John Healey
MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Lab
1 May 1997 - Present
Questions Asked by This MP
Parliamentary questions and government responses.
Prime Minister's Questions
No PMQs questions found for this MP.
I remember when the hon. Gentleman’s predecessor stood in this House after the election to argue, like the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) did, for this country to invest 2.5% of GDP by 2030—the hon. Member for South Suffolk called for it 13 times before the Prime Minister said, a year ago, we would do it three years earlier.
Context
The hon. Member for South Suffolk called for the UK to invest 2.5% of GDP in defence by 2030, a claim echoed by his predecessor after an election.
The Secretary of State for Defence (John Healey)
We will look at any way of raising the level of investment going into defence, but the hon. Member for Yeovil (Adam Dance) could start by recognising that this Government have made a commitment to record investment in defence—the largest increase since the end of the cold war. I note in passing that he seems to be against how we will fund this to reach 2.5% and 2.6% next year.
Session: Support for Defence SMEs
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Since the new shipbuilding strategy was launched two years ago, Ministers have given new build defence contracts to the Netherlands, Spain and, last week, France—just two days after the Defence Secretary declared that he was “determined” that new Navy vessels would be built “here in the UK.” He is the Government's shipbuilding tsar; why will he not back UK shipbuilding?
Context
Concerns raised about UK shipbuilding being given preference in new build defence contracts.
James Cartlidge
I point out that a shipbuilding strategy costs money, and that is why we are committed to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, unlike the right hon. Gentleman. On his key point about the shipbuilding strategy, I have been to Scotland and seen the amazing yards where we are building the Type 26 and the Type 31. I have been to Appledore, which is contributing to fleet solid support. We are committed to a UK shipbuilding sector. As the Secretary of State confirmed in his speech last week, by value of the future order book, this country is now No. 1 for naval exports.
Session: Defence Sector Competitiveness
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Defence spending increased to 2.5% but cuts since 2010 total £80 billion. Does the current approach risk further damage to armed forces over the next five years?
Context
The previous Minister admitted the current government has 'hollowed out and underfunded' forces, leading Labour to question if another five years of conservative rule is detrimental.
Grant Shapps
The armed forces cannot afford a Labour Government if Labour cannot answer one simple question: when?
Session: Topical Questions
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Supporting Ukraine's £3 billion annual military aid has Labour's full support. However, with nearly 50,000 personnel cut from forces since 2010 and previous defence spending reduced by £80 billion, how sustainable is this increase without further cuts?
Context
The Labour party supports the increase in military aid to Ukraine but questions whether it is sustainable without addressing cuts since 2010.
Grant Shapps
I very much appreciate the hon. Gentleman's support for the ongoing support to Ukraine of £3 billion a year. I gently say to him that it is not possible to provide that support without a route to getting there, with the 2.5%; otherwise, it will come out of the rest of the budget.
Session: Topical Questions
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As you did, Mr Speaker, I pay tribute to the Armed Forces Minister at his last Defence questions. Since the last election, we have had five Chancellors, four Foreign Secretaries, three Prime Ministers and two Defence Secretaries, but only one Armed Forces Minister. He has been a rare constant in the turmoil of Government, totally committed to defence. We thank him for that and wish him well. On the Indo-Pacific, we welcome last week's updated defence agreement with Australia, further progress on AUKUS, and today's 10-year plan for Barrow to support AUKUS. This is our most important strategic alliance beyond NATO, so why has the Defence Secretary given the leadership of key parts of AUKUS to the most junior Minister in his Department?
Context
The MP praised the Armed Forces Minister for his dedication and questioned why the Defence Secretary had given key parts of AUKUS leadership to a junior minister.
Grant Shapps
As I explained, I have just been in Australia talking about AUKUS. I have previously been to Japan, I think at least twice but possibly three times, on AUKUS, and to Italy—sorry, not to Italy, obviously, on AUKUS; that was on GCAP, but with an Indo-Pacific tilt.
Session: Indo-Pacific
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Given the recent international condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza, what operational or policy reasons exist for denying UK citizens information about potential complicity?
Context
The Government have previously refused to comment on whether UK airbases are used by Israeli F-35s or other military cooperation.
James Heappey
We do not comment on operational matters of that sort.
Session: Topical Questions
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Can my right hon. Friend give an update on recommendations 74, 75 and 76 of the 'Living in our Shoes' report dealing with this issue?
Context
An Army non-serving partner has highlighted issues with children's mental health treatments when military families move locations.
