🫡 Cadet Forces

• Cadet Forces Importance Highlighted: MPs from various parties participated in a debate emphasizing the significance of cadet forces across the UK. They acknowledged the role of cadets in Remembrance Day events, showcasing their community engagement and commitment.

• Recognition Across Regions: Cadet forces’ contributions were highlighted in different regions, including Bracknell, Aldridge-Brownhills, Slough, and Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, cadets play a crucial role in uniting communities.

• Expansion and Funding: There was a discussion about the need to expand the cadet program and ensure sufficient funding. Concerns were raised about the lack of funding for the cadet expansion scheme, which predominantly targets Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) but should include all cadet forces.

• Social Mobility and Benefits: MPs praised the cadets for enhancing social mobility, especially for disadvantaged youth. A 2021 University of Northampton report was cited, showing positive impacts on self-esteem, career prospects, and school attendance among cadets.

• Volunteer Support: The importance of adult volunteers was stressed, with requests for better recognition and support for them. Volunteers contribute around 10.4 million hours annually, and there’s a call for policies to help them balance their commitments.

• Funding Details and Review: The Ministry of Defence’s annual spending on cadet forces is approximately £180 million. A review of the cadets tied to the strategic defence review is underway, aiming to address funding and support issues.

• Government’s View: The Minister for Veterans and People affirmed the government’s commitment to cadet forces, noting their value for money and societal benefits. Plans to increase the number of cadets in both schools and community settings were outlined.

• Future Considerations: Discussions included how to attract more volunteers and ensure broader access to cadet programs, particularly in state schools. The government is looking into innovative funding solutions and better alignment with local support organizations.

The session on cadet forces shows very low levels of disagreement among the participating members of Parliament. The debate is characterized by a unified appreciation and advocacy for the role of cadet forces in the UK. Throughout the session, there is consistent praise for the cadets’ contributions to community, education, and social mobility, and a shared concern for ensuring adequate funding and support for the cadet forces. Some of the key points that illustrate this lack of disagreement include:

• Peter Swallow, in his opening remarks, receives supportive interventions from Wendy Morton, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Jim Shannon, and Richard Foord, all of whom express positive views on the role and importance of cadets. For instance, Wendy Morton and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi highlight the community presence and funding needs of the cadet forces, respectively, showing alignment with Swallow’s points.
• The Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, further reinforces the consensus by stating the non-debatable benefits of the cadet forces and commitment to their funding and expansion, echoing the concerns raised by Swallow and others.
• The only question that could be seen as potentially challenging the government’s stance, from Richard Foord about the cessation of funding from the Department for Education, is addressed promptly and positively by Minister Carns, indicating continued governmental support and consideration in future strategic planning.
• Throughout the debate, members from different parties (Labour, Conservative, Democratic Unionist Party, and Liberal Democrats) all express similar views and endorse the cadets, showing bipartisan support.

There are no instances of direct confrontation or disagreement over policies or actions; rather, there is a collective call for enhancing the cadet forces, which supports the low disagreement rating of 1.