thank the honourable member for his
0:50:54 > 0:50:57question forth of the point in my initial answer is clear, we believe
0:50:57 > 0:51:00competition is a good thing and that means fair competition, so we'd be
0:51:00 > 0:51:04more than happy to look into the details of the comments made by the
0:51:04 > 0:51:06honourable member. We believe competition on this issue is the
0:51:06 > 0:51:15best way forward.Topical questions, Jim McMahon.Since becoming Defence
0:51:15 > 0:51:19Secretary I've asked the department to develop robust options for
0:51:19 > 0:51:22ensuring defence can match the future threats and challenges facing
0:51:22 > 0:51:27the nation. Shortly when the national security capability review
0:51:27 > 0:51:35finishes the Prime Minister and her colleagues will decide how to take
0:51:35 > 0:51:38forward its conclusions. I would not wish to pre-empt them. However, as
0:51:38 > 0:51:43the Prime Minister made clear in the speech at the Lord Mayor's banquet
0:51:43 > 0:51:48late last year, we face increasing and diversifying threats to this
0:51:48 > 0:51:52nation, and while the detail must wait until the NSC are concludes, I
0:51:52 > 0:51:57can assure this House that as long as I am Defence Secretary we will
0:51:57 > 0:52:03develop and sustain the capabilities necessary to maintain continuous
0:52:03 > 0:52:07at-sea deterrents. Carrier force capable of striking globally and the
0:52:07 > 0:52:12Armed Forces necessary to protect the North Atlantic, properly support
0:52:12 > 0:52:18our Nato allies, and protect the United Kingdom and its global
0:52:18 > 0:52:23interests. That is why I continue to work with the Prime Minister and
0:52:23 > 0:52:26Chancellor to secure a sustainable budget for defence to deliver the
0:52:26 > 0:52:31right capabilities now and in the future. Finally, I'd like to thank
0:52:31 > 0:52:37all those service personnel who gave so much and did so much over
0:52:37 > 0:52:45Christmas and New Year to make sure that this country remains safe. I
0:52:45 > 0:52:51thank the Secretary of State for his belated acceptance speech. The Army
0:52:51 > 0:52:59centre closed before the recruitment contract was handed over to capita.
0:52:59 > 0:53:06Not enough of the recruits were recruited. Will they reviewed to see
0:53:06 > 0:53:10if that has had an impact on new recruits coming through? We will
0:53:10 > 0:53:12always review anything that has an impact in terms of local recruitment
0:53:12 > 0:53:17and we certainly don't... We are always looking at it and we have
0:53:17 > 0:53:21seen a 50% increase in the number of people applying to join the Army and
0:53:21 > 0:53:24we want to build on that and make sure more and more people join our
0:53:24 > 0:53:29Armed Forces.Mr Speaker, as a proud civil engineer myself I'm excited by
0:53:29 > 0:53:35the prospect of this being the year junior. Can the Secretary of State
0:53:35 > 0:53:38tell the House what plans his department has to recruit more
0:53:38 > 0:53:42nuclear engineers for the Navy mechanical engineers for the Army
0:53:42 > 0:53:46and aeronautical engineers for the RAF to ensure we have sufficient of
0:53:46 > 0:53:52these critical in the years ahead? Minister.I'm thankful for the
0:53:52 > 0:53:55passion with which my honourable friend presented his question. Iain
0:53:55 > 0:53:59Moody supports engineers across the services including focusing on
0:53:59 > 0:54:03undergraduate, apprenticeships in the Royal Navy and engineers, stem
0:54:03 > 0:54:06events run by the army to inspire young people and enhanced digital
0:54:06 > 0:54:09marketing of the RAF to promote graduate engineering opportunities.