Andrew Murrison
Integrated care boards are running a pilot scheme to address people losing their places on waiting lists when they travel around the country. HeadFIT is being adapted and adopted at the moment.
Session: Topical Questions
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Long horizons are fine, but Ukraine needs more help now. I am concerned about the £2.5 billion for Ukraine that was announced last month. In response to my question last week, however, he would not rule out using that money to cover UK's operational costs at NATO bases. Will he rule that out today? Will he confirm today that every penny and every pound of the £2.5 billion for Ukraine will go to Ukraine?
Context
Concerns over the allocation of £2.5 billion for Ukraine, with a specific incident where the Minister did not rule out using some funds to cover UK's operational costs at NATO bases.
James Heappey
The £2.3 billion provided for operations to support Ukraine includes not just direct gifting but also Operation Interflex and other forms of support. The commitment next year and the following year matches what we did in previous years, including supporting Ukrainian forces through various means. We are committed to a long-term strategic alliance while continuing to provide aid.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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Will the Government provide an implementation plan to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support now and in future years?
James Heappey
While I appreciate the historical context, there was no commitment from the right hon. Gentleman on future spending levels. The partnership with Ukraine requires a strategic approach with long-term horizons.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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The agonies of the Palestinian people are extreme. We all want the fighting to stop now, for hostages to be returned now, for aid to be ramped up now, and a ceasefire that lasts permanently. What is the Defence Secretary doing to help his Israeli counterpart accept that their threatened offensive against Rafah just cannot happen?
Context
The MP discusses the dire situation for Palestinians, particularly regarding hostages in Gaza and the need for an immediate ceasefire.
Grant Shapps
I agree about the seriousness of the situation. I visited Israel before the new year and had those conversations directly. We believe it is in Israel's interest, Gaza's interest, and the world's interest to see an immediate cessation followed by a permanent ceasefire. We are doing everything we can to persuade the Israelis of this necessity and putting pressure on Hamas. We are also helping by ensuring plans for what happens in the north of the country and southern Lebanon.
Session: Topical Questions
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In just five days last week, Russia fired 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine. Putin is stepping up his attacks, so we must step up UK support, but current military aid funding runs out in a matter of weeks. The former Defence Secretary said—although not today—that without new money it is 'very hard to continue the leadership the UK has been taking on Ukraine'. I asked the current Defence Secretary about the 2024 Ukraine funding in the House in November. The former Defence Secretary wrote about it eight months ago. Seven weeks from when I asked, I ask again: when will new military aid funding for Ukraine be announced, and will it be multi-year?
Context
Russia's increasing attacks on Ukraine are prompting calls for stepped-up military aid. The current funding runs out soon, with previous requests for new money not yet addressed.
Grant Shapps
Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman did not hear my previous answer: it will not be long. To correct the record for the House, the funding—£2.3 billion—continues through to April this year, so it is not in any way, shape or form in danger of running out.
Session: Ukraine Military Support
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When the UK took the important step of joining Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Secretary of State gave the House this update in a written statement. He has done the same today, alongside his comments at questions. If further action is required to deter Houthi attacks and to safeguard freedom of shipping in the Red sea, will he undertake to provide Parliament with an oral statement?
Context
The MP pressed on the need for updates through parliamentary statements should additional measures be necessary.
Grant Shapps
Yes.
Session: Protection of Shipping Routes
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I welcome what the Defence Secretary has to say. These attacks on Red sea shipping must stop. They destabilise regional security, disrupt international trade and put civilian and military lives in danger. We back the UK action with allies in the new maritime protection force, and the joint statement condemning the Houthi attacks that the Secretary of State just mentioned. He announced today but has not mentioned to the House that HMS Richmond is sailing to the Gulf. In the light of these escalating tensions, what other Royal Navy ships has he put on stand-by for the region?
Context
The MP welcomed previous statements but asked about additional Royal Navy ships put on standby in light of escalating tensions.
Grant Shapps
I did not mention that specifically because I have already made a written ministerial statement to the House. HMS Richmond is sailing to the region because both HMS Diamond and HMS Lancaster are already there, and eventually they will need to be swapped out. It is not escalation in terms. I want to repeat to the right hon. Gentleman, the House and the country that we will not tolerate trade being impacted globally in the manner in which the Houthis are impacting it.
Session: Protection of Shipping Routes
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Would the Defence Secretary agree that over the past decade, there has been an international failure to pursue a Palestinian peace settlement and tackle the Hamas threat? Middle east escalation risks were not mentioned in the Government's defence Command Paper update, nor were Hamas or Palestine. With threats increasing, is the Defence Secretary pursuing that defence plan in full, including further deep cuts to the British Army?
