Commons Chamber

Thursday 26th June 2025

(began 4 hours, 51 minutes ago)

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09:34
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None Portrait Oral questions: Transport
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Order, we start with questions.
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None Portrait Q2. What steps she is taking to help improve local bus services. (904827)
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Question number two.
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Simon Lightwood Portrait Simon Lightwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) (Wakefield and Rothwell, Labour )
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I'm not going to take lectures from the party opposite who were responsible for 300 million fewer miles driven by buses under their watch and as I have explained on various occasions, the franchising in Greater Manchester is just one kind and full franchising, as it is commonly known exist and there are various other means including the model adopted in Jersey, which is a partnership between the operators and local transport authorities and they can benefit from skills and knowledge as well.

I've corrected this in committee and I do not recognise the figures he is referring to because it is delivering faster, better, smoother, more reliable services to the people of Manchester at an affordable price. Sting we have four hours of price. Sting we have four hours of build committee to rehearse these issues it again later today and the issues it again later today and the Minister said he is providing £1 billion of support for buses this billion of support for buses this year but he knows, surely, that £700 million of that goes to help local authorities navigate the huge burdens that come with franchising burdens that come with franchising and the other schemes, leaving just £255 million for services across the whole of England, just enough to whole of England, just enough to satisfy Andy Burnham for one year satisfy Andy Burnham for one year but there is full fat being followed by Liverpool and the West Midlands by Liverpool and the West Midlands down the line.

Where is the money to support these ambitions, I ask again. He is aware that places like Greater Manchester are part of the group of authorities that received £15.6 billion in order to spend in their local areas and, of course, it's important to recognise the extraordinary performance of buses in Greater Manchester and once again we are not telling local areas which model to adopt with buses. It could be franchising, improved and enhanced partnerships, removing the barrier on municipal bus companies.

barrier on municipal bus companies.
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None Portrait Business Statement: Business Questions to the Leader of the House
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Will the leader give the house the forthcoming business?
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Jesse Norman Portrait Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP (Hereford and South Herefordshire, Conservative)
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Thank you. I am afraid to say that the past week has been another horror show for the government. This is Armed Forces week, as the house will know. It is a time to celebrate and champion all those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces, and nowhere more than in my own county of Herefordshire. We must also note that, far from celebrating the Armed Forces, this government deliberately opened the door last year to unfair and vexatious prosecutions of veterans who served decades ago in Northern Ireland, and it has helped keep that door open.

What else? The abortion act was debated for more than a year, but the government allowed no notice for public debate on the amendment last week, and it gave just two hours of debate in the chamber on the biggest change in abortion law in nearly 60 years. What anyone thinks of the issue, it is a bad way to make legislation. What else? Defence ministers were left out of the loop of nuclear facilities and were unable to say whether or not they support this action by the closest ally.

We expressed deep concerns of the welfare bill and the government has promised to bring the bill forward next week. Let's see if it does. Having only just you turned on the winter fuel payment, and again on grooming gangs last week, the government prepared itself for a U- turn on the Child Benefit, less than a year since it suspended seven Labour MPs for voting against that. And this is just one week. Is it any wonder that the prime ministers personal reputation has continued to plummet? Only yesterday, The Times of London said not quite a year has passed since his general election victory, and already has political stock has called it status with the stock has called it status with the Zimbabwean dollar.

You may recall that this was a monetary instrument which led to hyperinflation and political collapse. This is coming from The Times of London. Why don't we dig in further to one reason why the prime ministers reputation might have fallen so much. Following the pay settlements of last year, the doctors have announced that they are excited at the idea of six months of strike action. Meanwhile, hospital consultants are looking to see if they will strike as well. There is a 22% increase after Labour took office, and other junior doctors are demanding a further pay increase of 29%.

These are I watering numbers, and of course, we will all end up paying if they are granted, but of course, this is exactly what you would expect from a government that has pledged the cash since the elections. It is hardly surprising that the unions think they have an open door to extract money from the Treasury, and has made the money worse with nationalisations and by abolishing NHS England. It acted as a firebreak on union lobbying because it operated so independently by abolishing it.

The government has removed the few means they have to face down extortionate demands for more pay and more restrictive finances. The same is true with railways as each one is nationalised. So, the obstacles demanded are being removed. The house will report a massive pay settlement with no attempt to negotiate to any efficiency gains, so the amount of time before those unions come back for more as doctors are doing. These are not paid bargains but an abject surrender. Ministers themselves are reported to be union members.

As far as I can see, leader of the is an exception to this. She is not a union member, and all credit to her for that. She is in fact a union member and therefore fully complicit in the same problem. But it means that the Treasury itself is now the only holdout against union demand. Little wonder the chances look so unhappy and out of sorts, and that is before the deputy minister started seeking memos in tax increases. The unions know the government is vulnerable and they have come back for more.

We know that the government is running scared as well, led by committee chairs who are starting to get organised. So, can the leader positively and personally now confirm that the welfare ill vote will take place next Tuesday? will take place next Tuesday?
10:38
Lucy Powell Portrait Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Manchester Central, Labour )
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Can I start by wishing to jeopardy speakers are happy birthday? As the honourable gentleman said, this week marks Armed Forces week where we thank and show our support for the men and women who serve or who have served in our Armed Forces over many years. It is nice to see the honourable gentleman in his place this week because we have missed him quite a bit recently. But I might gently suggest that, if he was here last week, he could have asked last week's question last week and said this week instead.

But he asked me about the welfare bill. I have announced the house at Universal Credit and personal independent payment bill will take place next Tuesday, and the committee in remaining stages of that bill will be on the floor of the house the following week. I want to reassure colleagues that we take parliamentary scrutiny and process of goals extremely seriously, and that is what our democracy is all about. Hills are introduced, principles are considered at second reading, details received are robust and they are often amended at Committee stage before we consider third reading.

As the house would expect, the government actively engages with Parliamentary opinion throughout the Bill's passage as we are doing intensively with the Universal Credit and personal independent payment bill. I'm sure the whole house can agree that our welfare system needs reform. Too many people are consigned to benefits for life without support to work and to get on. During the pandemic in particular, those on sickness and disability benefits rose significantly. In the previous government did nothing to re-engage people with the labour market afterwards.

One in eight young people are now not earning or learning. Many post-industrial communities have been scarred over generations by worthlessness and little job creation, and as constituency MPs, we have all seen the inadequate and degrading nature of disability benefits reassessments. Addressing these deep-seated problems is core to our labour principles and what we are trying to do with our welfare reforms. And just to remind colleagues, these include the biggest permanent increase to the standard out of work benefits since 1980.

An end to reassessment for all those with serious health conditions, and creating a more holistic and professionally led assessments process. The biggest back to work programme in a generation, the right to try work, and ending era of consigning people as unable to work. To be clear, it is the party opposites legacy that this government has to sort out. Their legacy of one in 10 working age people on sickness and disability benefits. Their legacy of a generation of young people with no mental-health support and poor skills.

Their legacy of over 7 million people on the NHS waiting list, and their legacy of inaction of welfare reforms over years and years. And quite honestly, he does have the brass neck because they have written the book on government chaos, haven't they? Three prime ministers in three years. They sent the markets into chaos with budgets down on the back of a fag packet. They really did write the book on that one. By-election after by- election. Over 40 ministers resigned in a single day.

Billions wasted on COVID contracts, public services left on their knees, and industrial action sweeping the nation, costing us all dear, all leaving ordinary people paying the price with higher bills, higher mortgages, and higher waiting lists. But it is not all about welfare reform. It is about the context that it sits in as well, and that is what this government is getting on with doing. This mission to create good, decent, well-paid jobs in every community. This governments mission to bring down waiting lists and deal with the deep-seated health inequalities in this country.

This governments mission to tackle child poverty, to build more affordable and social housing giving people the bedrock in life, and this governments mission to revolutionise skills and opportunities for young people. This is the Labour government with our labour values getting on with the job and delivering for people.

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Just remind people, I am only going to run this to 1130 because of the important statement that is
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Bobby Dean Portrait Bobby Dean MP (Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrat)
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Can I join the leader of the in congratulating the Deputy Speakers on the birthday and in celebration of our Armed Forces? Earlier this year, when the Secretary of State announced the welfare reform, she made the argument to this house that it was all about getting people back into work. I think that argument was undermined somewhat by the timing with the spring statement coming the following week, and we discover that the £5 billion saving we achieve from these welfare reforms make up fully half of the fiscal effluent that the Chancellor is relying on.

And we take a closer look at reforms, most of those savings are generated by changing legibility criteria for Personal Independence criteria for Personal Independence These are entitlements given to those in work, out of work, those unable to work and those who will miss out will not be incentivised into work because they will already be in work or unable to join the workforce any time then. It is no wonder that is when the bell was published last week, there was condemnation from all sides of the House and if the books must be balanced, let's make sure they are not balanced off the backs of the disabled and the Leader of the House will be aware of the issues on this side of the House and I would ask the procedure for doing that.

