Backbench Business

Mr. Tami supported Mr. Ellwood's argument, emphasising that reducing the order of defence capabilities not only decreases the number of aircraft but also impacts future workshare and economic benefits, referencing Sealand's interest in F-35 jets.

The Atlantic Charter was introduced by the post-war Labour Government to address existential threats. The current review highlights interlinkages between defence, security, foreign policy and development. US Defence Secretary Mattis warned that if State Department funding is not fully funded, there will be a need for more ammunition in future. Concerns exist about the Defence budget being carved up, threatening cyber and intelligence capabilities. Previous ambassador Kim Darroch warned against reducing British Army size below 80,000 soldiers. The new Biden Administration presents an opportunity to reinforce NATO but requires credibility. Resilience must be prioritised within the armed forces and support personnel, avoiding private provision dogma that complicates accountability.

Defence reviews have become increasingly vague with complex titles. Flexibility is crucial in maintaining a range of military capabilities due to unpredictable enemy intentions. Defence Intelligence must be agile and broad to address new threats, including cyber-space and disinformation. Questions were raised about the National Cyber Force's operations, investment in grey zone defences, and parliamentary oversight for national security elements.

The announcement of the integrated review raised concerns over international aid. The Prime Minister's desire to merge Department for International Development into Foreign Office was criticised, along with reducing aid commitment from 0.7% to 0.5% of GNI due to COVID-19. This cut is devastating and fails moral responsibilities during a global health crisis. Reports suggest legislation delaying until after the June G7 summit could weaken international commitments. The mindset prioritises military spending over development, described as Hobbesian and contrary to global Britain's aspirations.

The Government's achievements in science, innovation, and technology are remarkable. The speaker supports the National Security and Investment Bill but calls on the government to publish the integrated review for better strategic coordination.

Corbyn criticised the reduction of international aid funding while increasing defence spending, highlighting issues such as global inequality, environmental disaster, and the need for nuclear disarmament. He advocated for a focus on human rights and poverty to enhance security.

Francois highlighted chronic failures in Ministry of Defence procurement and called for reform, warning against slashing the Regular Army without proper changes. He urged ministers not to reduce infantry battalions due to poor procurement practices.

Critiques the 'global Britain' slogan, warns against military-centric foreign policy. Emphasises security threats from terrorism and cyber-warfare over state-sponsored invasions. Urges the UK to collaborate with other nations for peace and stability.

Highlights the role of military support during the pandemic, mentions 441 occasions where military aid was requested. Discusses the importance of defence spending on job creation and export drive in Wales, emphasises the need for certainty in the integrated review.

Expresses concern over delays in publishing the integrated review and premature announcements. Criticises the merger of DFID and FCO before completing the review, mentions reduction in aid spending to 0.5% of GNI from 2021 onwards, questions contradictions in UK's international policy.

Globalisation necessitates a proper response and multilateral co-operation. The speaker emphasises the importance of Britain being at the centre of global institutions, advocating for the modernization of bodies like the United Nations and World Health Organisation. He also stresses the need to address multifactorial risks such as defence, economic security, and commodity security post-Brexit.

Expresses concern over the timing of the announcement of a new component in the defence White Paper. The speaker also highlights the importance of Scotland's north Atlantic neighbourhood and the need for sustainability in funding the MOD, warning against further fiscal restraint that could negatively impact military personnel.

Highlights the significance of development as a key aspect of soft power. He urges the Government to reconsider reducing international development spending below 0.7%, citing the importance of global health structures and long-term programme planning. The speaker also suggests that the reduction may be illegal and proposes an alternative solution involving fair taxation on digital companies.

Since coming to power in 2010, the Conservative party has presided over a decade of decline in the field of defence. Successive reviews have led to significant spending cuts, leaving a £13 billion deficit and armed forces understaffed. I welcomed the Chancellor's announcement last autumn for more than £24 billion additional funding over four years but need confirmation on its use. The integrated review must prioritise the wellbeing of service personnel, address low pay, housing issues, and mental healthcare. It should also consider the role defence spending plays in supporting domestic manufacturing and improving sovereign capabilities. In my constituency, Cammell Laird was part of a consortium shortlisted for constructing Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, which could provide thousands of jobs. The Government must ensure these vital projects are designed and delivered by British manufacturers to guarantee jobs.