Context
There has been an international failure to pursue a Palestinian peace settlement and tackle the Hamas threat. Middle east escalation risks were not mentioned in the Government's defence Command Paper update.
Grant Shapps
The right hon. Gentleman is right to say that nobody, including the Israelis, saw what Hamas were about to do coming. That points to the need for much greater surveillance, but also—much wider than that—the need to pursue the two-state solution, which is official British policy and is something that the world must do as this conflict, we hope, comes to an end.
Session: Israel and Gaza
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After nearly three months, it is very good to finally welcome the Defence Secretary to the Dispatch Box for the first time. He reflects the deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the risks of wider escalation. Labour totally condemns Hamas terrorism. We back Israel's right to defend itself, but require it to meet its duties under international law and lift the siege conditions, and we want to see the breaks in fighting extended to get much more aid in and the hostages out. We back the military deployments to the region to support wider security, but with attacks against US personnel rising, what action is the Defence Secretary taking to increase protection for UK personnel in the middle east?
Context
There is a need to increase protection for UK personnel given rising attacks against US personnel.
Grant Shapps
First, Mr Speaker, it is good to be at the Dispatch Box opposite the right hon. Gentleman. I thank him, as well as yourself and others, for their condolences when I was not able to attend the first Defence questions. In terms of protecting our own personnel, I have asked the Chief of the Defence Staff to review their position.
Session: Israel and Gaza
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The Defence Secretary said recently that, despite middle east tensions, we must not forget about Ukraine. I welcome that statement, but the UK's leadership on support for Ukraine is flagging, so will Wednesday's autumn statement, as a minimum, confirm the commitment to match this year's £2.3 billion in military aid funding for next year?
Context
The UK's support for Ukraine is being questioned due to recent reports suggesting a decline in leadership on military aid funding.
Grant Shapps
I do not know when the right hon. Gentleman was last able to visit Kyiv himself, but when he does go, he will discover that the attitude there is that no country in the world has been more forward-leaning and progressive in its support, and that remains the same today as it was before this conflict began.
Session: Topical Questions
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We acknowledge the Minister's words, but we know his party often lacks action despite rhetoric. What specific measures will be taken to remedy the low pay rise for armed forces personnel?
Context
The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, but armed forces personnel have been given the lowest pay rise among public servants.
Andrew Murrison
The lowest paid members received 9.7% by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, which was accepted in full; seniors got 5.8%; two-star rank and above got 5.5%. These are the best pay awards to the least well-paid.
Session: Service Personnel Retirement Age and Conditions for Service
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But I fear UK leadership on Ukraine is flagging. The UK Government have committed £4.6 billion, yet Germany has now committed €17 billion. The UK's 14 tanks have now been dwarfed by 324 from Poland, and last week's decision to proscribe Wagner as a terrorist group was taken by the European Union 10 months ago. Will the Minister accept that we must accelerate UK military support and redouble the UK's defence diplomacy to maintain western unity and solidarity?
Context
The MP is concerned that other European countries are outpacing the UK in their commitment and delivery of support to Ukraine.
Andrew Murrison
The UK Government prefer action rather than words, and I point to the 20,000 Ukrainians we are training, to Storm Shadow and to the fact that kit is going out the door right now and being used on the ground. Rhetoric is one thing; action is another.
Session: Topical Questions
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As Ministers know, UK unity on Ukraine stays strong and the Government will continue to have Labour's fullest support on military aid. Ukrainians are now urgently asking for more to help their current counter-offensive to succeed, and since January, the Prime Minister has repeatedly pledged to accelerate Ukraine's support. When will this happen?
Context
The MP notes that the UK Government has committed £4.6 billion to Ukraine but feels that this support needs to be accelerated.
Andrew Murrison
The right hon. Gentleman will know full well that the United Kingdom is probably the lead nation on many fronts among our European peers— financially, in terms of kit and in supporting the people who are conducting the fight against Putin's aggression. We will continue to do that, and at the weekend in Düsseldorf, I reiterated that to my Ukrainian counterpart.
Session: Topical Questions
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In four years he has failed to halt that hollowing out; he has failed to fix the broken procurement system; he has failed to win fresh funding this year, even to cover inflation; and he has failed to stop service morale reaching record lows. Does he not find it a national embarrassment for Britain to go to next month's NATO summit as one of only five NATO nations that has not rebooted defence plans since President Putin invaded Ukraine?