If there is an amendment, we understand there is an amendment, we understand that would kill the bill entirely. What are the options for concessions? Will it be withdrawn? Are there compromises they could Are there compromises they could make with the backbench before next week?
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Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)
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Following the successful

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Following the successful experiment of Estimate Day Bates, yesterday we agreed we would introduce that and bring forward introduce that and bring forward proposals for standing order change proposals for standing order change ease and in addition to this, on ease and in addition to this, on Thursday, there will be a debate on that, followed by a debate on children's health and on Tuesday there will be a debate on the there will be a debate on the billing to businesses and a debate billing to businesses and a debate on the future of music education and followed by a debate on safeguarding followed by a debate on safeguarding children with allergies and skill.

On 8 July, a debate on alcohol and cancer. On the 10th on alcohol and cancer. On the 10th on alcohol and cancer. On 10 July, a debate on statements for victims of terrorism followed by a debate on London's followed by a debate on London's contribution to the national contribution to the national economy. Across India, tomorrow will economy. Across India, tomorrow will be an annual festival and it has been held and a procession takes place through the streets with the deities that the Hindu people worship.

On Sunday, will be an event taking place between the temples and the heat will be 31 degrees at the procession will take place over a route of 7 miles and will take over four hours to complete and the good news is the course is upheld this year so will the leader join with me, and for those Hindus celebrate, me, and for those Hindus celebrate, I wish them all the best. (SOEAKS HINDU) (SOEAKS HINDU)
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None Portrait Ministerial statement: G7 and NATO summits
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Prime Minister. Keir Starmer. Thank you. This Labour government is focused on delivering security
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Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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is focused on delivering security for the British people. National security, economic security and social security. On Social Security, I recognise there is consensus across the House and the urgent need for reform of our welfare system. Because the British people deserve protection and dignity when they are unable to work. And supported to work when they can. At the moment they are failed every single day, by the broken system created by the Conservatives which achieves neither. I know colleagues across the house are eager to start fixing that, and so are my.

And that all colleagues want to get this right, and so do Y. We want to see reform implemented, with labour values of fairness. That conversation will continue in the coming days, so we can begin making change together on Tuesday. I will update the house on the G7 and NATO summits, where the Middle East was at the forefront of our minds. For decades it has been the stated policy of the UK and our allies that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.

No one who cares about the security of our country or the future of the Middle East could live with that eventuality. For decades, we have worked to prevent it. And on Saturday night the US took a big step towards resolving that sweat. There is now a window for peace. We urge Iran and Israel to honour the ceasefire. And sees this opportunity to stabilise the region. That is our priority. To get Iran back around the negotiating table with the US.

Ultimately, this is how we will ensure a complete, verifiable and irreversible end to Iran's nuclear program. We are using every diplomatic lever to support this effort, because further instability would pose grave risks to the region and beyond. Taking us even further away from freeing the hostages, easing the intolerable suffering of the Palestinians. There is also an opportunity now to push for a ceasefire in Gaza, and we must seize it. I have been discussing this with other leaders and we will keep pushing to put the region on a better path.

I have also spoken to the Emir of Qatar to express our solidarity after Iran's unacceptable attack on the Al Udeid airbase. We took the necessary action to protect British military personnel ahead of that attack, and we will continue to support all our citizens in the region. This crisis has punctured once again the mistaken idea that domestic and foreign policy concerns are separate. That action in one area is at the expense of the other. The truth is, now more than ever, that international problems rebound on us at home.

Impacting our security and our economy. Our national security strategy is clear, in this era of radical uncertainty, faced with growing conflicts, state threats, illegal migration, organised crime and terrorism, the only way to respond to these issues is by being strong both at home and on the world stage. By pursuing a foreign policy that answers directly to the concerns of working people. And that is the approach I took to NATO and the G7. NATO is the most successful military alliance the world has ever known.

The cornerstone of our defence for over 75 years. But our duty is not merely to reflect on that success, we must equip the alliance for the future. I have long argued that this is the moment for Europe to make a fundamental shift in posture. That is what the UK has done, delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, and setting out a landmark shift in our defence and deterrence in the Strategic Defence Review. Yesterday NATO allies stepped up as well to meet this moment.

Creating an alliance that is stronger, fairer and more lethal than ever. Together we signed a new defence pledge, 5% of GDP by 2035, including for the first time wider issues of homeland security and national resilience. Like protecting our cybersecurity and energy networks. This is in lockstep with our national security strategy, and we are already investing in these areas. So under NATO's new definitions we estimate we will reach at least 4.1% of GDP in 2027, on the way to 5% by 2035.

Allies also agreed to review both the balance and the trajectory of these requirements in 2029, two coincide with the scheduled review of NATO's capability requirements ensuring we keep pace with threats and technologies as they evolve. With this historic amendment we are continuing our proud condition on leading in NATO, picking up the torch. Now following their lead we will seize the opportunity created by this moment to align our national security objectives and plans for economic growth, in a way not seen since the 1940s, renewing industrial communities across our country, communities across our country, boosting innovation.

Our investment in our nuclear deterrent alone will support 30,000 jobs. I want to speak directly about our deterrent capability. It has kept this country safe for decades. But we recognise the grim reality today, that the nuclear threat is growing. So we are renewing our existing at sea capability, and we are going still further. I can tell the House today we will procure at least 12 F-35 a fast jets, and we will make them available to ban nuclear weapons if necessary.

This marks the return of the Royal Air Force to nuclear deterrence for the first time in three decades. The biggest strengthening of our deterrence posture in a generation. Keeping our country safe while also supporting 20,000 jobs. The NATO summit sent a message of intent that will be heard around the world. But this must be joined by renewed support for Ukraine, because if we let Putin succeed there the deterrent effect on NATO's new plans would be fatally compromised. So I told President Zelenskyy at Downing Street on Monday that we will harden our resolve, we struck an agreement together to share battlefield technology, accelerating our support for Ukraine's defence.

While boosting British security and British jobs. We committed to providing hundreds more air defence missiles, paid for not by the British taxpayer but with money from Russia's frozen assets. And together with Europe, Canada and our Indo- Pacific partners, we announced we will deliver 40 billion of military aid to Ukraine this year, matching last year's pledge in full. There is a pass to a lasting peace, but it will only come through flipping the pressure onto Putin.

His position is weaker than he claims, so I urged all our partners, including the US, to step up the pressure now with more sanctions and more military support to bring Russia to the table to agree an unconditional ceasefire leading to serious negotiations. Let me turn to be G7 summit. Where again my priority was to deliver in the national interest. And again I can report some significant progress. Leaders agreed to take decisive action on illegal migration, following the UK's lead in using hardheaded measures like sanctions.

We marked an export contract with Canada, worth over half £1 billion, creating jobs here at home. We secured Canada's agreement to ratify Britain's entry to the CPTPP, a trading block worth $12 trillion. And we secured President traps signature to fully implement our trade deal. Which will/tariffs on British goods. His executive order will remove aerospace tariffs completely, cut tariffs for British carmakers facing now to 10% in a matter of days. Saving thousands of jobs in the West Midlands and around the country.

I have been to Jaguar Land Rover many times now, I have looked goes workers in the icon and I know what this means that there communities. This is what summits like this mean for the working people of Britain. This requires cool heads, it defies simple stick answers and knee-jerk judgements. We don't pretend to fix every global problem, but we can carve a unique path through these dangerous times to secure and renew Britain in an year of global instability.

That's what our plan for change is all about, putting Britain's national interest first. After years of economic chaos we have delivered economic stability for the British people. After years of our Armed Forces being hollowed out we are building up our military, firing a power industries, leading in NATO, supporting Ukraine, keeping Britain safe. After years of trade alliances we are rebuilding them and shaping them to serve the British people. Focusing our global influence to deliver for working people and in the national interest.

I commend this statement to the house.
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Kemi Badenoch Portrait Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)
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Leader The Opposition, Kemi Badenoch. Minister for advanced sight of his statement. He has evaded Prime Minister's Questions for two weeks, only to come back here to tell us what we already heard on the news. This is a weak statement from a weak Prime Minister, which can be characterised in two words, noises off. In his statement, the Prime Minister said we urge Iran and Israel to honour the ceasefire. He said we are using every diplomatic lever to support this effort.

What diplomatic levers? Are they the same levers he's using with his backbench rebels? Is he asking them to please play nice? Let's be honest, nobody cares what this Prime Minister things, and why should they when he doesn't even know what he thinks and clearly no one cares what he thinks, because he was not involved. We used to be a strategic player on the world stage, in advancing...

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Order. You may not wish to hear the leader of the opposition, I do. Can I just say, it doesn't do anybody good in this chamber to try and shout somebody down who is speaking.

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speaking. Thank you. They can shout as much as they like but we all know the as they like but we all know the truth. Used to be a strategically on the global stage, advancing Britain's interest with confidence, now we are on the sidelines. Over now we are on the sidelines. Over the last few weeks historic events unfolded in the Middle East, and at every stage Britain has been out of step with the US and out of the loop with Israel. Last week the Prime with Israel.

