Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Roome Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Bailey]

This Thursday, I will be in Northern Ireland with my very good friend, the Veterans’ Commissioner for Northern Ireland, where I will hear his representations on the issues affecting our veterans there. We have an incredible champion in our Veterans’ Commissioner for Scotland, who is doing an incredible job. A few months ago, I enjoyed breakfast in Wales with our Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales. All our commissioners play a valuable part and contribute to my understanding of the veterans landscape across the country, and they know that I have their back.

[Ian Roome (North Devon) (LD)]

13. What steps he is taking to improve defence preparedness and resilience.

[Mr Speaker]

Question 13—unlucky for some!

[The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)]

This Government have ended the underfunding and hollowing out of our armed forces that we inherited from the last Government. We are getting ready for warfighting readiness by 2030. That is why we are directing more of a growing defence budget at British companies, retiring old equipment, and giving our brilliant men and women in the armed forces the latest kit. Defence spending is up, morale is up and recruitment is up.

[Ian Roome]

Speaking in Washington last week, the Secretary of State for Defence said:

“Defence spending is the measure of our commitment. Defence capability is the measure of our credibility.”

How will the Government ensure that in addition to increasing defence spending, this country maximises the capability that it gets for every pound?

[Luke Pollard]

We inherited defence spending of roughly 2.3% of GDP. That figure will be 2.7%-ish next year, and—as the hon. Gentleman will know, having read page 11 of the defence investment plan—at the spending review next year, the Chancellor will set out the spending profile that takes us to 3% and 3.5%. We are not only spending more on defence, but ensuring that we have the right equipment and capabilities. That is one of the reasons why we are retiring so much old equipment that no longer delivers for our armed forces and investing in new equipment, be that the hybrid Navy, autonomous drones or the latest capabilities for our people.