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Question
Cartlidge challenged Healey's portrayal of past defence spending, highlighting that Labour had planned significant cuts. He emphasised the current threat environment and questioned whether the Government would achieve 2.5% in this Parliament. He also raised concerns about procurement delays, potential compensation shortfalls for MOD personnel, and financial impacts on military families.
Minister reply
Healey defended his party's commitment to increasing defence spending while criticising previous Conservative governments for not achieving a similar level of expenditure. He acknowledged the need to control out-of-control spending left by the Conservatives but also emphasised that Labour would continue to support education allowances and compensate for VAT increases.
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Question
Dhesi called for clarity on the Government's commitment to increased defence spending, requesting a clear timeline for reaching 2.5% of GDP. He stressed the urgent need due to the volatile global situation.
Minister reply
Healey confirmed that the Government is committed to increasing defence spending and has already announced an increase of nearly £3 billion in the Budget. The Government plans to set out a pathway towards spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.
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Question
We are deeply concerned about the impact of the US elections on Ukraine and Europe. President Trump is an unreliable partner, and within days of his election, US support to Ukraine is under question. Does the Secretary of State agree that the previous Government’s legacy on our Army is regrettable? Will he commit to securing a UK-EU defence and security agreement? Will the Government convene a summit on saving Ukraine?
Minister reply
We are already pursuing the release of interest from frozen Russian assets and have announced £2.3 billion for Ukraine from early next year. We will pursue a UK-EU security pact alongside bilateral agreements, such as with Germany last month. The UK will continue to spend more on defence and support NATO's transformation.
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Question
Was President Trump right in pushing NATO countries to increase defence spending? Is it not serious if the US makes decisions on Ukraine that affect European security?
Minister reply
I welcome the fact that 23 NATO nations are meeting the 2% target this year. The UK will continue to spend well above 2%, and we have committed to a NATO-first policy.
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Question
Does he share concern over potential peace negotiations with Russia that could allow it to retain occupied territory while Ukraine gets only security assurances?
Minister reply
The Ukrainians will make the call on any terms for talks. Our task is to support Ukraine and step up our support, both militarily and in negotiations.
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Question
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Lloyd Austin about America’s role in the way forward?
Minister reply
Detailed discussions are ongoing, and we will step up support to Ukraine over the coming months. The new US Administration must recognise that it is in everyone's interest for Putin not to prevail.
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Question
Given China’s naval capacity, Russia's threat and other global challenges, will the Secretary of State urge the Prime Minister to commit to 2.5% defence spending immediately?
Minister reply
The first duty of any Government is to defend the country; hence, the Prime Minister commissioned a strategic defence review led by Lord Robertson.
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Question
What measures are being taken to improve defence procurement efficiency following criticism under the previous government?
Minister reply
As Defence Secretary, I am prioritising reform of the 'broken' procurement system that failed our forces and taxpayers.
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Question
Is the UK able to provide an armoured division to NATO on an enduring basis?
Minister reply
The armed forces will always respond to NATO obligations, and I conducted a NATO test in my first 100 days as Defence Secretary.
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Question
On Armistice Day, how will the Secretary of State ensure everything our armed forces do to keep us safe is remembered? Will he visit Sight Scotland Veterans in her constituency?
Minister reply
I welcome the opportunity to meet visually impaired veterans. Today, we remember those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
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Question
Does the Secretary of State understand that we will need far more than 2.5% GDP on defence within a short time? Is he prepared to advocate for substantial rearmament?
Minister reply
The strategic defence review will address current threats, and resources will be matched with capabilities needed.
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Question
My hon. Friend the Member for Chesterfield made an important point that the new Government inherited £167 billion-worth of projects, none of which were rated green by the National Audit Office. Does the Secretary of State agree that more money is one part of the equation, but spending it well is the other part?
Minister reply
Indeed; that is why the Prime Minister reaffirmed our commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% and said that the strategic defence review comes first, ensuring we increase what we spend but also spend it better.
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Question
In January 2023, the Secretary of State’s colleague said I need not be concerned about Labour's plans for VAT on school fees impacting the continuity of education allowance. Now that VAT on school fees goes live in January and details of rates have still not been articulated to forces families, what is the plan to better communicate with them?
Minister reply
I am sorry for any concerns; there will be an uprating in the continuity of education allowance ensuring armed forces members can get up to 90% of school fees covered, taking into account any rise due to VAT.
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Question
The shadow Secretary of State referenced his so-called plan for defence spending back in April this year, a plan that the Institute for Government said did “not add up” and was “fictitious”. Does my right hon. Friend agree that under this Labour Government we will never make funding commitments to our armed forces unless they are fully funded?