Last week the Prime Minister Kallas from the G7 insisting there was nothing President Trump said that would indicate he was about to get indicate he was about to get indicate he was about to get involved in the conflict. Days later they launched an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, he had no idea what was going on. At the -- a week what was going on. At the -- a week before Israel launched an attack on Iran, it became apparent the UK wasn't even informed in advance, wasn't even informed in advance, despite us having been involved in previous preventative action.

How is this standing up on the world stage? Tuesday the Foreign Secretary, a lawyer, repeatedly could not say whether the US strikes against Iran whether the US strikes against Iran nuclear facilities were legal. This government does not know what is the steering. Let me make the conservative position clear, Iran has been a direct threat to the UK for years dotting terrorism on British soil, it must not get nuclear weapons. This is a time for Europe to step up, the UK should be leading.

Instead we have an Attorney General using international law to constrain and restrict the UK while the Prime Minister hovers in decisively on the sidelines. What we need is a leader, instead we have three lawyers. Last week I wrote to the Prime Minister about how this conflict has underscored the folly of the government's £30 billion Chagos surrender deal. The Diego Garcia base is of obvious strategic importance for conflicts in the Middle East, they are shaking their heads, they don't understand. It's obvious.

It was used at -- extensively, during the war in Afghanistan including by the US. A prime minister Mike at Prime Minister's Questions the prime Minister said this surrender had been opposed by our adversaries, Russia China and Iran. Since then it's been widely reported China have offered massive congratulations on the deal and conveyed it fully supports Mauritius. Can the prime Minister admit he was incorrect to state on the floor of this House that China opposes the deal, can he confirm if he still views China's confirm if he still views China's Under the terms of the US deal, if he, when we introduce legislation setting out the detail of the Chagos surrender so Parliament can consider We welcome the announcement that the UK will be buying F-35 fighter jets.

I'm pleased the Labour Party has moved on from its previous position rate did not support NATO and advocated against nuclear deterrent. They pretend it never happened, we have the receipts. Conservatives are proud of exceeding the NATO baseline of 2% on defence, and we led NATO in getting there. The government's aspiration to get spending on national security to 5% is just hope. The reality is that Labour does not have a plan to get to 3%, it is all smoke and mirrors. We do not know what the governors will spend this extra 1.5% component.

In the Prime Minister the confirm that this is money that we are already spending or whether it will be new money? As long as the plan remains underfunded, these are just words. Instead of using smoke and mirrors to inflate defence spending, Labour should heed our call to hit 3% by the end of this Parliament with a fully funded plan to get there. Look at the money they claim they will say with their welfare bill, £5 billion is nowhere near the tens if not hundreds of billions that we are going to need to find to meet this defence spending target.

This is the problem. It is one thing to talk about spending money on infrastructure, making announcements about reviews, but it is another to be clear where the money comes from. And how it will be spent efficiently to secure the defence of our nation. They can mutter all they like, we all know that they are terrified of doing anything that even remotely difficult. It is crucial that there is a clear United Front in full support of Ukraine which secures piece on their terms. The stakes could not be higher.

We need the government to be leveraging British interests in every way they can. Can he safely pushed for clearer language in that NATO communique about Russia being the aggressor in this conflict? Can you update us on the U.K.'s current position on Ukraine's accession to NATO, given the absence of detail in this years communique? We must ensure our leading role continues but this requires strong leadership and ability to influence. In conclusion, the Prime Minister may have finally reached out to this House after a fortnight away but in truth he is all at sea.

Irrelevant on the world stage, impotent in the face of rising illegal immigration, and now, with 126 of his own MPs all openly with 126 of his own MPs all openly undermining his authority, his government is incapable of making even the smallest changes to bring down the cost of our ever expanding welfare bill. There is no way we are going to go to pay for a defence. The government paralysed by its own legal advice, paralysed by rebellious backbenchers and paralysed by the fear of being found out having no real vision for the country.
11:49
Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Prime minister.

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Can I say to those who are late please don't stand. Mr Speaker, we live in more volatile times and many of us can volatile times and many of us can remember, and with conflicts in many remember, and with conflicts in many parts of the world, that are evolving in a fast and dangerous way. There has never been a more way. There has never been a more important time to work with our allies. And to be absolutely serious allies. And to be absolutely serious in our response.

That response was in our response. That response was unserious. Unserious. To suggest at unserious. Unserious. To suggest at a time like this that the Prime Minister attending the G7 summit and Minister attending the G7 summit and Minister attending the G7 summit and the NATO summit is avoiding PMQs. It the NATO summit is avoiding PMQs. It is unserious. What happened at NATO yesterday was historic. It was very important at a time like this that NATO showed unity and strength, their commitment to the future not their commitment to the future not just to the past.

That took a huge amount of work with our allies over the last few days and weeks, we have the last few days and weeks, we have been centrally involved in that, crafting the final outcome. We were recognised as having done so. I am proud that we helped put summit in the right way and the world emerged safer as a result, and that was that unanimous view of 32 allies leaving NATO yesterday. For the Leader of the Opposition to belittle it just shows how irrelevant she and the party opposite have become.

They used to once be serious about these issues. They used to be capable of cross-party consensus, and all of that is slipping away. We have lead on Ukraine, three trade deals, and she talks about the prospect of US attacks. She must have overlooked the fact that on Tuesday when I return from the G7, the first thing I did was go straight into a Cobra meeting to plan for all contingencies including a possible US attack on Iran.

I will tell her why I did that although we did offer Privy Council briefing so she knows, we have military personnel located in nearly all the bases across the Middle East. And therefore I was extremely concerned to ensure that immediately on my return, I took every step to ensure I had the highest levels of assuredness that we had the preparations in place to keep our people and assets safe, should the need arise full stop so far from being blindsided, we were planning through last week, we were talking to the Americans.

We were put on notice about everything that they did. She simply does not understand the nature of the relationship at that level. In relation to Diego Garcia, we did not have to give Mauritius advanced notice under the treaty was that it absolutely clear. And she talks about defence spend, we are the party that has increased defence spend to the highest level since the Cold War. 2.5%. They talked about it, we did it. She says we don't know where the money is coming from.

She was pressed on this is an interview not so long ago and this was a quote. She said this, " We talked about getting to 3% by 2030, and we could not make the numbers work. " And then she goes on, " We need to find a way to make that numbers work. This sort of thing requires real thinking. Let's start looking at what we can do. It is about setting up task forces. " Mr Speaker, that is how unserious they are.

She asked about the communique. She would know if she had actually studied this, the way that NATO works as an iterative process. And therefore the position on Ukraine has not changed through NATO are not changed under this government. On the contrary we are recognised as leading on Ukraine, the closest ally of Ukraine working the whole time. That is something I am proud of. I think it's something the House is proud of, we have been doing this on a cross-party basis across the House

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and the sooner we get back to that rather than the unserious response of the Leader of the Opposition, the better. Chair of the Foreign Affairs
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Ed Davey Portrait Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)
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Leader of the Liberal Democrat's Ed Davey.

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Thank you Mr Speaker was up and I thank the Prime Minister for early sight of his statement. We agree it would have been wrong to leave an would have been wrong to leave an empty chair in front of the Union Jack at the table for the G7, and it Jack at the table for the G7, and it is astonishing and I share his surprise Conservative policy not to surprise Conservative policy not to attend the G7. Mr Speaker, I am glad attend the G7.

Mr Speaker, I am glad the Prime Minister that signalled retreat on his welfare plans and retreat on his welfare plans and hope you will now listen to everyone and not just his backbenchers. On the G7, despite the progress that he the G7, despite the progress that he outlined, it remains very damaging to the world economy, the United to the world economy, the United States, and Donald Trump continues their policy of protectionism. I their policy of protectionism. I wonder if you could update the house if he had discussions with other G7 or NATO colleagues about how we can or NATO colleagues about how we can persuade President Trump to resile from protectionism? Or NATO, the from protectionism? Or NATO, the Prime Minister is right, Putin's imperial ambitions resent a once in imperial ambitions resent a once in a generation threat to our security.

Last week I travelled to Estonia to meet British troops and Estonian meet British troops and Estonian leaders including the prime minister. The Estonians have not forgotten the repression enforced by Russian tanks, nor the murder of four further prime ministers at the hands of the Kremlin. They are under no illusions about the threat posed by Putin, and we must not be either. So I welcome his commitment to NATO's new spending targets. In the face of Russia's war machine, the British Army remains an essential guarantor of our country's security, and that of our allies.

Meeting without credible troops stationed in Estonia, I was inspired by their skill and professionalism. We need to get more Brit people like them into the military, so will the Prime Minister to consider the liberal Democrat proposals to move more quickly to reverse the Conservative cuts to the army, and back our new £10,000 bonus? It is vital we take such measures as Putin continues his barbarism in Ukraine. Our commitment to Ukraine's Defence Ministry increased not reduced. In addition to the actions he outlined, can the Prime Minister to confirm whether he has held more discussions with partners not just using the interest from the Russian assets, seizing the frozen Russian assets.