0:54:09 > 0:54:18John Mann.Considering the appalling state of some armed services
0:54:18 > 0:54:20accommodation and the amount of gold that we've poured down the throats
0:54:20 > 0:54:28of Carillion, is today and this week not a great opportunity to directly
0:54:28 > 0:54:33employ some of the maintenance staff and catering staff who could be
0:54:33 > 0:54:39automatically taken on by the MoD today, giving a good service,
0:54:39 > 0:54:42without the requirement to give a profit to Carillion or any other
0:54:42 > 0:54:46private sector company?Well, Mr Speaker, as I said earlier, there
0:54:46 > 0:54:50are plans in place to make sure that what is happening with Carillion is
0:54:50 > 0:54:52met, Valley continue providing the important accommodation for our
0:54:52 > 0:54:59service families and single accommodation as well.Cadets, Mr
0:54:59 > 0:55:03Speaker. At this time when there is so much pressure on this stomach his
0:55:03 > 0:55:06department will budget, can we make sure the Cadets who do so much to
0:55:06 > 0:55:11make sure that recruitment does go forward are properly protected and
0:55:11 > 0:55:15resourced -- so much pressure on his department.My honourable friend is
0:55:15 > 0:55:20a champion for the Cadets and with over 800 Cadets and 125 adult
0:55:20 > 0:55:23volunteers in 20 detachment is the Hereford and Worcestershire Army
0:55:23 > 0:55:26Cadet Force demonstrate how the Cadet experience provides
0:55:26 > 0:55:29opportunities for young people to develop self-discipline and
0:55:29 > 0:55:32resilience. I started my military career in the Cadets and I'm a great
0:55:32 > 0:55:35fan of the Cadets and we continue to support the Cadet expansion
0:55:35 > 0:55:43programme.The National shipbuilding strategy states that the type 31,
0:55:43 > 0:55:48there will be 40 orders to overseas nations. Seen that it's nearly 40
0:55:48 > 0:55:52years since we successfully exported any frigates, could the minister
0:55:52 > 0:55:56explain how this figure was arrived at? Is there any fact behind it, or
0:55:56 > 0:56:05is it just optimistic spin?It is disparaging on our ability as a
0:56:05 > 0:56:09nation. The aim of this country is to deal with past failures by
0:56:09 > 0:56:13ensuring that we have a platform which will appeal to nations across
0:56:13 > 0:56:16the world. We are confident at the MoD that the platform we are
0:56:16 > 0:56:20developing for the type 31 will be a platform that will appeal across the
0:56:20 > 0:56:23world and it would be good if some members, who claim to represent the
0:56:23 > 0:56:32industry would support it rather than attack it.Could he update the
0:56:32 > 0:56:36House with regard to the Royal Navy's crows nest system and join me
0:56:36 > 0:56:42in tribute to the company based in my constituency for developing this
0:56:42 > 0:56:51project?They will be operational from 2020 to support the initial
0:56:51 > 0:56:55operating capability for HMS Queen Elizabeth. We are on track for
0:56:55 > 0:57:00Crowsnest Pass service and like to thank the company as they are a key
0:57:00 > 0:57:03subcontractor for the positive engagement and collaborative
0:57:03 > 0:57:09approach in supporting this vital project for the Royal Navy.My
0:57:09 > 0:57:13honourable friend pointed out that 20% of our defence budget is spent,
0:57:13 > 0:57:16or recruitment budget, spent in the United States to which the Secretary
0:57:16 > 0:57:19of State suggested there are lots of the contracts we were selling to the
0:57:19 > 0:57:25USA. Could he say what they are?Of course. Just the other week I was
0:57:25 > 0:57:29listening and learning about all the things we do in terms of supporting
0:57:29 > 0:57:40the United States through the F-35 UTC which employers over 2000 people
0:57:40 > 0:57:49near my constituency, applying the actuators, again, another American
0:57:49 > 0:57:52company employing a British workforce, making sure that we are
0:57:52 > 0:57:56absolutely pivotal and part of the supply chain of this very important
0:57:56 > 0:58:06project that will generate many thousands of jobs.What has my Right
0:58:06 > 0:58:10Honourable friend made of the threat to Great Britain in the North
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Atlantic, can he assure me that the Royal Navy's submarine service has
0:58:13 > 0:58:17the resources needed to meet any such threat and provide a continuous
0:58:17 > 0:58:20at-sea deterrent?
0:58:20 > 0:58:25As I mentioned, in answer to the honourable member earlier, the level
0:58:25 > 0:58:29of naval activity we see from Russia is at its height since the Cold War.
0:58:29 > 0:58:32I'm sure that the House will appreciate that I can't go into too
0:58:32 > 0:58:37much detail. I can assure the House that our independent nuclear
0:58:37 > 0:58:41deterrent is continuously on patrol, as it has been every day now for
0:58:41 > 0:58:45nearly 50 years. Thank you Mr Speaker. A constituent
0:58:45 > 0:58:53of mine and a veteran of two tours of Afghanistan, former rifleman Lee
0:58:53 > 0:58:59Bagley, lost a leg after a non-theatre related injury incurred
0:58:59 > 0:59:05in February 2010. His subsequent complaint about delays to his
0:59:05 > 0:59:10treatment were dismissed, in part, because he was out of time. Will the
0:59:10 > 0:59:14minister, under proposals to improve the armed forces covenant, ensure
0:59:14 > 0:59:22that in any such circumstances again, the victim will have a full
0:59:22 > 0:59:25explanation of what he or she may expect from treatment and their
0:59:25 > 0:59:31rights available.Of course, the honourable member's constituent was
0:59:31 > 0:59:35the subject of an adjournment debate that he and I discussed, I think,
0:59:35 > 0:59:39some 18 months ago. And the advice at the time was that he should put
0:59:39 > 0:59:42in a complaint to the service complaints ombudsman. I'm not sure
0:59:42 > 0:59:46if that has been done. However, if I may I will take this opportunity to
0:59:46 > 0:59:50review the case and come back to the honourable gentleman.
