Oral Answers to Questions

Janet Daby Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Luke Pollard]

I think I was the only Plymouth MP not at REPMUS, given that the hon. Member for South West Devon (Rebecca Smith) and my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth Moor View (Fred Thomas) attended. I support the work that the hon. Member for South West Devon is doing. We have a huge opportunity in marine autonomy to create more jobs and increase the lethality and deterrence of our Royal Navy. I am very happy to pick up the points that she raised.

[Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

T7. How food reaches us is important, and 40% of British food is imported, almost all of it by sea. The combined value of British imports and exports by sea is around £1 trillion. During a crisis, it will be the role of the Royal Navy to protect that essential trade and ensure that imports reach Britain. What is the Minister doing to ensure that the Royal Navy is ready for that role, should we need it?

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Louise Sandher-Jones)]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising such an important topic. Protecting the vital sea routes on which Britain depends is a fundamental task of the Royal Navy. We are strengthening these capabilities through the strategic defence review and defence investment plan, including through investment in the hybrid Navy, which will bring together crewed warships, submarines and uncrewed systems.