Context
Questions are raised about the effectiveness of Britain's defence procurement system.
Ben Wallace
In 2009 under Labour, 15% of armed forces projects were over cost and the average delay was 28%. Now, 4% are over cost and 15% of each project is delayed. We cut the bureaucracy in Defence Equipment and Support from over 27,000 to 11,400. That is value for money.
Session: Size of Armed Forces
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Does he not find it a national embarrassment for Britain to go to next month's NATO summit as one of only five NATO nations that has not rebooted defence plans since President Putin invaded Ukraine?
Context
Concerns are raised about Britain's position within NATO and the underfunding of armed forces.
Ben Wallace
On that quote, I asked if he would admit that Labour had hollowed out during its term of office. How convenient it is to forget that the whole point is that, in the 30 years following the cold war, successive Governments pushed defence to the side and not to the centre.
Session: Size of Armed Forces
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With the developments in recent days, surely now is the time to accelerate, not just maintain, our military support for Ukraine? He noted that the UK has provided £2.3 billion and referenced the importance of focusing on the offensive.
Context
The Prime Minister promised ongoing defence support for Ukraine but there is a need to accelerate this support due to recent developments.
Ben Wallace
Our support includes £2.3 billion, and we continue to provide what Ukraine needs. It is important to focus on the offensive and ensure that Russia does not enter a frozen conflict state. The UK aims to push back Russian forces.
Session: Topical Questions
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Labour has argued for over two years for a halt to these cuts. Despite the Secretary of State's bluster, the truth is that he has failed to get the new money for defence, apart from for nuclear and for stockpiles. Why will he not just admit it? Far from responding to the threats that Britain faces, he is cutting the Army to cut costs.
Context
The questioner challenges the Secretary of State's response regarding the increase in defence spending.
Ben Wallace
This is like “Through the Looking Glass”, Mr Speaker. The reality is that as Defence Secretary I have achieved an increase of over £24 billion, both in resource departmental expenditure limit, in parts, and also in capital spend. It is important that the House understands that the world and the battlefield are changing. If we simply go to a numbers game, we will head back to a first world war. What we need is to learn the lessons and equip and support people properly. I have still not heard from the Opposition a single mention of their defence budget. Reversing the cuts, of course, will cost billions of pounds. I have heard nothing so far.
Session: Topical Questions
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We welcome President Zelensky's visit and the extra military aid announced today. The invasion of Ukraine has reinforced the importance of strong deterrence and Army numbers. While NATO is responding by increasing its high-readiness force to 300,000, the Defence Secretary is still set on cutting the British Army to its smallest size since Napoleon. Will he halt the cuts in next month's defence Command Paper?
Context
The questioner supports the extra military aid announced today for Ukraine. They argue against cutting the size of the British Army.
Ben Wallace
I have been really clear that this is not a numbers game; it is about making sure that, whatever the size of our armed forces, we have a completely well-equipped and well looked-after workforce. If we simply go on a numbers game, without the appropriate funding—and I have heard no commitments from the Labour party—we will go back to a world that I served in, under Governments of both parties, where we had numbers on paper and on parade grounds, but hollow forces. I will not repeat that. I will make sure that whatever we have is fully equipped and fully 360. That is the real lesson of Ukraine.
Session: Topical Questions
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The Defence Secretary is right, of course, that for strong maritime security, we need our Navy ships at sea, not in dock for repairs. For the last two years, he has been telling us that we are “on track to deliver more days at sea for ships.” Yet in last year's data, eight of the Navy's active warships never went to sea at all, and the new Prince of Wales carrier has, since it entered service, spent just 267 days at sea and 411 days in dock for repeated repairs. Why is he still failing to get more of our ships at sea more of the time to keep Britain safe?
Context
The MP is concerned about the availability of naval ships for maritime security, citing recent data showing that many active warships spent significant time in dock.
Ben Wallace
First, it is very normal for a third of a fleet to be alongside for maintenance, deep maintenance and, indeed, preparation to sail and training—that is not unusual. Secondly, the claim that I made was that we would get more days at sea off the Navy, rather than days alongside, and that is indeed the case.
Session: Maritime Security Scotland
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In 2010 when Labour left government, we were spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, a level not matched in the past 13 years. The Secretary of State has cut the Army to 76,000 with more cuts planned, delayed Ajax armoured vehicles and planes, and faced doubts from allies about NATO obligations. Last month, he admitted forces have been hollowed out due to Conservative Governments. Will his extra defence funding mean more of the same?
