Strategic Priorities Statement: Defence
Debate between Baroness Smith of Newnham and Lord Livermore(1 month, 1 week ago)
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Lord Livermore (Lab)
I very much agree with the noble and gallant Lord. I hope those issues will be addressed through the Prime Minister’s work with the European Union on defence and security co-operation, and in the defence industrial strategy and the wider EU reset.
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
My Lords, it is clearly welcome that the strategy includes defence. What support are His Majesty’s Government planning to give to small and medium-sized enterprises working in dual-use technology? Are His Majesty’s Government thinking about letting contracts in the short to medium term, so that, as we build up our defence expenditure towards 2.5%, the companies have the certainty of knowing that there will be contracts?
Lord Livermore (Lab)
I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her question. The issues she raises will be addressed exactly by the defence industrial strategy. One of its key objectives, for example, is procurement—increasing its pace and opening it up to small and medium-sized enterprises, as she said. I hope that there will be more for her to hear in tomorrow’s Spring Statement.
National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill
Debate between Baroness Smith of Newnham and Lord LivermoreTuesday 21st January 2025
(3 months, 2 weeks ago)
Grand CommitteeRead Full debate National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Act 2024-26 View all National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Act 2024-26 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 56-I Marshalled list for Grand Committee - (17 Jan 2025)
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
Can the Minister clarify something? I understood that the national insurance contributions relief for veterans had been extended for one year and that this Bill was not going to affect veterans. Surely at some point it cuts out. Is that correct, so that this would be valid only up to 2026?
Lord Livermore (Lab)
The noble Lord, Lord Altrincham, set out in his speech that it was extended year by year under the previous Government. This Government have done the same thing and have extended it for a further year.
On the basis of what I have set out, I hope the noble Baroness will feel able to withdraw her amendment.
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
I thank all noble Lords who have contributed to the group, and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.