Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Army Personnel

Monday 16 March 2020 · 1 question

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions took place on 2020-03-16
  • Diana R. Johnson asked about the adequacy of the current regular army size of around 73,000 personnel for national security
  • The Minister responded that army recruitment increased by 68.6% over last year and expressed confidence in the current size and capabilities of the Army to meet national security needs

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Diana R. Johnson Lab Sheffield, Hallam
Defence
Context

The number of regular personnel in the British Army has significantly decreased from 102,000 to 73,000 since 2010 due to cuts and outsourcing.

Question

In light of these reductions, does the Minister believe that a current regular army size of around 73,000 personnel is adequate for meeting national security requirements?

Answer from James Heappey (Minister of State for Defence)

Army recruitment this year has increased by 68.6% over last year, indicating that a career in the Army remains attractive. I am confident that the current size and capabilities of our Army are sufficient to meet national security needs, and I look forward to seeing further developments from the integrated review regarding future force structures.

Answered
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