Context
The Secretary of State has served as Defence Secretary longer than any other Conservative, yet there are ongoing concerns about Army cuts, delayed vehicles and planes, and doubts from allies regarding Britain's NATO obligations.
Ben Wallace
If people were honest about past mistakes, things might be better. The National Audit Office report on Labour's governance of defence highlighted a severe financial shortfall of up to £36 billion over 10 years.
Session: UK Military Capability
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In November, the Defence Secretary told the committee that the inflationary pressure on his budget for the next two years is about £8 billion. Media briefings indicate only £5 billion for stockpiles and nuclear programmes, but no new money for core defence budget or capability gaps despite National Audit Office warnings of unaffordable capabilities. How will he ensure this does not happen again in today's 2023 integrated review?
Context
The Defence Secretary previously acknowledged an inflationary pressure of £8 billion on the budget for the next two years. However, recent media briefings suggest only £5 billion is allocated to stockpiles and nuclear programs, leaving core defence budget pressures unaddressed.
Ben Wallace
I am going to ensure that the Defence Command Paper reflects the budget I have, unlike what the previous Government did. The ambition should match the money and not create black holes over years. Previous Governments were part of this issue.
Session: UK Military Capability
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Does the Defence Secretary recognise that this has Labour's fullest support? We want Britain to play the biggest possible role in building the new Australian submarines. But beyond the subs, how will he develop the pillar 2 collaboration on artificial intelligence, cyber and hypersonic missiles?
Context
The MP expressed gratitude for the Defence Secretary's update on Op Shader activity and inquired about AUKUS pillar 2 collaboration beyond submarine construction.
Ben Wallace
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his support for AUKUS, which is a decades-long commitment. One of the most important works we are doing—and we met in the Pentagon in December—is clearing away the International Traffic in Arms Regulations challenges that for so many years have held us back in being able to share our own technology with the United States or to collaborate properly to make a step change to give us the strategic advantage we need.
Session: Topical Questions
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This week I will be meeting the Australian Defence Minister discussing AUKUS with him. I want him to know that while there may be a change of UK Government at the next election, there will be no change in Britain's commitment to AUKUS. What priority has the Defence Secretary given to building the first subs here and when will the build plan be announced?
Context
The MP discusses the importance of AUKUS for deepening alliances, strengthening security in Indo-Pacific, and bringing investment to Britain.
Ben Wallace
AUKUS makes good security sense, even if past Labour Government did not recognise it. Australia's decision on time, capability, location for building subs will come in March or February.
Session: AUKUS Submarines
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Last week, the Defence Secretary said that the armed forces had faced a “consistent hollowing out…under Labour and the early Conservative governments”. However, when Labour left government in 2010, the British Army stood at more than 100,000 full-time troops and we were spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. The serious hollowing out has happened since. Who does he think has been in charge over the last 13 years?
Context
The current government has claimed the armed forces were underfunded by Labour governments.
Ben Wallace
Mr Speaker, you have only to listen to the veterans on the Government Benches to understand their experience under a Labour Government. Let us remember Snatch Land Rovers and all that awful mess as a result of the Labour Government's investment. The deal here is quite simple: if the right hon. Gentleman wants to be the next Defence Secretary, he should come here and get off his chest the shortcomings of his former Government.
Session: Topical Questions
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This month, the Government made important but, again, ad hoc announcements of more military help for Ukraine. We are still waiting for the 2023 action plan of support for Ukraine first promised by the Defence Secretary last August. Will he publish that ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion next month?
Context
The Government has made ad hoc announcements of military help for Ukraine without an overall strategy or action plan.
Ben Wallace
I totally agree with the right hon. Gentleman that we need to set out a plan. But may I also tell him —I chased this in advance of today's questions following the previous questions—that our donations are not ad hoc? There is a view abroad that they are somehow ad hoc, with the Ukrainians just picking up the telephone. Fundamentally, the donations are set by what happens on the ground, the reaction to Ukrainian defence and how Ukraine needs to adapt.
Session: Topical Questions
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Well, the Minister told me in answer to a parliamentary question that 'the number of jobs sustained in Spain…is a matter for the contractor'. We could have had 100% of the jobs in Britain. This is a dodgy decision, whichever way we view it. On 21 November, I received confirmation in a written answer that the prime contractor for this £1.6 billion contract will be a company that was registered only in May, with no trading history, with capital of just £10,000 and with two directors, both living in Spain. What guarantees can the Minister give the British taxpayer and the Royal Navy that this contract will not betray British jobs and UK industry?
