Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Cadet Forces

29 January 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,318 words

Opened by Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

Responding minister: Al Carns

Defence

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Peter Swallow raised concerns about cadet forces in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Hon. Member reflected on Remembrance Sunday and presence of young cadets from Bracknell's local cadet forces.
  • Hon. Member visited Brackenhale school, met CCF contingent, noted passion of staff, students, and volunteers for CCF's impact.
  • Hon. Member asks government to ensure cadet benefits are open to all young people regardless of background or gender.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member asks for the Minister to recognise the importance of ensuring that the benefits of participation in the cadets are open to all young people, regardless of background or gender. He also requests that the government continues to support the expansion programme to ensure more young people can benefit from these opportunities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

On Remembrance Sunday, the hon. Member reflected on the service and sacrifices of our armed forces, noting the presence of young people from Bracknell’s local cadet forces. He also highlighted the importance of expanding all cadet forces beyond Combined Cadet Forces and ensuring that opportunities for young people are shared across regions and nations. In November, he visited Brackenhale school and met its combined cadet force contingent, noting how staff, students, and volunteers are passionate about CCF's impact on creating a sense of belonging and teamwork among students.

Other contributors (5)
  • Al Carns Con Stoke-on-Trent North

    Independent research shows that cadets benefit from membership, improving mental and physical wellbeing, self-confidence, resilience, and educational chances. Discussed multiple discussions with DFE about ensuring opportunities for cadets across schools post-SDR, emphasising support for youngsters in UK and societal benefits of spend-to-save model.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Member commended the role of cadets in bringing communities together in Northern Ireland, particularly noting their contribution to social cohesion across religious divides.

  • Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough

    The hon. Member expressed support for ensuring that the cadet expansion programme is well-funded to allow more young people in Slough and elsewhere to benefit from being a cadet.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    The hon. Member highlighted a personal story about how joining the Air Training Corps provided opportunities for career progression and social mobility, aligning with research findings on cadet membership benefits. Asked if the Ministry of Defence will backfill £1.1 million grant for cadet forces expansion that was announced by the Department for Education.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    The hon. Member highlighted the representation of cadet forces in her local communities and praised their work, particularly on Remembrance Sunday. Asked the Minister to ensure continued funding for cadet forces to keep units alive and up and running.

Government Response

Al Carns

The Minister for Veterans and People

The Minister thanked the MP for Bracknell for securing the debate and noted that if just 1% of cadets a year benefit from employment, education or training due to their cadet experience, it would cover the annual costs of the cadet forces. The Minister also highlighted his visit to the constituency where he met with young cadets who asked difficult questions. Ensuring continued funding for cadets, broadening out funding to state schools and disadvantaged areas. Cadet funding stabilised after decreasing due to covid from 2019-24. Reviewing cadets in the strategic defence review with more to follow.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy