Armed Forces Redundancies Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence
Tuesday 22nd January 2013

(11 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Francois Portrait Mr Francois
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Yes, I will attempt to keep my hon. Friend in touch, as he requests. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were affected in tranches 1 and 2. Tranche 3 relates solely to the Army.

Nick Smith Portrait Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
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How many additional special forces does the Minister foresee being needed in the light of yesterday’s statement by the Prime Minister?

Mark Francois Portrait Mr Francois
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We are normally slightly circumspect about commenting in the House of Commons on special forces, and particularly on special forces operations, for reasons that the House will understand very well. In principle, however, as we look to rebalance the size of the armed forces—both regular and reserve—we will clearly look at our special forces requirements in the light of that exercise.