Context
The prime contractor for a £1.6 billion contract was registered only in May with no trading history, minimal capital, and directors living in Spain.
Alex Chalk
What I genuinely do not understand is why the Opposition are not welcoming a deal that is bringing more than £70 million into Belfast, securing jobs in the shipbuilding industry in this country and ensuring, by the way, that the base of industrial support goes beyond the traditional Scottish yards to include yards in Belfast and, indeed, in Appledore.
Session: Defence Jobs
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We welcome the Government's commitment to job creation; the problem is that they are creating jobs abroad, including in Spain. The Defence Secretary has just picked a Spanish firm to build the Royal Navy's three new fleet support ships. At least 40% of that work will go abroad and the best that the Defence Secretary could tell the Scottish Affairs Committee the other day was that the contractor will 'fully assemble the final ship in a UK yard.' As a result of the Defence Secretary's decision, how many jobs will be created in Spain and not in the UK?
Context
The Defence Secretary awarded a Spanish firm the contract to build three new Royal Navy fleet support ships, with at least 40% of work going abroad.
Alex Chalk
Respectfully, I completely reject the tenor of that question. We should be celebrating the fact that, as a result of the commitment that we are making to UK shipbuilding, there will be 2,000 jobs in the UK and there will be shipbuilding industries in Appledore and in Northern Ireland.
Session: Defence Jobs
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At today's Cobra meeting, will the Defence Secretary tell Ministers in other Departments that too often they use our armed forces to bail out their Departments' failings, especially when he is making further deep cuts to the Army? In addition to those deployed on overseas operations, whom he has mentioned, how many of our forces will be deployed or on standby over Christmas in response to requests for military assistance to which he has already agreed?
Context
Concerns over Departments using armed forces to bail out their failings and further cuts to the Army.
Ben Wallace
I will do the right hon. Gentleman a deal: I will raise that at Cobra if he tells his union paymasters not to go on strike over Christmas and not to ruin the lives of our soldiers and sailors.
Session: Topical Questions
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When will the MOD sign a contract to make new UK-produced NLAWs needed for Ukraine and British Army restock?
Context
A question was raised about the MOD's delay in signing a contract for next-generation light anti-tank weapons, essential both for Ukraine and UK Army restock.
Ben Wallace
I did not say in evidence that it was with Thales that I placed a contract for NLAW replacement, and many other people can give us access to NLAWs.
Session: Defence Procurement System
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When the Secretary of State agreed that budget, it was a £1.7 billion real-terms cut in the revenue budget. Now, he says that inflationary pressures on his budget for the next two years are about £8 billion. How much does Defence actually need from the Chancellor on the 17th to plug this budget black hole that has opened up on the Secretary of State's watch?
Context
The MP questions the Secretary of State about future funding needs to address inflationary pressures.
Ben Wallace
First, I do not agree with the premise that I agreed to a £1.6 billion reduction of the resource departmental expenditure limit. At the time, it would have reduced in the fourth year of its profile—it was a four-year profile, if the right hon. Gentleman remembers—but after a £24 billion increase, which is nothing that the Labour party has ever committed to. It would have shown a reduction in the last year, yes, but a real-terms freeze.
Session: Topical Questions
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I welcome the Defence Secretary's news that the vanity project of the previous Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson)—the flagship—will be scrapped, and the spending switched to purposes that will help defend the country. Ahead of the Chancellor's autumn statement, the Defence Secretary told the Select Committee last week 'I need money to protect me from inflation', yet in the current spending settlement, Defence is the only Department with a real-terms cut in its revenue budget.
Context
The MP welcomes the scrapping of the previous Prime Minister's flagship project but criticises the real-terms cut in the current spending settlement.
Ben Wallace
First, on that particular question, the right hon. Gentleman will know that when I got my defence review—a year earlier than everyone else in the spending review—the figure for GDP inflation used by the Treasury was different from that used now. He will be aware that inflation has gone up since the basis of that calculation was made, which is why I said at the Select Committee that I would like to be insulated from that inflation.
Session: Topical Questions
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The answer is simple: direct British defence contracts first to British firms and British jobs, starting with the Navy's new support ships. The right hon. Gentleman has been Defence Secretary since the Prime Minister also pledged, at the last election: “We will not be cutting our armed services in any form.” However, he then launched plans to cut the British Army by a further 10,000 troops. He uses the words “when the threats change”. With Ukraine, the threats that we face are greater and our obligations to NATO are greater, so will he now do what Labour has been urging the Government to do for more than a year, and rethink these cuts in the strength of the British Army?
