Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Swallow Excerpts

Monday 19th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Wes Streeting]

The hon. Gentleman will understand why I will not comment on that during a live procurement. The matter is still under consideration. To be clear, we take sovereign capability and control very seriously. It is also worth pointing out, after what was unquestionably a challenging week for relations between the United States and Ukraine, that the United States has provided and will continue to provide vital support to Ukraine, whether that is through intelligence sharing, the work we do on procurement with and through the United States, or the diplomatic track. It is worth reporting to the House that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, my US counterpart, was keen to thank the United Kingdom for our leadership on Ukraine. That suggests to me that the United States does know which side it is on.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to support cadet forces in Bracknell Forest.

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Mr Calvin Bailey)]

The Government remain committed to growing the cadet forces, particularly in underserved communities where young people can benefit most from the opportunities and skills that a cadet forces experience provides. We are strengthening links between defence communities and employers to expand volunteering and cadet opportunities, so that more young people, including those in Bracknell Forest, can benefit from the cadet experience.

[Peter Swallow]

Earlier this month I had the huge privilege of celebrating the first ever National Cadets Week alongside 7 Platoon Berkshire Army Cadets and 2211 Squadron Air Cadets. I was struck, as I always am when I meet cadets, by the young people’s confidence, skills and sense of pride. What consideration has my hon. Friend given to the role that the cadets can play in tackling the crisis of young people not in education, employment or training, and supporting more young people to develop essential skills?

[Mr Bailey]

Wasn’t National Cadets Week just brilliant? I know how proud my hon. Friend is of his cadet craftsmen and women of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Cadets at 7 Platoon Berkshire Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Cadets of 2211 Squadron—semper paratus. Both units show us how we must recognise the science, technology, engineering and maths opportunities that cadet engagement provides to our young people, helping to improve confidence and employability and reducing their risks of becoming NEET.