0:59:50 > 0:59:54The ability to communicate is clearly key to our national economic
0:59:54 > 0:59:57and security interests. Could the minister say exactly what plans he
0:59:57 > 1:00:03has to protect those on the basis of the new threat posed by Russia to
1:00:03 > 1:00:07undersee communications and internet cables.This is a very delicate
1:00:07 > 1:00:12issue, however I can absolutely reassure my honourable friend that
1:00:12 > 1:00:16we have the capable to protect these assets. It would be inappropriate to
1:00:16 > 1:00:24say any more in this House.... Assesses effects of the delays to
1:00:24 > 1:00:29the 2018/19 pay negotiations on retention to the armed forces. Does
1:00:29 > 1:00:34he not agree that quadies are getting -- squaddies are getting a
1:00:34 > 1:00:38real terms wage cut but the Scottish Government is putting money in their
1:00:38 > 1:00:42pocket through the more progressive tax system.I'll be giving evidence
1:00:42 > 1:00:45to the independent pay review body next month and we'll be doing
1:00:45 > 1:00:49everything we can to make sure that they get paid as and when they're
1:00:49 > 1:00:55expected to do so. And let's not forget the fact that you - the
1:00:55 > 1:01:01Scottish Government is taking money out of service personnel wages.
1:01:01 > 1:01:08I very much welcome the establishment of the veterans board,
1:01:08 > 1:01:13would my right honourable friend task it that there's greatary warns
1:01:13 > 1:01:15of local government and public bodies of their duties and
1:01:15 > 1:01:19obligations under the covenant?Yes, you're absolutely right to highlight
1:01:19 > 1:01:24this. So often local authorities don't understand their duties and
1:01:24 > 1:01:29obligation that's rest upon their shoulders and we're not only just
1:01:29 > 1:01:32creating intentions to improve the lives of people who are serving in
1:01:32 > 1:01:38our armed forces, but putting money behind it, whether it's for premium,
1:01:38 > 1:01:40for service personnel children to make sure they get the right type of
1:01:40 > 1:01:44education for their children. We need service, we do need local
1:01:44 > 1:01:47authorities to work with the department to make sure that service
1:01:47 > 1:01:56personnel benefit.Thank you, Mr Speaker. In 2013, the regulatory
1:01:56 > 1:02:03reserve scheme was introduced. Since then, we have paid out over £29
1:02:03 > 1:02:08million and benefitted only with 480 deployable reservists. Would it not
1:02:08 > 1:02:14have been better to use this money to improve the conditions, the pay
1:02:14 > 1:02:20and the benefits of those in our regular forces and retaining them?
1:02:20 > 1:02:23I'm not sure I agree with the honourable lady's figures. I will
1:02:23 > 1:02:28look at them because I don't have them to hand. I think I absolutely
1:02:28 > 1:02:31defend what we have done quite successfully in increasing the size
1:02:31 > 1:02:35of the reserve. Compared to where we were three, four years ago, to now
1:02:35 > 1:02:42have a useable reserve as we do is a very positive thipg. -- thing. #
1:02:42 > 1:02:46Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating the Army on their
1:02:46 > 1:02:50new recruiting campaign, which shows the changing face and culture of our
1:02:50 > 1:02:54armed forces? Does he share my thoughts that the corporals and
1:02:54 > 1:03:01colour sergeants are now waiting training will ensure our Army is no
1:03:01 > 1:03:05less professional, robust and no less lethal.I agree with my
1:03:05 > 1:03:09honourable friend more. The British Army is the best in the world. What
1:03:09 > 1:03:13we want to do is to recruit from every walk of life, from every
1:03:13 > 1:03:18background. It does not matter where someone comes from, their sexuality
1:03:18 > 1:03:22or anything else. We want to have the best in our armed forces and
1:03:22 > 1:03:27that is what we'll achieve.I welcome what the Secretary of State
1:03:27 > 1:03:32said about his efforts to secure further Hawk orders. Could I remind
1:03:32 > 1:03:39him if we don't get those orders for BAe Systems at Brough, when they
1:03:39 > 1:03:43come to renew the arrows fleet, there won't be any ability to do
1:03:43 > 1:03:47that if those jobs are not there. If the orders haven't come through. So
1:03:47 > 1:03:52can I just remind him of that. I thank the honourable lady for
1:03:52 > 1:03:59reminding me of that. We have, I believe, 75 Hawk aircraft, which the
1:03:59 > 1:04:03Red Arrows bull from and are due -- pull from and are due to go to 2030.
1:04:03 > 1:04:08This is why we are working so hard to secure future orders for the Hawk
1:04:08 > 1:04:14aircraft and will continue to do so going forward.I welcome the
1:04:14 > 1:04:21minister's role and would he begin his role by boosting exports by
1:04:21 > 1:04:25pairing the national ship building and aerospace strategy?I thank my
1:04:25 > 1:04:28honourable friend for welcoming me to my role. The honourable gentleman
1:04:28 > 1:04:32makes a really important role. I'd be more than happy to take his
1:04:32 > 1:04:36representations on board as we move forward.
1:04:36 > 1:04:42How often does the veterans board meet? And what powers has it got?It
1:04:42 > 1:04:51meets twice a year and it has the ability to direct and ensure that
1:04:51 > 1:04:54ministers right across Government are doing what's needed. It will
1:04:54 > 1:05:00evolve. It will change. This is what we want to see. I can't remember
1:05:00 > 1:05:04such a body existing prior to 2010. I'm very proud of what our party has
1:05:04 > 1:05:08done for veterans and we will continue to do deliver for them,
1:05:08 > 1:05:14unlike other parties. THE SPEAKER:Order. Urnent question.