Context
The government pledged not to cut armed services but is planning further reductions in the British Army. This decision contradicts NATO commitments.
Ben Wallace
As I have also said over the year to those on the Labour Front Bench, we have already reduced the original cut by 500 so that the numbers are increased from 72,500 to 73,000. As for the changing threats, the right hon. Gentleman will be aware that the defence command paper was written and delivered before the actual Russian invasion of Ukraine. I have said continually that we will review it, and we will obviously review the threat as it changes.
Session: Defence Jobs
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May I congratulate the Defence Secretary and his team on ensuring that there has been continuity in defence while the rest of the Conservative Government have collapsed in chaos? Let me also say, lest this prove to be their last session of oral questions in their current jobs, that whatever our other disagreements, the Secretary of State's cross-party working on Ukraine has helped to ensure that the UK has strong, unified support for the Ukrainians. The right hon. Gentleman has been Defence Secretary since the Prime Minister, nearly two years ago, boosted defence spending and boasted that that would create 10,000 jobs every year. Only 800 new defence jobs have been created since then. Why the failure?
Context
The government promised to create 10,000 new jobs per year in defence but has only created 800 since. This is questioned as a failure of commitment.
Ben Wallace
I should be happy for the right hon. Gentleman to show me that 800 figure, but, first and foremost, we have started to invest that £43.1 billion, or £41.3 billion, in the land scheme, a huge amount of which will be spent on Boxer and Challenger 3. That will generate an enormous number of jobs. Obviously, replenishing some of our ammunition stocks, many of which are made up and down the United Kingdom, will result in more jobs, and indeed the increased skills base for our work on the Dreadnought submarine.
Session: Defence Jobs
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When the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Wells, answered my urgent question on Thursday about new public allegations about British special forces in Afghanistan, he said that “the Secretary of State is clear that he rules nothing out”. He also said: “I am certain that the House will hear from him in the near future.” With the summer recess starting on Thursday, when will the Secretary of State make a statement to the House on this?
Context
New public allegations about British special forces were made, leading to the House waiving the sub judice rule.
Ben Wallace
I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman's interest. It is an incredibly important allegation that has been made, which none of us takes lightly. Mr Speaker, you waived at the time the sub judice rule; as the right hon. Gentleman will know, there is a matter before the courts that may determine that timetable and precludes my guessing when I can make certain decisions.
Session: Topical Questions
View All Questions -->
Other Parliamentary Activity
Debates led and petitions presented.
Defence Investment Plan
30 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Estimates Day
29 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy has highlighted areas needing improvement in national security, including critical infrastructure protection and defence against hybrid warfare. T...
Opposition Day
23 June 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Moves the motion expressing regret over the chaos in Government, particularly regarding the temporary Prime Minister's attendance at the NATO summit. Calls on the Government to spend 3% of GDP on defe...
Personal Statements
16 June 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
I took the decision to resign with the greatest regret and reluctance. I continue to be certain about the decision. In time, I believe it will be seen as necessary in securing the future of our armed ...
Russian Shadow Fleet
15 June 2026
Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate
Defence Readiness
20 May 2026
General Debate
Contributed to this debate
Middle East
23 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Middle East: Defence
09 March 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Ukraine
25 February 2026
General Debate
Led by this MP
The war has lasted four years, with Putin's brutal invasion causing immense suffering to Ukrainians. Despite the heavy toll on both sides, Putin is failing strategically while Ukraine remains defiant ...
Ukraine and Wider Operational Update 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
Ministerial Statement
Led by this MP
Attendance
50.0%
49 of 98 votes
Aye Votes
19
19.4% of votes
No Votes
30
30.6% of votes
Abstentions
49
50.0% of votes
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Closure motion
Ayes: 293
Noes: 218
Passed
11 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading
Ayes: 270
Noes: 286
Failed
10 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Social Housing Bill [Lords]: Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading
Ayes: 77
Noes: 292
Failed
09 Sep 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Plant Health, Seeds, Seed Potatoes and Plant Propagating Material (Ame...
