⚔️ Oral Answers to Questions

Commons Chamber

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The UK aims to bolster Ukraine’s position in its ongoing conflict with Russia by enhancing military aid and intensifying cooperation with allies in 2025. The government is also focusing on revitalizing the UK’s defense industry, particularly by increasing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the AUKUS partnership. Additionally, there’s a commitment to improving veterans’ support, with new initiatives for housing and mental health, reinforcing the nation’s contract with those who have served. The session also touched on the strategic defense review, expected to outline future defense spending and address capability gaps, aiming for a 2.5% GDP target by spring.

Summary

  • Ukraine Military Support:
    • The Defence Secretary, John Healey, highlighted the ongoing conflict, marking day 1,049 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized 2025 as a critical year, with plans to enhance UK training, increase defence industrial co-operation, and boost military aid to Ukraine.
    • £225 million in new military assistance was recently announced for Ukraine, alongside efforts to pressure Russia, including activating the joint expeditionary force to monitor Russian shadow fleet activities after a reported Baltic cable incident.
  • Support for Ukraine’s Borders:
    • In response to questions about supporting Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, the Defence Secretary stated that the UK’s role is to support Ukraine in its fight and any subsequent negotiations, leaving the decision on terms and timing to Ukraine.
  • AUKUS Procurement and SMEs:
    • The AUKUS partnership is expected to create opportunities for hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and generate 7,000 new jobs in UK shipyards and supply chains.
    • Concerns were raised about the impact of recent tax and insurance changes on UK SMEs’ ability to compete in the AUKUS deal, but the Government is committed to boosting the UK economy by focusing on domestic sourcing.
  • Defence Spending:
    • The Government plans to increase defence spending and has committed to an additional £3 billion next year, with a target to reach 2.5% of GDP on defence by spring, as part of a strategic defence review.
  • Defence Equipment and Procurement:
    • There are concerns about the efficiency of defence spending, with only two out of 49 major projects on time and budget. The Government is focused on reducing waste and improving procurement processes.
  • Support for Veterans:
    • The Government has taken steps to improve veterans’ support, including £3.7 million in housing grants, exemptions from the local connection test for social housing, and recognition of veteran ID cards for voting.
    • Efforts are underway to support veterans’ mental health and housing needs, including through operations like Courage, Fortitude, and initiatives to reduce veteran homelessness.
  • Armed Forces Commissioner:
    • Progress is being made on appointing an independent armed forces commissioner, with the relevant legislation currently progressing through Parliament.
  • Military Housing:
    • A significant deal to renationalize service housing was highlighted, saving the taxpayer £230 million annually. This move aims to address long-standing issues with military accommodation and improve living conditions for military personnel and their families.
  • Transatlantic Co-operation on Ukraine:
    • The Defence Secretary confirmed ongoing discussions with the US on supporting Ukraine, emphasizing continued support for as long as it takes.
  • Defence Industrial Strategy and SMEs:
    • The strategy aims to increase support for SMEs in the defence sector, reducing barriers and promoting onshore production capabilities. Visits to regional defence businesses were encouraged to facilitate this.
  • Nuclear Test Veterans:
    • Attention was drawn to the ongoing campaign for justice and recognition of nuclear test veterans, with the Minister committing to ongoing engagement with relevant charities and groups.
  • Defence Capabilities and Recruitment:
    • Efforts to address capability gaps inherited from the previous government, along with recruitment and retention issues, are part of the upcoming strategic defence review.
  • International Collaboration:
    • The Government is deepening defence relationships with European allies, including Germany, Estonia, and France, to enhance security and support initiatives like Ukraine aid.
  • Defence Procurement Challenges:
    • The Ajax procurement issue was mentioned as a costly failure, with assurances that lessons learned from the Sheldon report are being implemented to improve future projects.
  • Submarine Dismantling Programme:
    • Updates were given on the submarine dismantling programme, noting ongoing work and the potential for job creation in related areas.

Overall, the session focused on reinforcing support for Ukraine, improving defence capabilities, supporting veterans, and enhancing the UK’s defence industrial strategy.

Divisiveness

The parliamentary session exhibits a moderate level of disagreement among the participants. Key instances include:

  1. Disagreement on the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) Timeline: There was contention between the Secretary of State John Healey and the shadow Secretary of State James Cartlidge regarding the timing of the SDR. Cartlidge challenged Healey’s claim that the SDR would be published in the spring, citing inconsistencies in previous statements. Healey responded by defending his position, leading to a clear disagreement on the accuracy and interpretation of the timeline.

  2. Defence Procurement and Industrial Strategy: There were several exchanges on the effectiveness and direction of defence procurement policies. For instance, Alan Strickland highlighted the struggles of SMEs with MOD procurement rules, indicating a dissatisfaction with current policies. Maria Eagle responded with plans to address these issues, showing acknowledgment but also a difference in perspective on the current state versus future plans.

  3. Diego Garcia Agreement: A notable disagreement arose over the Diego Garcia deal, with James Cartlidge criticizing it as a ‘terrible deal’ and questioning its cost implications. John Healey defended the agreement, emphasizing its strategic importance and international support, which underscored a significant policy disagreement.

  4. Military Housing and Veterans’ Support: While there was general agreement on the importance of improving military housing and veterans’ support, there were underlying criticisms of past management and current conditions, such as Paul Foster’s remarks on the long-standing poor condition of military accommodation. This indicates some level of disagreement on the handling and progress of these issues.

Overall, the session contained a mix of supportive questions and critical challenges, reflecting a moderate level of disagreement typical in parliamentary debates over policy and strategy.