So we can bolster our support for Ukraine and pay for a faster increase in defence spending. Dystonias believe they have a plan to deal with all the convocations he mentioned when I asking questions about this was the is he prepared to meet me to discuss Estonian ideas to break the backlog so we can see these assets? The Prime Minister also spoke about conflicts and crises in the Middle East. He is right to push even harder for a ceasefire in Gaza. People...

Military action or diplomacy will make us safer in the future. We must redouble our efforts for a just peace in the region and that must include self-determination for the Palestinian people. Will the government finally commit to recognising a state for the Palestinians?

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Can I thank him for his question.
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Keir Starmer Portrait Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)
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Can I thank him for his question. He started by asking whether I have discussed with other G7 partners the discussed with other G7 partners the question of the tariffs, and the answer is yes we did and we do frequently discuss trade and the frequently discuss trade and the economy. The challenge is that those tariffs are put in place for all economies. That is the sort of coordination and discussion that goes on all the time. On troops in Estonia, I have visited those troops a number of times myself.

They are incredibly brave. They have a real sense of purpose. I tell him that it was the frontline states on the border with Russia that were leading the charge in relation to the work we had to do yesterday to review and take forward the pledges that we make. He asks about reversing the cuts to the army, we will begin reversing those cuts. When the party opposite came into office there were 100,000 in the army and many left there were 70,000.

I think that is what was meant when it was that they had hollowed out the armed forces. On the question of the assets whether they themselves can be seized rather than just the interest, I have been discussing that with colleagues as he would expect. It is complicated as he knows. There is not one view frankly on this issue amongst colleagues and allies. I'm happy to see the proposals that he has received from Estonia or any others. It remains complicated and I have to say allies are in different places on this.

We will continue to discuss. On a ceasefire in Gaza and recognition, I think it is important we press the case and quite urgently enclose club oration with our colleagues from the E3. Working closely at the moment to say this is the moment to press on to a ceasefire in Gaza. And that should happen in days not weeks or months. I do think there is a window of opportunity here. I hope that it happens I can't predict that it will but I do think all of us should do all we can to ensure that along with a ceasefire in Iran we push for the ceasefire in Gaza.

On the question of recognition, it has long been our policy to recognise Palestine and the right time in the process to bring about this. Because without two-state solution, there is little prospect of lasting peace in the region. That remains policy. Thank
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Luke Pollard Portrait Luke Pollard MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Labour )
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week our nation comes together to give profound thanks to the men and women of our Armed Forces, their families and veterans, the heroes who give so much and sacrificed so much for their country. At a time when the world is becoming increasingly dangerous, unpredictable, and insecure. Right now, our Armed Forces are helping Ukraine to defend itself against the might of Russia by supplying kits and equipment. Nearly 3 1/2 years into a war which Putin thought would be over in three days.

Our Armed Forces are in Singapore with the UK carrier strike group led by HMS Prince of Wales, strengthening Britain's ties with the Indo- Pacific. They are operating as part of every NATO mission alongside our allies, keeping the peace in zones of potential conflict, and our people are working in the Middle East to de-escalate tensions and stabilise the region. Our Armed Forces are contributing to UN peacekeeping forces around the world, helping to bring hope to war-torn communities, and they are protecting our shores, and at home, ready at a moments notice to respond to any emerging threats.

Julie, they are the best of Britain. Recognised globally for their professionalism and determination. We have a chance in Armed Forces Week to say thank you for to thank them for their service, to thank their families for their understanding at the times when they are away. To thank those people who support our men and women in uniform in defence industries, in the supply chain, in technology companies that help keep them having the fighting edge that keeps our country safe.

Apart from those affected by Covid restrictions, 2024 was the first year since the inception of Armed Forces Day that there was no national event. This government is proud to have restored it this year, backing three days of celebrations. As the member for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes knows, it is a community which carries a long tradition of not honouring our Armed Forces but shaping and supporting them too. From the local RAF station at North Coates, which was home to the coastal command during World War II, disrupting enemy supply chains with great success, to active veteran groups today, like one which does outstanding work in North East Lincolnshire, topping veterans to return to civilian life.

Although the biggest celebrations will be taking place in Cleethorpes, where the Defence Secretary will be this weekend, there are more than 180 other events taking place across the nation. Earlier this week my ministerial colleague Lord Coaker is amongst the large crowds which turned out in Northern Ireland to

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celebrate Armed Forces Day. Mr Deputy Speaker, I was very

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Mr Deputy Speaker, I was very fortunate to be there and had an opportunity to meet Lord Coaker. It opportunity to meet Lord Coaker. It was clear to him and I, 60,000 people turned out to commemorate and celebrate such a wonderful occasion celebrate such a wonderful occasion was the I ask the Minister maybe later on, will he outline clearly later on, will he outline clearly what can be done to recruit more TA soldiers, whether it be flexibility from employers, whether it be jobs they can do, or would it be to

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enlarge the numbers? Can I thank him for his years of

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Can I thank him for his years of service? It was in Westminster Hall yesterday that he ended up all the yesterday that he ended up all the years that he served in uniform. I think it was 14 1/2 years in total in various roles. Can I thank you in various roles. Can I thank you for his service to our country. It is vital that we address the retention and recruitment crisis we inherited from the previous government. We are making good progress in that regard, a key part progress in that regard, a key part of that is not only recruiting new people to a Regular Forces, but also making it easier to join the making it easier to join the reserves as well.

Whether people are serving full-time, part-time, in their spare time, there is an opportunity for people right around the country to contribute to our Armed Forces. The Minister for Veterans and People will be setting out further steps as to how we can improve our reserves as we approach the Armed Forces Bill in the next Session of Parliament. Making the case that improving our reserves makes us safer but also provides more opportunity for the nation to have a closer connection with those people who serve as well.



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I am very grateful to the Minister. One of the 180 events he Minister. One of the 180 events he mentioned would be Armed Forces Day in Andover which I will be attending in Andover which I will be attending on Saturday. I wondered if he can reflect on the importance of of the work of celebrating Armed Forces in those divinities which physically those divinities which physically embrace their headquarters and camps and residencies to sustain that and residencies to sustain that connection between the nonuniform connection between the nonuniform civilian population and those who protect them on a daily basis?

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Can I thank him for his attendance at an Armed Forces Day event this weekend. As someone who event this weekend. As someone who represents Devonport, I am acutely aware of the relationship and the aware of the relationship and the important history, and the connections today between our connections today between our military, those civilians that in Devonport's case support fleet, and our wider community including our wider community including veterans. I think he is right, we tell the story of that connection, not just by looking back the battles not just by looking back the battles of previous years, those people who never returned from wars, but making the case that investing in our defence today creates good well-paid jobs.

Provides opportunities for our young people, and it is one of the sources of great pride that our army, our Navy, and our Air Force, all feature in the top five employers of apprentices in the country. It is a huge opportunity to celebrate the skills that we have. And also the connections between people. I think all our communities

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are proud of our Armed Forces. This weekend is a great opportunity to say that. I thank my honourable friend for

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I thank my honourable friend for giving way. He knows reason I had the great privilege of visiting our the great privilege of visiting our base in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. I saw for myself the dedicated Iraq. I saw for myself the dedicated service of the troops and the officers who are doing huge work to officers who are doing huge work to help that regional government, and thereby enhance regional security, thereby enhance regional security, and British security will stop they are a tribute to this country and we over them a debt of gratitude.

We over them a debt of gratitude. We should remember that there are so many service men and women overseas doing a very difficult work. doing a very difficult work.

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doing a very difficult work. Sometimes in harms way. And on Armed Forces Day we must remember those serving officers and soldiers. Can I thank him for his remarks.

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Can I thank him for his remarks. It is a good reminder that on Armed Forces Day, and in Armed Forces Week, will be parliamentarians on all sides of the house visiting local communities, making the case for Armed Forces and their for Armed Forces and their communities. They will meet people from communities right around our from communities right around our country, and they won't get celebrations because they will be serving on the front lines overseas, helping to project UK power and influence, helping to stabilise regions and helping to make sure that we de-escalate tensions.

The work that our forces in the Middle East may have been in the news quite a lot recently, but their work that is often not covered in the news is nonetheless as vital for a national security, and worthy of our praise and thanks. I'm sure on a cross- party basis there is support for the work they do across the Middle East. Mike right honourable friends the Minister for Defence Procurement industry will be in Liverpool this weekend celebrating alongside her community of Liverpool at Armed Forces Day events was in the Minister for Veterans and People will be in Coventry having completed a tour of many of our communities nationwide, making the case for further investment in services to support our veterans.

A vital part of this governments work to support those people who have served. Many celebrations will be taking place across Scotland and Wales including Edinburgh where the Minister for Scotland will be attending full stop I will be back home in Plymouth, home to not only Devonport but the spiritual home of the Royal Marines were I will be out in force on Saturday. For those people not familiar with Plymouth geography, it is a wonderful clifftop view of Plymouth Sound and nothing more sinister.

