Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Military Capability

Monday 13 March 2023 · 11 questions

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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions focused on the adequacy of UK's military personnel and capabilities.
  • Expenditure on defence is being reviewed to sustainably increase funding in light of recent geopolitical events.
  • Investments are planned in various areas including air defence, electronic warfare, and nuclear enterprise programs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Baron Con
Defence
Context

The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of the UK's current number of military personnel and range of military capabilities, given recent defence committee reports.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the UK's (a) number of military personnel and (b) range of military capabilities?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The armed forces' capabilities allow the Ministry of Defence to meet a range of domestic and global commitments. Defence is reorganising and re-equipping to face future threats. Any specific changes related to personnel numbers or military equipment capabilities will be determined once the update to the Defence Command Paper has concluded, which I expect to happen in June.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide concrete details on current assessment of adequacy of UK's number of military personnel and range of military capabilities.

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Q2 John Baron Con
Defence
Context

Concerns about the sustainability of increasing defence spending due to geopolitical events and the need for sustained financial commitments.

Question

What does it take for this House to sustainably increase defence spending given recent geopolitical events?

Answer from Ben Wallace

We have been sustainably increasing our defence since 2020. The Prime Minister recognises the dangerous world we are in, and both the Chancellor and the Prime Minister recognised the importance of increasing defence spending in the autumn statement. There will be a Budget later in the week to discuss further details.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on actions taken or planned for sustainable increase in defence spending beyond general statements.

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Defence
Context

Former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, called for reversing planned army strength cuts and increasing investment in various capabilities.

Question

What will be done to reverse and build back the capacity that Lord Dannatt is calling for?

Answer from Ben Wallace

In our Defence Command Paper, we are investing in air defence, electronic warfare, signals intelligence and communications. We have invested significantly since 2020 compared to the Labour Government's record of reducing defence spending throughout their tenure.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specifics of reversing Lord Dannatt's cuts but provided context on current investment.

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Q4 Tobias Ellwood Con
Defence Taxation
Context

Concerns about the impact of planned reductions in military spending, especially affecting land forces. Acknowledgment of AUKUS deal's positive job creation impacts.

Question

How does the £3 billion of additional funding for nuclear enterprise relate to Dreadnought and AUKUS procurement programme? Is any part VAT exempt?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The £2 billion-plus is new money separate from the reserve or anything else. It comes on top of extra funding announced in autumn statement. The £3 billion for nuclear chapter includes infrastructure investment necessary for AUKUS procurement towards the end of the decade.

Answered
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Q5 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
Defence
Context

Press reports suggest additional £5 billion for defence until 2025. Concerns about the impact of reducing Army size amidst inflation and Ukraine invasion.

Question

What does he make of plans to reduce the Army to 72,500 by 2025 given recent conditions?

Answer from Ben Wallace

Reduction in Army size was coupled with record investment of £24 billion. Ensuring correct equipment, care, housing, and deployment is key rather than just focusing on numbers. Proper equipping is crucial to avoid turning soldiers into 'cannon fodder'.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct assessment or commitment regarding the impact of reducing Army size.

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Q6 James Gray Con
Defence
Context

The House acknowledges the Secretary of State's efforts to increase defence funding. However, there is disappointment over the £5 billion allocation as it does not meet expectations.

Question

I am concerned that despite the battle fought with the Treasury, the £5 billion is disappointing, particularly if £3 billion goes to AUKUS and £1.9 billion to warehouses, resulting in a cut rather than an increase in defence spending. However, I was encouraged by remarks indicating more money may be available in the Budget next week. Am I being over-optimistic?

Answer from Ben Wallace

All Departments are within their current comprehensive spending agreement, and the next review is due in 18 months to two years. We must ensure we live within our means while seeking relief for challenges. The most important thing is ensuring defence spending's long-term upward trajectory, which has been positive since 2020. This grant continues that momentum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about more funding beyond £5 billion was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.

How: Under Review, Within Current Agreement

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Q7 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Defence Economy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Not addressed: The specific ask about preventing a similar outcome was not directly addressed with concrete measures or commitments.

How: Blame Previous Government, Not Addressing Current Review

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Q8 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Defence
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed with concrete measures or commitments about future funding impacts.

How: Blame Previous Government, Referencing Audit Report

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Q9 Richard Drax Con
Defence
Context

The House acknowledges the Secretary of State's efforts in securing defence funding. However, there is concern over whether £5 billion is sufficient to ensure proper equipping and preparation for potential conflicts.

Question

It is a pleasure to see you back. I commend my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary for his efforts. However, despite his battle with the Treasury, £5 billion may not be enough to properly equip our armed forces. What are Treasury officials thinking?

Answer from Ben Wallace

The Treasury balances an economic situation post-covid, ensuring we cut our cloth to return to economic credibility. I can be honest about past challenges in defence spending and clear on where money will be spent to secure the future for the armed forces.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not addressed with concrete details or commitments from Treasury officials.

How: Balancing Economic Situation, Honesty About Past Challenges

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Q10 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Policing & Resources Defence
Context

The Army faces significant recruitment challenges, particularly in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The 4th Battalion Highlanders relies heavily on Commonwealth recruits.

Question

On military personnel, what is your understanding of the recruitment crisis in defence, with the Army in particular and especially in the Royal Regiment of Scotland? Is it poor service accommodation, mediocre pay, lack of career opportunities or substandard equipment that drives young Scots away from a career in the British Army?

Answer from Ben Wallace

I remember distinctly not being allowed to recruit in towns or schools where SNP councillors ran those schools. I would be very interested to know if the SNP has now changed its tone regarding recruitment challenges for the armed forces, which have existed under both Labour and Conservative Governments.

How: Changing Subject To Criticise The Snp

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Q11 Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens
Defence Scotland
Context

Germany has allocated an additional €100 billion to defence in response to Ukraine, while the UK has allocated £5 billion. The US is frustrated that the British Army is no longer a top-level fighting force due to issues with procurement and training.

Question

The Secretary of State says he does not recognise the characterisation, but it is based on fact. Germany allocates an extra €100 billion in response to Ukraine, the UK £5 billion. The US is frustrated that the British Army is no longer a top-level fighting force due to issues with procurement and training. Is it true that this Tory Government over the last 13 years have created an ornamental defence force?

Answer from Ben Wallace

I am getting lessons from the SNP on procurement, when Ferguson shipyard is clinging on by its fingernails. Scotland buys ferries from Turkey instead of using the Clyde. The hon. Gentleman talks about problems with the armed forces but campaigns to break Scotland away from the UK and reduce Scottish armed forces capabilities.

How: Changing Subject To Criticise The Snp

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