Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Capability

Monday 16 March 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has established a space directorate to advance opportunities for the UK commercial space sector.
  • The Warrior programme remains in the demonstration phase, and future decisions will be made after this phase is completed.
  • The Department is taking appropriate measures to ensure the continuity of the continuous at-sea deterrent during the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Double Con Cornwall West
Defence
Context

The Ministry of Defence has rigorous processes to assure, test, and develop its capabilities.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to ensure that the armed forces' capabilities are adequate for future threats? My constituency in Cornwall is excited about launching satellites from Spaceport Cornwall; will space be fully part of the integrated review?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We have established a space directorate tasked with advancing opportunities for the UK commercial space sector. I assure my hon. Friend that space and its potential will indeed be part of the integrated review.

Answered
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Q2 Kevan Jones Lab North Durham
Defence
Context

Over £430 million has been spent on the Army's Warrior programme upgrade, but it is still at the demonstration phase after nine years.

Question

Despite £430 million being spent, the Warrior programme remains in the demonstration phase. Can you indicate when a contract will be let? Will that happen only after the battlefield assessment phase is complete?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We are at the demonstration phase for the Warrior programme. Any future steps will be taken at the conclusion of that phase to ensure we have the right kit for the Army through 2040 and potentially beyond.

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Q3 Anthony Mangnall Con Telford
Defence
Context

The Minister did not comment on CASD in this place.

Question

What steps will be taken to ensure that the continuous at-sea deterrent continues to function during the current pandemic?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We do not comment on CASD in this place. However, I thank my hon. Friend for his interest and assure him that we are taking appropriate measures to ensure its continuity.

Not addressed: Details of how the continuous at-sea deterrent is affected by the outbreak were not provided due to policy reasons.

How: We Do Not Comment On Casd In This Place.

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Q4 Deidre Brock SNP Glasgow North West
Defence Brexit
Context

The UK will not be able to replicate many of the security benefits of EU membership, according to the Royal United Services Institute.

Question

Russian hackers have attacked British companies. What is the capacity we are losing by leaving the EU? Can you outline costed proposals for unilateral development of that capacity?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

We have world-leading capabilities in cyber. The integrated review will put in place strong plans to further strengthen our work. Our EU defence counterparts are keen to continue working closely with the UK as sovereign equals.

Not addressed: Specific costed proposals for developing capacity were not provided, and instead assurance was given based on existing capabilities and future review outcomes.

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