As a son of a Royal Navy submariner I'm proud to represent my hometown which is not a seat in military history but plays a pivotal role in protecting Britain today. Having grown up as a Navy grad, I know many remarkable people in defence tend to dismiss their achievements as just part of the job. A humbleness that defines service in a country. I know what they do and how they go well beyond the expectations of a normal day job for top had a shoulder immense responsibilities with great modesty, and supported by their families, perform the ultimate public service.

Through the government's Strategic Defence Review and defence reform, putting much more emphasis on our people and on renewing the nation's contract with those who served. The most troubling thing I have seen recently in relation to our people was the continuous attitude survey which revealed that only one quarter of our service personnel believe they are valued by society. For members who have not read the latest continued attitude survey, can I encourage them to do so. It tells a story about what our people think and although we are now seeing stabilising after a decade of falling across three of our services, the fact that they don't feel valued by society should be a wake-up call for all of us about how we talk about Armed Forces, how we we talk about Armed Forces, how we

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I apologise for not being in the chamber when he referred to my chamber when he referred to my constituency. This weekend we will be hosting National Armed Forces Day, which will be fantastic. The comments he is making about remembering our veterans, remembering our people, Saturday will be a true celebration of older

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work so many people put into making sure we are safe and secure every day. Can I thank her for all the work

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Can I thank her for all the work she put into making the case as to she put into making the case as to why Cleethorpes should be the first of the renewed national day events. I know the Defence Secretary is I know the Defence Secretary is looking forward to attending events in Cleethorpes this weekend, and hearing not just from people who serve today but young people, the serve today but young people, the cadets in her community, that may cadets in her community, that may well serve in the future.

And veteran so served our nation as well. Looking forward to events in well. Looking forward to events in Plymouth but I know events in Cleethorpes will be the centre of our national attention this weekend, rightly so.

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rightly so. I appreciate the Minister giving

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I appreciate the Minister giving way. Will he recognise that the UK's Armed Forces are a visible manifestation of the philosophy and values that underpin the country? And if society does not value the Armed Forces, might he concede that it's because consistently I think we have failed to defend though principles and values that underpin our society. We should confront the accusations that this is, for example, an inherently racist country, which it absolutely is not.

And confront the accusations that our history is not something we should be proud of, because perhaps then a wider society will appreciate the men and women who defend not just the physical country but our values, our history and our

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philosophy. I thank the honourable gentleman

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I thank the honourable gentleman for that intervention and I share his passion for telling our nation's story. To tell our full story we have to explain the good bits and have to explain the good bits and sometimes the bad bits as well, but at all times we can look at the bravery, courage and service of our bravery, courage and service of our Armed Forces as a source of national pride. I also look at our Armed Forces today as the embodiment of some of our British values.

I believe in equality, something very important to me personally. When I important to me personally. When I think about our soldiers operating in Estonia at the moment, being ready to deter a Russian move across the border, it does not matter what the border, it does not matter what the colour of the skin of a soldier is, what religion they have, where they come from, what their accent they come from, what their accent is. All that matters is that in that unit everyone has each other's backs, proud of our country, proud backs, proud of our country, proud of our service, proud of the reasons they are there.

I think Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to remind Week is an opportunity to remind people about the difficult jobs we ask people to do, and to thank them ask people to do, and to thank them for it. The right honourable gentleman is right, talking about the values that stand behind uniform and why the flag they have on their and why the flag they have on their arms matters so much. It's not just a piece of cloth, it is British values we should all be proud of.

And for that reason I think it's important we recognise that our service personnel need to feel more valued. The figure has plummeted over the past 12 years, we know that words won't address the problem, only action will. That's wise important to award our service personnel the biggest pay rise for over two decades, and follow it up with another above inflation pay rise this year. For the first time, as a source of great pride for me as a Minister for the Armed Forces, we can say that every single person in uniform is now pay the living wage.

That should always have been the case but sadly was not, but it is now. They deserve a lot more than just a decent salary, the cold, damp and mouldy homes that many have been living in our frankly a betrayal of their service. So after buying back 36,000 homes from the private sector, sold off under previous Conservative government, that saves taxpayers more than £600,000 a day in rent payments. We are delivering a generational renewal of military accommodation, with at least £7 billion of funding in this Parliament to help tackle the poor

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state of forces housing. Can I thank the Minister for his statement and take the opportunity statement and take the opportunity to also mark an important week for our Armed Forces. And I welcome everything he is saying about the support to our Armed Forces, but support to our Armed Forces, but also to their families and the way of investment in their homes and more money in their pockets. Does he more money in their pockets. Does he agree that supporting our Armed Forces goes way beyond just the equipment they need on the equipment they need on the frontline.

It's about making sure that their families are supported that their families are supported and valued, through the support we can give as a government and also the communities they live in.

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the communities they live in. I couldn't agree with the honourable Lady more. It is so honourable Lady more. It is so important. I think in this debate, and I am guilty of this occasionally, many of our defence debates have been about kits, debates have been about kits, platforms, it's often been about platforms, it's often been about frigates, and we talk about the equipment. We need to talk about our people more. That's at the heart of people more. That's at the heart of the defence review, but also the policy is talking about the families more.

That's why the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill that we are Commissioner Bill that we are placing through the House, that I hope will be law soon, will help families access the commission. To make the case that it is the whole defence family, those who serve in uniform and the family members that backed them in service, that need to be valued by this nation. I believe on a cross-party basis that view is shared, what we now need to do is to make sure it is featured in legislation and day-to-day operations of the military.

There is more to do on that.

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Would the Minister on his previous point about the selling off of military homes and the buying of military homes and the buying back of them from the Labour government, would he acknowledge the negotiations for that deal actually

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negotiations for that deal actually started in May 2024 under the Conservative government, completed by the Labour government. Indeed, when this announcement

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Indeed, when this announcement was initially made I remember thanking him for his work on this. thanking him for his work on this. It was a terrible prioritisation. It was truly awful. It represented the worst value for taxpayers, and it worst value for taxpayers, and it has doomed many of our Armed Forces families to appalling accommodation families to appalling accommodation for far too long. Now that prioritisation has ended, we have brought back those homes into public brought back those homes into public control again.

We can invest in them and we need to do that at pace. There are people living in There are people living in accommodation today with damp and mould, that's not written. We need mould, that's not written. We need to proceed at pace, the Minister for veterans who lease this work in the MoD is certainly as keen as I am to

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see the improvements. Purely for the record, the reason the Shadow Defence Secretary is not here is because he has a very important personal family commitment today. I am honoured to stand in for him. Has he seen our proposals for an Armed Forces housing association which is ring fenced, to provide better accommodation for Armed Forces personnel and their families?

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I thank him for that. He is by no means a poor substitute for the means a poor substitute for the Shadow Defence Secretary -- Armed Forces secretary. We are planning to publish our housing strategy later publish our housing strategy later this year, no doubt not at all in the minds of the Shadow frontbench when they published their proposals when they published their proposals ahead of time. I will have to encourage him to wait for the full encourage him to wait for the full work to be published in due course.

Improving defence housing has to be Improving defence housing has to be a priority, because for many years our nation has not been delivering what our Armed Forces deserve. That will change now. This year we have extended the ability to reclaim the costs of wraparound childcare to costs of wraparound childcare to many of those deployed overseas, next year we will go further to cover all overseas areas to make cover all overseas areas to make family life a little easier. We are legislating for an Armed Forces legislating for an Armed Forces Commissioner, an independent voice to help improve service life.

And we have made a manifesto commitment to have made a manifesto commitment to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law, a promise made by the nation that those who defend it will be treated fairly and not disadvantaged because of Bayer service. This includes making sure service. This includes making sure their service children have the same access to education as other children, also transforming recruitment. We hope many young people will be inspired to join our after attending Armed Forces Day events this weekend.

We are also overhauling access to support and overhauling access to support and care for veterans. I would like to say although Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to thank those people in uniform, we should also use it as an

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opportunity to thank those who have served as well. On the point about the covenant, which I very much welcome the work which I very much welcome the work being done to bring it into wider being done to bring it into wider effect and legislative effect with consequences when it's not applied, I think that is going to be I think that is going to be important in terms of delivering Armed Forces services right across Armed Forces services right across the sector.

But there is a financial consequence for that, a financial consequence for that, a financial consequence I think Parliament needs to seriously consider and government needs to consider about how that is needs to consider about how that is born and contributed -- distributed. Make sure public services are empowered and financed to support empowered and financed to support Armed Forces personnel in the best way they can, and the wider families

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just as importantly. Can I thank the honourable gentleman for his intervention, I agree it's important that it's a agree it's important that it's a pledge made in action and deed, not just words. If you look at the Armed just words. If you look at the Armed Forces Covenant implementation across the country at the moment there are some areas that are there are some areas that are exceptional at doing so, that really have embraced not just the words of the covenant but the spirit behind the covenant but the spirit behind it.

