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National Security Strategy 2025-06-24
24 June 2025
Lead MP
Pat McFadden
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefenceCommunity Security
Other Contributors: 26
At a Glance
Pat McFadden raised concerns about national security strategy 2025-06-24 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Prime Minister will attend the NATO summit where a new commitment to grow spending on national security to 5% of GDP by 2035 is expected. The UK's strategy focuses on protecting security at home, promoting strength abroad, and increasing sovereign and asymmetric capabilities. It includes bolstering defence industries, enhancing cyber capability, anti-corruption measures, and investing in research and development.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Welcomes actions that build on previous government measures but calls for a plan to reach the NATO target of 3% by the end of this Parliament. Questions the inclusion of costs in the 1.5% target and highlights concerns about China's influence, including the foreign influence registration scheme and the China super-embassy spy hub.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Constituency Not Mentioned
Defended the Government's approach towards national security, committing to increasing defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP and outlining a balanced strategy with respect to China that prioritises both economic interests and national security.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Welcomed the publication but urged for more substantial actions, specifically calling for cross-party talks on increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP as per NATO targets. Emphasised the need for resilience and protecting democracy from hostile actors.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Asked for guidance on how to address instances of China’s espionage, interference in democracy, and undermining economic security. Highlighted the need for advice given to regions when dealing with China.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Complimented the comprehensive national security strategy and enquired about coherence across different strategies and ensuring a cultural change in facing security threats.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Welcomes the national security strategy, emphasising Aldershot's role in UK’s security and resilience with Standing Joint Command HQ. Asks for details on work done on national resilience strategy.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Expresses astonishment at the minimal coverage of China in the strategy, questioning its adequacy given the Intelligence and Security Committee's report. Asks for more comprehensive statements on China.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Appreciates the government's top priority of keeping residents safe but raises concern over health security, advocating for Harlow to be home to the UK Health Security Agency.
West Dorset
Queries whether food security will influence policy changes at DEFRA. Notes recent sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with EU as beneficial for farmers and food producers in the UK.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Highlights importance of biosecurity against biological incidents, accidents, and attacks. Inquires about investment plans to protect the country from bio-threats.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Welcomes the strategy but criticises lack of significant changes over 15 years. Draws attention to technological advancements like AI and their implications for national security.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Expresses welcome towards increased defence spending, suggesting potential economic benefits for the UK's defence sector if allied nations increase spending as well.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Highlights importance of protecting subsea cables in North Atlantic and along west coast of Ireland. Asks if Government has approached Irish Government for support in this regard.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
Welcomes focus on science and technology, asking how the strategy will support growth and security in her constituency and across south-west England.
Solihull West and Shirley
Questions Britain's societal resilience against foreign influence operations. Asks for clear Government messaging to protect free speech and debate, suggesting expansion of defending democracy taskforce.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Welcomes defence measures but focuses on energy security. Questions how the strategy will improve energy security and prevent future situations like those resulting from Ukraine war.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Welcomed the Government’s commitment to defence industries and investment in Edinburgh university's supercomputer. Acknowledged the importance of dialogue with the Scottish Government for educational and economic growth opportunities.
Smethwick
Supported the attempt to renew and refresh key alliances, highlighting India as a strategic ally. Asked about how the Government are strengthening defence security relationships with countries like India in the Indo-Pacific region.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Expressed concern over misuse of sections 4 and 5 of the Public Order Act and decisions regarding Islamophobia definition, questioning their impact on British society's freedoms.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
Stressed the importance of energy security to national security. Criticised some Conservative Members for disagreeing with investment in nuclear power and small modular reactors without standing up against it.
Maidenhead
Asked about legal safeguards and domestic checks and balances needed as new technologies like AI are developed, seeking reassurance on protection of UK citizens' civil liberties.
Adam Thompson
Lab
Erewash
Requested confirmation that the Government remains committed to the nuclear deterrent and asked how today’s announcement will support the nuclear manufacturing industry in the east midlands.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Highlighted Labour's rhetoric on food security being national security but questioned if current policy adequately addresses resilience of domestic food supply chains against climate change risks.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Asked how controlling borders and immigration would work out with the open border between Ireland and the UK, seeking clarity on planned reforms to legal immigration system.
Tewkesbury
Echoed comments about Chinese Communist party, questioned if lasting peace in Europe means terminating Putin’s European ambitions in Ukraine, and asked how the UK will convey this to US Administration.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked for clarification on current spending figures on broader security beyond defence expenditure, including agencies like MI5, MI6, GCHQ, counter-terrorism, and police forces.
Government Response
Addressed concerns about misuse of public order act sections and Islamophobia definition by highlighting robust debate in British society. Emphasised importance of energy security to national security and commitment to nuclear deterrent. Acknowledged need for legal safeguards with AI development but highlighted potential benefits. Reaffirmed support for Ukraine and planned China audit.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
Defended the Government's approach towards national security, committing to increasing defence expenditure to 2.5% of GDP and outlining a balanced strategy with respect to China that prioritises both economic interests and national security.
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