Stuart Anderson
Main Page: Stuart Anderson (Conservative - South Shropshire)Department Debates - View all Stuart Anderson's debates with the Ministry of Defence
(2 days ago)
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Wes Streeting
We are determined to spend more across the whole United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the £50 million growth deal will help in that regard. My hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People will be visiting this Thursday. As I identified when appearing before the House of Lords Select Committee last week, we can be proud of the contribution that defence makes in every corner of the country—whether it is the north-east of England or Northern Ireland. There are some parts of the country where we can and will do more.
Stuart Anderson (South Shropshire) (Con)
I start by echoing the Secretary of State’s comments about Paul Wilks, and on behalf of the shadow defence team, I pass on my condolences to the families and colleagues of the Canadian service personnel who tragically lost their lives yesterday.
Improving skills in defence requires training. Training builds readiness, which increases both lethality and survivability. Yet it has been reported through multiple outlets that the Army has cancelled important training to save money. Is that correct?
Wes Streeting
First, I welcome the shadow Minister to the Dispatch Box for the first time. I place on the record my respect for his service to our country and the expertise that he brings to the role. On behalf of the Government, I conveyed support to Minister McGuinty following the terrible incident in Canada overnight; I am sure that our Canadian friends will welcome the support across the House.
As I said, further training is to take place throughout the rest of this year, including major exercises that we have taken part in. I restate, however, that we have to live within our means. That has required some reprioritisation, including of training. We have to focus on the right things and make sure that we are ready to fight the next war, not the last one. It has not been a popular decision, but I absolutely stand by the decisions that I have taken to make sure that the culture in my Department is one that lives within its means and delivers value for the taxpayer.