There are other areas that are perhaps a little further behind on the journey. When we look at central government compared to local government there is a distinction between the services and the offer. That's why we are putting it fully into law. One of the things we hope to be able to do in having a debate around putting the Armed Forces Covenant into law is to share best practice that we see in local councils up and down the country. In this place here there is sometimes the temptation to believe all good ideas must come from the Dispatch Box, I certainly do not believe that when I can see brilliant councillors of all parties making the case for improving the lives for veterans, and for those people who serve.

And perhaps most importantly for the families, because I think where the Armed Forces grips -- covenant grips most importantly is improving life for children who may disadvantage because their parents move around so frequently, and sometimes they don't get the same level of access around educational support, SEND support and other aspects. I hope when that debate comes, as I think it will later this year or the beginning of next year, I hope honourable members will be able to participate and also take something from that debate to amplify the work of their local councils, who I believe probably each and every member in this place has something good to tell about the work done in their area that they can share.

If I can just make some progress on veterans. We owe a substantial debt of gratitude to all those who have served their country. The government has an enduring duty to recognise their contribution and support after service, the majority of veterans go on to have successful careers and lives. As we are helping them make the best use of the diverse skills they have gained, three partnerships, minority of those people who have served do not find that transition easy and may need extra support. We are creating need extra support.

We are creating a new £50 million fund to give veterans easier access to care. We launched the pilot in the North West region at the Imperial War Museum North, we also launched £75 million to recognise the historic roles experienced by LGBT veterans in the Armed Forces, significantly above the level recommended in the Atherton review. We are also committed additional funding to maintain veterans homelessness support programs ensuring those at risk of homelessness have continued access to specialist help. I think

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the whole house... I thank the Minister for giving

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I thank the Minister for giving way. Just a quick point on the issue of veterans, I appreciate the government is working on this issue government is working on this issue specifically but would he be able to give a quick update on the work the government is doing to waiver the we government is doing to waiver the we Visa fees for families of

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Visa fees for families of He will know the Minister of

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He will know the Minister of Defence published written material and how we can improve recruitment from the Commonwealth. It is not from the Commonwealth. It is not just about how expand the pipeline coming into our Armed Forces, we need to recognise and support those people. With our manifesto commitment to deliver that, it is something that the Defence Secretary has spoken to the Home Secretary has spoken to the Home Secretary about now officials are in dialogue about it. I hope my colleague look to this area will announce progress in due course.

I think there is in due course. I think there is between he and I a strong sense that there is a wrong to be righted here. Those people who serve our country Those people who serve our country for a good period of time should be able to settle here in that respect.

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I recognise his interest in doing so. The magnificent VE Day commemorations, as was the equally historic 80th anniversary of VJ Day, that will take place in August this year, has acknowledged is perhaps the last major opportunity to thank those who fought in the Second World War. We are also slowly losing the generation who did National service after the war, and with them, that living bridge that they provided to our Armed Forces. We need to reconnect society without Armed Forces, and wider participation in National Resilience Review this week's festivities are a great way to kickstart the process.

As our STRO made clear, we have to be much more proactive as a country about rebuilding those connections particularly with young people. Half of the army's current crop of regimental sergeant majors were once cadets. We will boost the cadet force by 30% by 2030. Creating the opportunities for 42,000 more young people to be cadets. We will also introduce voluntary gap year schemes for school and college leavers and will a new UK strategic reserve by 2030, an objective considering yesterday was reserve stay, when we were able to thank the many thousands of reservists who serve the country.

They greatly bolster our capability at a time of crisis serving across defence, from the back office to the frontline. They give us the skills, scale, and ability to meet the threats as we face at home and overseas in a cost-effective way. As my honourable colleague can attest, after serving alongside them on various tours, I have seen enormous benefits that experience without Armed Forces can offer people particularly young people. Purpose, adventure, social mobility, unique sense of camaraderie and self achievement, and for many people, it is a route to a much better life.

We want to make many more young people aware of the opportunities on offer, and a chance to see where service life will take them. As noted earlier, we are also taking decisive actions to address the recruitment crisis that we inherited. The torturously slow process that caused so much frustration is being transformed. Example, we have eliminated more than 100 outdated medical recruitment policies. We are slashing the time it takes to get medical records from weeks and hours. Our objective is to reduce the time it takes to start, and it means applicants will get a decision on a provisional application decision in 10 days and a start date in 30 is a good step towards improving those processes.

We know there is much more to do. Army recruitment has been totally restructured and we have acted to keep hold of valued staff who are most at risk of leaving, by introducing retention payments for army privates, Lance Corporal's, and aircraft engineers. The result speak for themselves. Year-on-year inflow of recruits is now up 19%. Outflow is down 7%. The Royal Navy has exceeded its yearly recruitment targets, and the Royal Air Force applications are up by one third compared to early 2024. Applications to join the army are at their highest level for seven years.



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I thank my honourable friend for giving way for sub does he agree giving way for sub does he agree that it was helpful when discussing recruitment problems for the armed services that this government was services that this government was able to deliver an above inflation pay rise of 4.5% for service pay rise of 4.5% for service personnel, recognising the extraordinary professionalism, in addition to the big pay award last addition to the big pay award last year, this can only help the issues being discussed.



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being discussed. It does. Just as the Strategic

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It does. Just as the Strategic Defence Review talks about a whole society approach, I view that from inside and outside perspective. We as a society need to value our Armed as a society need to value our Armed Forces more. Mechanise your have a role within resilience and improving role within resilience and improving the way our nation is defended. We also need to recognise that those people within our Armed Forces needs to feel more valued by the whole of to feel more valued by the whole of society as well.

Ensuring that our people are paid well and live in a people are paid well and live in a decent home are the foundations of that. I hope one day that this House that. I hope one day that this House will not need to raise the quality of our military accommodation because the quality will be achieved at such a level that it will just be a given that we ask people to live in accommodation, whether it is single living accommodation or a service family, nation, it will just be decent.

That is our objective but we have a lot of work still to do. I hope members across the House will be able to join our Armed Forces, and communities this weekend to celebrate the work of our service personnel, as we set about reconnecting the nation to its military. We must remember that service and sacrifice are not values confined to the history books. They are just as important today as they have ever been. And they are just as visible today if we tell stories.

They are embodied in Britain's Armed Forces. There has never been a more important time to thank them for the fantastic work they do, or a better time to promote the benefits of an Armed Forces career to young people. So to all those who serve, all those who have served, and all the families, we give our deep thanks. To those who might serve in the future, we say, long to an event this weekend and find out what a brilliant Armed Forces can do for

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you. Thank you. The question is that the House is

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The question is that the House is considered Armed Forces Day. Before we proceed, I am conscious of the fact that some members have arrived fact that some members have arrived after the start of the debate. Ordinarily that would preclude them from speaking in the debate but I from speaking in the debate but I also understand the Prime Minister a statement earlier today has thrown statement earlier today has thrown timings out slightly. So my intention is to accommodate all those who are in the chamber and those who are in the chamber and wish to speak.

Inevitably those who arrived late will have to take their

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arrived late will have to take their turn. Opposition frontbench, Shadow Minister of state. Thank you Madame Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you Madame Deputy Speaker. Given the topic, I am genuinely honoured today to be able to open honoured today to be able to open this debate today on behalf of his Majesty's loyal opposition on the subject of Armed Forces Day. I had subject of Armed Forces Day. I had the honour to be present in new Palace the arm on Monday to watch
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Mark Francois Portrait Rt Hon Mark Francois MP (Rayleigh and Wickford, Conservative)
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Palace the arm on Monday to watch the flag being raised, and the ceremony presided over by Mr Speaker and the chaplain Reverend Canon, it was a joyous occasion that was well attended by many MPs. My opposite number the Armed Forces Minister is the proud son of a sub mariner. I was been followed by the equally proud son of Reginald Franois who was in a squad on D-Day. We are both naval brats. As we put it, at least after a fashion.

It has now become established that Armed Forces Day is held on the last Saturday each June. This Saturday there will be many ceremonies taking place in parallel across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. Including in my own county of Essex, I'm hoping to attend the celebration in Basildon, the town in which I grew up. This is a time when people across our four nations come together to celebrate the role of the whole Armed Forces family, regulars, reserves, veterans, cadets, and of course the loved ones.

Defending our country and our democratic way of life. I hope to say something about these four categories, regulars, reserves, cadets, veterans in my remarks as afternoon. Beginning with reserves, Armed Forces Day and indeed Armed Forces Week is a matter which normally enjoys bipartisan or perhaps I should say tri-partisan support in Parliament. Touching on this also allows me to say a bit about the value of reserves in our Armed Forces was not I declare an interest as someone who served as an infantry officer in the fifth Battalion of the Royal and Regiment in the territorial Army in the 1990s during the Cold War when the Berlin Wall was still up.

As such, I vaguely appreciate extremely important role that our reserves, the Royal Navy reserves, the Army reserves, the Royal Artillery Air Force, the RAF volunteer reserves, and others plan supporting our regulars in the defence of the realm. In that context I recently saw an analysis which pointed out that following the 2024 general election, there were now 17 Conservative MPs in the House of Commons who have served or are serving in either the regular or reserve Armed Forces. But on these benches we have no monopoly of military service.