Ayes: 371
Noes: 100
Passed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 140
Ayes: 79
Noes: 300
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 142
Ayes: 108
Noes: 357
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 143
Ayes: 106
Noes: 302
Failed
08 Sep 2026
VOTED NO
Health Bill: Report Stage: Amendment 1
Ayes: 162
Noes: 297
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 6
Ayes: 77
Noes: 317
Failed
07 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Health Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 145
Ayes: 170
Noes: 316
Failed
04 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Motion to sit in private
Ayes: 1
Noes: 79
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 65
Ayes: 166
Noes: 346
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 67
Ayes: 105
Noes: 410
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Report Stage: New Clause 88
Ayes: 85
Noes: 427
Failed
02 Sep 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Representation of the People Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 411
Noes: 102
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunal (Extension of Time Limits) (Miscellaneous Amendments and...
Ayes: 322
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED AYE
Employment Tribunals Extension of Jurisdiction (England and Wales) (Amendment...
Ayes: 318
Noes: 107
Passed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 80
Noes: 281
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 4
Ayes: 173
Noes: 282
Failed
01 Jul 2026
VOTED NO
Taxation (Energy and Vehicles) Bill Committee: New Clause 5
Ayes: 177
Noes: 308
Failed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2026
Ayes: 323
Noes: 160
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Carbon Budget Order 2026
Ayes: 332
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (International Aviation and International Shipp...
Ayes: 329
Noes: 94
Passed
24 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Climate Change Act 2008 (Credit Limit) Order 2026
Ayes: 330
Noes: 93
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition day: Defence spending and readiness
Ayes: 108
Noes: 307
Failed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Opposition Day Motion: Defence spending and readiness - Prime Minister's Amen...
Ayes: 294
Noes: 110
Passed
23 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Opposition Day: Puberty blockers
Ayes: 112
Noes: 283
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 4
Ayes: 164
Noes: 311
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
Ayes: 104
Noes: 391
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: New Clause 22
Ayes: 74
Noes: 323
Failed
22 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Armed Forces Bill Report Stage: Amendment 11
Ayes: 171
Noes: 322
Failed
17 Jun 2026
DID NOT VOTE
National Security (State Threats) Bill: Allocation of Time motion
Ayes: 233
Noes: 94
Passed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 3
Ayes: 85
Noes: 317
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 8
Ayes: 143
Noes: 249
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: Amendment 13
Ayes: 135
Noes: 258
Failed
17 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
National Security (State Threats) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 144
Noes: 244
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 77
Noes: 255
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 151
Noes: 258
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED NO
Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill Remainin...
Ayes: 162
Noes: 246
Failed
16 Jun 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Clean Air Zones Central Services (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulatio...
Ayes: 262
Noes: 86
Passed
24 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Opposition Day: Protections for children from online harms
Ayes: 69
Noes: 279
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: Amendment 1
Ayes: 161
Noes: 272
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 2
Ayes: 156
Noes: 273
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Industry and Exports (Financial Assistance) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 77
Noes: 280
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED NO
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill Committee: New Clause 3
Ayes: 73
Noes: 256
Failed
23 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill: Third Reading
Ayes: 361
Noes: 84
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Extension to Marit...
Ayes: 362
Noes: 107
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Local Government Finance Report (England) 2026-27
Ayes: 277
Noes: 143
Passed
11 Feb 2026
DID NOT VOTE
Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) (England) Report 2...
Ayes: 279
Noes: 90
Passed
04 Feb 2026
VOTED AYE
Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
Ayes: 392
Noes: 116
Passed
0
PMQs Asked
82
Ministerial Questions Asked
89
House of Commons Debates Involved
0
Westminster Hall Debates Led
23
Statements / Bills
0
Petitions Presented
98
Voting Record
Activity Compared to Peers
How does this MP's parliamentary activity compare to the national average across 1457 MPs?
Prime Minister's Questions
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
3.7
Ministerial Questions
+512% above average
This MP:
82
Average:
13.4
Westminster Hall Debates Led
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Commons Chamber Debates
+1731% above average
This MP:
89
Average:
4.9
Statements / Bills Proposed
+143% above average
This MP:
23
Average:
9.5
Petitions Presented
-100% below average
This MP:
0
Average:
2.5
Voting Attendance Rate (%)
-28% below average
This MP:
50.0
Average:
69.2
Important Context
- - Ministers answer questions rather than asking them, so have different activity patterns
- - Activity quantity doesn't measure quality or effectiveness of representation
- - Some MPs focus more on constituency work than parliamentary questions
- - Newly elected MPs will have less parliamentary history
About This Page
This page tracks John Healey's parliamentary activity including questions asked, debates (Commons Chamber + Westminster Hall), statements/bills, and petitions presented.