I congratulate the Secretary of State on securing a £16 billion increase in defence spending over four years. The integrated review must allocate adequate capital, avoid repeated delays through stop-start decisions to programmes, and recognise the value of a resilient, innovative, and sustainable industrial base for our armed forces. I recommend identifying the contribution of defence and security to the UK economy and developing export potential for UK defence capabilities with allies to ensure innovation and encourage industry co-investment. Continued investment in innovation is essential as war-fighting moves into digital, cyber, and space domains.

The review is compromised by assumptions about the state of international affairs and the political and economic environment here in the UK. More than half the population in Scotland and Northern Ireland support independence, while over 30% in Wales want it as well. The centralisation of international engagement in Westminster and Whitehall will no longer suffice; proper participation by the four parts of the UK is required. Plaid Cymru wants Wales to play a constructive international role but faces a confused approach from the Prime Minister who simultaneously supports cutting military hardware costs while backing Trident. Local issues, such as MOD training aircraft based on Ynys Môn making noise over land and water restrictions, highlight time for global pretensions has passed.

The speaker supports the decision to cut overseas aid from 0.7% to 0.5%, but with conditions that it should revert when affordable and include a comprehensive review of overseas spending. He emphasises the need for better alignment between hard and soft power, embedding Foreign Office and MOD advisers in foreign Governments, enhancing military training teams, improving expeditionary force capabilities, reinforcing logistics, investing in forward operating bases, strengthening international defence relationships, and advocating for a domestic manufacturing strategy.

The speaker criticises the delay and confusion surrounding the integrated review, highlighting that it comes at a time of global instability. She expresses concerns over reduced status and standing due to isolation from Europe and inconsistent approaches to human rights abuses. The speaker also questions the desire behind increased defence spending without clear strategy and warns against further cuts in military personnel. She urges for clarity on vague terms such as 'rules-based international system'.

The speaker, a member of the Defence Committee and a veteran, stresses the need to release the integrated review promptly given recent changes like leaving the EU and recovering from the pandemic. He emphasises the importance of preparing for different types of warfare and ensuring that armed forces are well-equipped to face future challenges. The speaker calls for clarity on how the UK is prepared for an evolving battle space and its position in the world.

Expresses concern over the shift towards defence spending at the expense of international development aid, citing DFID’s loss and cuts to the aid budget. Argues that development spending is crucial for long-term security and criticises the move towards transactional policies in aid.

Highlights the need for a new national strategy to address modern hybrid warfare. Emphasises the importance of technological advancement, especially in space technology, and calls for a coherent policy framework that integrates all forms of new technology.

Calls for international cooperation in next-generation weapons manufacturing to maintain British defence industry capability. Also discusses the positive relationship between Scottish communities and their armed forces, advocating for increased recruitment efforts.

Critiques the concept of 'global Britain', arguing that leaving the EU has made the country smaller, meaner, and poorer. Highlights Scotland's preference for EU membership over global Britain ideology. Advocates for Scottish independence within Europe to secure a better future.

Congratulates the Chair of the Defence Committee on securing the debate. Criticises the publication delay of the integrated review. Outlines the SNP's submission to the Government, covering opposition to nuclear programme, multi-year defence agreements, armed forces representative body, foreign policy-making mechanisms, climate justice, atrocity prevention strategy, and diversification in recruitment.

The integrated review announced by the Prime Minister last year has faced numerous delays and lacks strategic thought. The merging of DFID into FCO, alongside a cut in aid budget during a global crisis, undermines UK's status internationally. Also highlighted is the premature increase in defence spending without clear strategy to address real threats.

The Government intends to publish the integrated review in March this year. The review aims to redefine UK's role globally, outlining ambitious strategies for development and security. It will involve cross-Whitehall collaboration and consultation with external experts to ensure a comprehensive approach to tackling challenges.

Thanked those who participated in the debate and mentioned three key themes: Britain's desire to play an active role internationally, investment in soft and hard power (including not cutting military or aid budgets), and the need for the Government to publish the review within a specific timeframe. Emphasised the importance of global Britain aligning with US resolve.

Expressed regret that not all those who wished to contribute could do so due to time constraints.