The same survey also pointed out quite rightfully that Labour have 30 MPs in the same position, and the Liberal Democrats now have eight. For completeness I must of course point out that the honourable member for Strangford also served in the TA. He is with us on that point, indeed I sometimes feel he is always with us, he is virtually omnipresent in the chamber. It is therefore true to say that Armed Forces have supported across the little spectrum. At least from those of us who are here.

I merely note in passing that yet again when defence has been discussed in this chamber, there is no Reform MP present to grace our proceedings. Ironically, for a party that likes to try and wrap itself in the flag, which it does not own, it is telling that they can't be bothered to turn up to debate the service of those who loyally served under it. Bluntly, Reform don't do defence. Nevertheless, I hope that most of what I say in the next few minutes will be broadly consensual, with perhaps one exception that I will come to near the end.

The role of our Armed Forces who have defended our way of life down the centuries is just as pertinent today as ever. The war in Ukraine, as the brave Ukrainians continue to resist Putin's barbaric illegal invasion of the country taking place alongside continued turmoil in the Middle East. On regulars, those who serve our Armed Forces reserve our unstinting and ongoing support. Numerous stats show the vast majority of people who serve in the Armed Forces and if it greatly from the experience.

As well as serving the country, they often learn valuable skills and trades to make them highly marketable in the civilian job market. Indeed this is a problem for attention, as the Minister was intimating. When I served as an MoD minister, albeit a decade ago, I read one powerful statistic which was that 80% of people who left the Armed Forces normally found a job within six months. I believe the figures are equally as good or even better today. People who are smart, disciplined, trained to turn up on time, and to be resourceful, are always likely to prove attractive to

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employers. I thank the member for giving

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I thank the member for giving way. Veterans play an important part in my constituency of Glastonbury in my constituency of Glastonbury and Somerton, with 11% of households home to at least one. However, home to at least one. However, female veterans are over 10% less likely to be employed compared to likely to be employed compared to men. Does the right honourable Member agree with me that we must put more support in helping female

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put more support in helping female veterans find employment after service? I agree. I think we should do

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I agree. I think we should do everything we can to enable all veterans of whatever gender to find veterans of whatever gender to find good employment after their service. good employment after their service. Female veterans too. I cannot resist Mr Speaker, but as customary as is in her constituency, why on earth in her constituency, why on earth are Kneecap Being allowed to appear there? Why on earth are the organisers allow that to take place?

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Moving on, we need to remind that... Point of order.

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Point of order. If I could just correct the right honourable Member, the Glastonbury Festival site is not in my
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constituency.

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She mentioned Glastonbury... Is not a point of order for the chair. Thank yous that is bigger. We

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Thank yous that is bigger. We need to bear this ploy ability very need to bear this ploy ability very much in mind. Without skilled regular personnel to retain and operate even the most expensive and operate even the most expensive and sophisticated kit, the Typhoon and F-35 fighters, and battle tanks, we F-35 fighters, and battle tanks, we cannot achieve operational success. In short, without well-trained people, equipment counts for people, equipment counts for nothing. Therefore does not achieve the deterrent effect we seek.

When the deterrent effect we seek. When asked earlier this week what was the single biggest challenge the Royal Navy is now facing, the fleet commander, Vice Admiral Andrew Burns commander, Vice Admiral Andrew Burns replied, " It is people right now. It is the quantity of people and not just recruitment, it is retention. " For context this is not a uniquely British problem. All of our five British problem. All of our five eyes partners face similar challenges even the US. And I shall challenges even the US.

And I shall Moving to cadets, we are fortunate in this country to have active and enthusiastic cadet groups who welcome the proposals of the white paper to expand further. We would like to see more detail of how exactly this is going to be achieved. The debts play a vital role in fostering discipline, teamwork and sense of service among young people, providing opportunities for personal development and serving as a pathway, should they desire it, for future careers in the Armed Forces.

-- The cadets. We are all, ultimately, whether ministers, shadow ministers or otherwise, constituency MPs. In that context I would like to pay particular tribute to the army cadet detachments in Rayleigh and Wickford who are part of the sea company in the cadet force and I have visited in the past. I am hoping to see that really detachment again shortly, they will need to find a new home in the next several years. I would also like to highlight the Wickford Squadron. I should declare an interest, I have the honour to have recently been appointed as the honorary president.

Their motto is Japanese for heavenly river. I can confirm that they are in full flow. I heard a number of members in the chamber over the years they tribute to their cadet units so I will chant my own. We will rightfully hear praise for more cadet units before the debate is out. They are a fundamentally important part of the Armed Forces family and as well as the young people who sign up, I would like to take this opportunity to thank those adults who give their time voluntarily in order to provide instruction and leadership for these outstanding young people.

Turning to veterans, one example of work that can be done to protect them, I would like to commend to the House and like to commend to the House and initiative known as the force of the protocol, named after Alan who served in the British army. Years in several theatres, and sadly took his own life after a struggle with complex PTSD. His widow, Claire, came to see me at my constituency surgery a number of years ago now and told me she was determined to channel her grief in a positive way by establishing a system to help find and protect victims who go missing.

I was struck by her determination to succeed and I am pleased to tell the House that is exactly what she did. Insured, the protocol is now a standard operating procedure among many police sources, similar to the protocol for those with dementia. -- Police forces. It works like this, people have a veteran in their family who they believe may be vulnerable can register details confidentially, including known associates, with an organisation known as safe and found online. In the event that the veteran go missing, the family can make that information immediately available to the police to assist them in their search for the potentially vulnerable veteran.

It was initially trialled by Greater Manchester police over six months, it was an outstanding success. It was reported that the trial allowed Timely and positive interventions which undoubtedly saved the lives of thousands of veterans in the Greater Manchester area. The protocol is now being rolled out across police forces nationwide. We had an event to allow progress in the Commons in 2024, the new veterans Minister tended to give his personal support, which I would like to thank him today.

In an equally bipartisan spirit, I would like to pay tribute to the actor and TV celebrity, Ross Kemp, Grant Mitchell, for his unwavering support for this initiative and the work he has done for veterans more widely and for his amazing documentary with the Royal Anglians Fire regiment in Afghanistan. Thank you for everything you do for our Armed Forces, past and present. We know your heart is absolutely in it. And we are grateful. I am delighted to report to the House that my own Constabulary in Essex are formally adopting the protocol today.

At a ceremony at Colchester, deliberately in Armed Forces Week. This will mark 38 forces using this procedure. It is estimated that since the initial trial and roll-out across other forces in this country, hundreds of lives of veterans have been saved by this process. I wish to commend Claire Lee for everything she and her supporters have done to make this possible. We have another invent in the Commons this November, by which time I hope the 43 police forces in England and will will be signed up.

Well done, Claire. Alan would be proud of you. As I mentioned earlier, despite the tri- partisan nature of this debate, there is one issue which I feel the governments on these benches will not agree. -- Government and these benches will not agree. That is the proposed treatment of Northern Ireland veterans. Over 300,000 regular British soldiers served in the Troubles. Operation Banner was one of the longest running continuous exercises in the nation of the British Army. During this long, and at times highly dangerous deployment, over 700 British soldiers were killed.

Assisting the Ulster defence Regiment and the -- Constabulary. To uphold order in Northern Ireland. Many more soldiers were maimed for life while trying to hold the line in an incredibly complex and dangerous situation. I have seen many memorials in my time, perhaps one of the most poignant was the Royal also Constabulary Memorial, commemorated the lives of hundreds of officers who also gave their lives working alongside the army to attempt to uphold the rule of law in Northern Ireland.

Imagine that utter dismay of those veterans who served in the British army in the highly complex theatre at the news that the present Labour government intends to drive through a remedial order under the auspices of the human rights act 1998. Effectively to remove key provisions within the Conservative Northern Ireland Troubles and reconciliation act 2023. The net of this will have two important effects, it will reopen the endless cycle of investigation and reinvestigation, investigation and reinvestigation, often via coronial inquests, to which many British Army soldiers have already been subject.

Secondly, I wonder if many members opposite are even aware of this, the same order which there whips will be urging them to vote for later this autumn, will also make it easier for Gerry Adams and his associates to sue the British Government and ultimately the British taxpayer. This is two-tiered justice at its absolute worst. The veterans themselves initiated a parliamentary e-petition entitled 'protect Northern Ireland veterans from prosecution, which amassed over 100,000 signatures in well under a month.

As of noon today, the petition has achieved over 145,000 signatures and it is still going strong. As a result of the public support, we will be debating this totally counter-productive policy which is a looming disaster for Armed Forces recruitment and retention in Parliament. Next month. On these Conservative benches we will resist this misguided Remedial Order designed to aim Gerry Adams while throwing our veterans to the walls. We welcome the daily mail's campaign to protect our veterans, as the editorial put it, 'it is profoundly unfair that frail ex- servicemen continue to live in dread of a knock on the door by the authorities while IRA murderers sleep easily with letters of immunity handed to them by Tony Blair.

