Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michelle Donelan and Gavin Williamson

Monday 9th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con)]

19. What recent discussions he has had with the National Security Adviser on the existing and changing intensity of the threat environment.

[The Secretary of State for Defence (Gavin Williamson)]

As the House is aware, my Department is currently conducting the modernising defence programme. I meet the National Security Adviser on a regular basis to discuss key issues, including Russia’s increasingly destabilising behaviour; conflict and tension in Syria and the wider middle east; the spread of violent extremism and organised crime in ungoverned spaces; and of course the situation on the Korean peninsula.

[Michelle Donelan]

Will my right hon. Friend update the House about the threat to British citizens from the Russian state following the tragic announcement of the death of Dawn Sturgess in Wiltshire?

[Gavin Williamson]

We continue to work incredibly closely with the police on the investigation, as well as on the clear-up effort; 175 armed forces personnel are currently working with them. The simple reality is that Russia has committed an attack on British soil that has seen the death of a British citizen, and that is something I think the world will unite with us in condemning.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michelle Donelan and Gavin Williamson

Monday 5th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con)]

T7. I look forward to hearing the details this week of the new scheme offering £40,000-worth of bursaries to military veterans to retrain as teachers. Does the Minister agree that focusing on priority subjects is another example of how we are trying to plug the STEM skills gap?

[Gavin Williamson]

We have the most amazing resource in the armed forces—our people—and we want to give them the very best opportunities as they leave the armed forces. The bursary scheme offering up to £40,000 for them to train as teachers is a great opportunity. Our armed forces often have some amazing technical expertise that they will be able to bring straight to schools to benefit future generations.