Defence Supplementary Estimate 2021-22

Debate between Peter Grant and Mark Francois

Wednesday 9th March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Peter Grant]

I am glad the Minister mentioned the affordability of the equipment programme. I think that plan is dishonest if it describes itself as affordable, for reasons that I will come on to later.

[Mr Francois]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Peter Grant]

Given that the right hon. Gentleman is a best pal of mine sometimes on the Public Accounts Committee, I will give way.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Francois]

The hon. Gentleman missed the best bit of the November report, which was that the cross-party Committee concluded that the UK’s defence procurement system was “broken”. Does he agree that we are not going to deter further Russian adventurism with a £4 billion light tank that not only does not work, but deafens its own crew?

[Peter Grant]

I think the right hon. Gentleman will understand that there are far too many examples for me to quote them all. I want to leave some for him. I have no doubt he will bring his much greater knowledge to bear on the example he quoted.