I think that puts it rather well. It is worth recording in this context that many of the soldiers serving in Northern Ireland were recruited from what we call now 'red wall' towns, Blackpool to Bury, and were ordered across the Irish Sea to uphold the rule of law. Many are now in their 70s or even the 80s. I suspect Labour MPs opposite would find it difficult to explain to those veterans and their loved ones wife they are taking this action just because their government is literally obsessed with the human rights act 1998.

So, we on these benches will be bitterly opposing the Remedial Order. Members opposite will need to look into their consciences and then hopefully, when consciences and then hopefully, when the bells ring, to decide. With that very important exception, I hope we can all agree across this House, those that are here, that we value immensely the work of the whole Armed Forces family and everything they do to help keep our country safe. Without those people who have the courage to take the Kings shilling, and to put on the uniform and, if ultimately necessary, to risk their lives in order to keep this country free, we would have no guarantee of our precious democracy.

Perhaps the most fitting way to end this contribution would be to quote the words of Roy George Kipling and is famous poem, written for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. There is no hint of jingoism, it warns of the power of divine judgement and humility of kings. As Kipling put it, little malt and the shouting dies, the captains and the kings depart, still stands indigent sacrifice, her humble and contrite harm. Lord God of hosts, be with us harm.

Lord God of hosts, be with us

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yet. Lest we forget, lest we forget.' Can I thank you for sharing the

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Can I thank you for sharing the

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Can I thank you for sharing the Of Kipling, something that has sunk into the national consciousness. I appreciate the cordial nature of this debate between the Minister and the shadow Minister. We three were the shadow Minister. We three were together earlier this week, having a debate about recruitment in the debate about recruitment in the north-east, which was cordial and it is a great opportunity to continue that here. In Stockton we celebrated Armed Forces Day early on Saturday, Armed Forces Day early on Saturday, we had a ceremony, many celebrations we had a ceremony, many celebrations on the High Street and a service.

on the High Street and a service. The Yorkshire Regiment were there, we also had representatives of our we also had representatives of our cadet forces, the Marine and RAF cadets based in Norton in my cadets based in Norton in my constituency. We also had representatives of the Royal military police. Also based in
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Chris McDonald Portrait Chris McDonald MP (Stockton North, Labour)
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military police. Also based in Norton. In Stockton, we have a very strong representation of the Armed Forces in our local community. One in 20 of the people in my constituency are serving in the Armed Forces or veterans. Very strong area for the Armed Forces. I mentioned the Royal military police. I did wonder if maybe the Royal military police are mentioned too often in the House. I thought this might be an opportunity to commend the work they do. They have, I think possibly claim to be the longest established regiment, stretching back to the 14th century.

To the first sergeant of the piece. They are a vital part of our Armed Forces with around 2,200 soldiers and civilian staff. The support operations in conflict zones, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian. This is a suitable moment to pay tribute to the Member for Epsom and Ewell for her service as a captain in the military police as a captain in the military police The role of the police is much like other units in the Armed Forces, but they have three main roles, the policing of the army, special investigations, and close protection.

And in the policing of the army, they will be attached to unit in the field to ensure that captured personnel are treated appropriately, legally, and humanely. They were deployed in Ukraine recently under close protection of the foreign office. protection of the foreign office. And of course, there are airborne in Colchester who were part of operation Martha garden, so members of the Royal military police.

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Would he accept that the actions attached to fighting units are a attached to fighting units are a direct reflection of the army, of our national character, upholding our national character, upholding the rule of law even in warfare?

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the rule of law even in warfare? I would, and that creates a point I might go on to develop a bit more. It creates a unique duty, very serious responsibility that puts serious responsibility that puts them in a different position to comrades which can't be easy and comrades which can't be easy and must be quite difficult. I also want must be quite difficult. I also want to highlight that the RMP can find themselves in incredibly dangerous themselves in incredibly dangerous situations as well.

I was talking to a friend of mine who was a member a friend of mine who was a member and he highlighted to me the role of Royal military police officers during the Second World War and in other conflicts as well. Managing traffic points. These are fixed grade reference points. It is vital that the traffic flow is managed appropriately for logistics, but it appropriately for logistics, but it also means that personnel are very easy to target from artillery and aircraft, and they carried out that war with great bravery as well, so I really want to commend them for that.

Policing puts the individuals involved in a difficult and somewhat unique position. That is also true for the civilian police force, but I think there is a particular additional burden on those members of the Royal military and how they discharge their duty, and I was struck by Kate Green who, 20 years from the lifting of the LGBT military ban was serving in the Royal military police, anything that she feared the most was being asked to investigate those who are suspected of hiding their sexuality.

If you admitted it, you were out and it was the end of your career. Kate decided she couldn't continue with this anymore. She didn't want to continue to live a lie has, so she handed in her one-year notice to the Royal military police, the LGBT ban on the army was lifted a short time after her career ended. She works with the army and this is an opportunity to welcome the lifting

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of the LGBT ban, and. Nearly 30 years ago when I was at

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Nearly 30 years ago when I was at the University of Leicestershire, I the University of Leicestershire, I argued vociferously to make sure that our Armed Forces were allowed to recruit from our campus to make to recruit from our campus to make sure that they got people like us into the military so that we can into the military so that we can create a military that was reset and reflective of our society, so people reflective of our society, so people from LGBT Q plus communities could serve alongside us without any impediments.

My honourable friend impediments. My honourable friend agree with me that what is true is agree with me that what is true is that inclusion comes from being part of an institution and helping to change it from within, and that it change it from within, and that it is necessary that we do not put

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impediments on campuses today. I thank him for his service and

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I thank him for his service and his continued advocacy in this place. He spoke very powerfully in place. He spoke very powerfully in this intervention, and I would agree with him that it is no small task to change an organisation that starts change an organisation that starts and ends with leadership. We must thank the leaders to do exactly as we said. I also want to share the story of Rachel Webster, she has an example of how it is possible to break down barriers and overcome some entrenched stereotypes.

Rachel chose engineering, but she was told she wouldn't be able to weld because she was a girl. I don't know if any of you had a go at welding but I am terrible at it. She was unable to pursue that at school, but Rachel left school and was better at teaching welding than me because she took a four-year apprenticeship programme and learned how to weld. Her ambition was to enter the Armed Forces and she wish to apply to join the Royal Engineers where many of her compatriots went, but when she applied, she was told that women couldn't be Royal Engineers.

So, undeterred, she joined the Royal military police. She trained with the Royal Army Corps and was deployed to Germany. Her career took her to the Troubles, one of the proudest moments came in Iran. She was helping build a girls school to impress the local men who didn't realise that it was possible for women to weld, so she was able to use her welding skills on behalf of the army. Both Rachel and Kate have really powerful stories. They show us that courage doesn't know any gender or any sexuality, and I do hope that they will be inspiring stories from my constituents people across the country.

And I would like to take this moment to thank all of our Armed Forces, particularly those police in the north-east and across the country for their valuable service to our nation. Thank you.

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Thank you. It is a privilege today to speak in today's debate on today to speak in today's debate on Armed Forces day. A day that we Armed Forces day. A day that we recognise and celebrate the bravery, dedication and sacrifice for those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces. We honour and we thank Armed Forces. We honour and we thank them. Earlier this week, I was proud to attend the flag raising ceremony to attend the flag raising ceremony in Epsom.

Events like this are held in communities across the country and their meaning runs deep. They and their meaning runs deep. They are visible reminder for something that should never be taken for granted. The courage of the men and
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Helen Maguire Portrait Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell, Liberal Democrat)
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who highlighted the important and vital operational work of the vital operational work of the police. My journey began with the desire to lead, travel and make a desire to lead, travel and make a difference. I joined Sandhurst, crawling and encouraging in equal measure. I trained in boots not made for me came up with friendships forged in resilience. I was deployed forged in resilience. I was deployed to Bosnia as part of the peacekeeping mission and I served in peacekeeping mission and I served in Iraq with the Royal read.

Helping to retrain the Iraqi police force in a retrain the Iraqi police force in a volatile area. We operate under constant threat and before my constant threat and before my arrival, six of my colleagues were arrival, six of my colleagues were killed, and I still remember the fear of that first night, travelling in a blacked out bus, unsure what in a blacked out bus, unsure what lay ahead. The fear of the unknown, of not making it home, it is one of not making it home, it is one that many serving personnel is still faced today.

And yet we carried out our mission with professionalism and comrade. British troops working shoulder to shoulder, brave interpreters, local allies and international partners. I saw how overstretched and underequipped our troops often were compelled to our allies. We got on with the job but we shouldn't have to make do. Armed Forces Day is not just about parades. It marks a time for action. Our service personnel deserve more than warm words. They deserve a fair deal, and that is why am calling for a fair deal commissioned to overhaul the conditions facing veterans and their families.

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