Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Maritime Security: Scotland

Monday 15 May 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The MOD funds operational activities that contribute to maritime security in Scotland.
  • The Defence Secretary highlights the strategic importance of submarines based at Faslane.
  • The Secretary addresses concerns over the number of active warship days at sea versus in dock.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Grady SNP
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP is concerned about the adequacy of government funding for maritime security specifically in Scotland, referencing a national strategy.

Question

Whether his Department is providing funding for maritime security in Scotland. The MP notes that the national maritime security strategy outlines the Government's approach to maritime security but asks if there are specific funds allocated for Scotland.

Answer from Ben Wallace

The MOD funds direct operational activity that contributes to maritime security, including the continuous at-sea deterrent, oceanic surveillance and maritime domain awareness capabilities. Additionally, it supports the Joint Maritime Security Centre, which covers wider maritime security throughout the UK marine area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked specifically about funding for Scotland but the answer did not address this detail directly.

How: Discussed General Support Without Specific Scottish Context

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Q2 Patrick Grady SNP
Defence Scotland
Context

The MP is questioning the strength and effectiveness of maritime security measures, specifically mentioning Faslane's strategic role.

Question

I am not entirely sure that that is the advert for the broad shoulders and strength of the Union that the Secretary of State would like to think it is. Can he confirm—[Interruption.]

Answer from Ben Wallace

First, some of the most formidable subsurface boats in the world are based at Faslane. That does make the Russians calculate. Of course, the SNP wants to get rid of that, make tens of thousands of people redundant and fantasise about what that will do. Secondly, a warship is best used at sea, not at port. That is how to deter Russia.

Not addressed: The question was aimed at confirming the strength of maritime security but the answer veered into criticism of SNP and the concept of Scottish independence.

How: Criticised Opposition, Changed Subject

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Q3 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Defence
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP specifically asked about ship availability but the answer focused on normal maintenance schedules without addressing why there are fewer active warships.

How: Discussed General Maintenance

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