Minister reply
Yes; the plans we put in place will be openly discussed in this House and we will ensure resources match plans.
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Question
Defence professionals across Whitehall will have their heads in their hands at this Government’s commitment to 2.5% at some point and when fiscal conditions permit. To fail to commit on defence investment with the multiple security threats facing us, from Ukraine to a plethora of global cyber-threats, is strategically illiterate. What urgent steps will the Secretary of State take with the Chancellor to ensure at least the 2.5% promised by Labour is spent now?
Minister reply
The commitment to 2.5% defence spending will happen under a Labour Government; Scottish military and workforce will play an important part in the future.
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Question
We have heard some chutzpah from the shadow Secretary of State for Defence today. The Conservatives had 14 years to get to 2.5%, yet they demand it from us now. Can he assure the House that he and his colleagues are working to clear up the waste and mismanagement they found when they came to the Ministry of Defence?
Minister reply
I can indeed; our first Budget has a £3 billion boost to defence while their first had a £2 billion real-terms cut.
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Question
The last Government extended the advantage of combined cadet forces to state school pupils. Why then?
Minister reply
I do not recognise the right hon. Gentleman’s description; most have contact and working relations with good cadet forces that give young people opportunities.
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Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s recent announcement of the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill—a promise made and a promise being kept—but does he agree this is just one part of showing we can support our troops?
Minister reply
Indeed, my hon. Friend is a strong champion for armed forces and veterans in his constituency.
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Question
One of the big achievements of the last 14 years was the delivery of both aircraft carriers stationed near my constituency. However, it remains clear that they are underpowered. If serious about 2.5%, when will they set out their plan to invest in our Royal Navy and especially our aircraft carriers?
Minister reply
The strategic defence review, which reports in spring, will follow within our commitment to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.
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Question
Today is Armistice Day; does the Secretary of State agree we must not only set out our ironclad commitment to 2.5%, but support armed forces, their families and veterans?
Minister reply
Indeed; legislation introduced last week for an independent armed forces commissioner will report directly to Parliament and improve service life.
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Question
May I commend the role of Ploughshare in dealing with commercialisation opportunities at Porton Down? Will he ensure that organisation is not held back from extending its opportunities to commercialise assets emerging from MOD research?
Minister reply
One of the weaknesses in our system is that excellent innovation, research and development does not get developed or commercialised.
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Question
Like others on this side of the House, I welcome the increase in defence spending announced. Does the Secretary of State agree we need to increase defence spending in response to emerging threats around the world, from Ukraine to the middle east and Asia-Pacific, and that 2.5% should be kept under review?
Minister reply
Yes; my hon. Friend makes an important point that starting point for any defence planning must be threats we face.
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Question
When Boris Johnson was PM, defence spending in UK was 2.3% of GDP. Now that an isolationist President-elect is about to go into the White House, it remains 2.3%. When will defence spending rise beyond 2.3% of GDP?
Minister reply
I am not sure I heard any welcome; this Government have made a commitment to set a path to increase defence spending to 2.5%, a level we have not had for the last 14 years.
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Question
Welcomes the Opposition's support for meeting the 2.5% defence spending target, highlighting past Labour Government achievements in supporting Ukraine.
Minister reply
Agrees with the questioner, paying tribute to the previous government’s efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine and commits to continuing this support at £3 billion annually.
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Question
Questions the minister about defence spending under the last Labour Government, mentioning concerns around equipment quality.
Minister reply
Acknowledges past issues with kit and equipment but emphasises that defence expenditure was at 2.5% of GDP in 2010.
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Question
Highlights a 28% decrease in the size of armed forces under the previous government and calls for increased defence spending.
Minister reply
Agrees that recruitment and retention are key issues, noting plans to implement pay rises and introduce an independent armed forces commissioner.
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Question
Asks about actions being taken to reduce global tension and defence expenditure.
Minister reply
Reiterates the need for increased defence spending due to ongoing threats, supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and advocating for a two-state solution.
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Question
Discusses poor-quality housing conditions for armed forces personnel and seeks assurances on improvement.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the issue of poor accommodation affecting morale and recruitment, committed to providing better quality housing.
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Question
Suggests moving towards 3% of GDP on defence spending.
Minister reply
Commits to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, noting previous Conservative governments' failure to match this level.
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Question
Inquires about the resumption of R&D spending for small firms.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for reform in procurement systems to support innovative small firms.
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Question
Requests assurances on recruitment and retention targets, highlighting current undershooting of personnel numbers.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the crisis in recruitment and retention, committing to pay rises and new legislation for an armed forces commissioner.