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Defence: Rotary Strategy
29 January 2020
Lead MP
Robert Courts
Witney
Con
Responding Minister
James Heappey
Tags
DefenceTaxationEmploymentForeign Affairs
Word Count: 8489
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Robert Courts raised concerns about defence: rotary strategy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Courts asks the government to start thinking about helicopters as part of a broader strategy, calling for an holistic approach similar to the national shipbuilding and combat air strategies. He requests consideration of technological requirements, costs, and timelines for future rotary capabilities.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Courts is concerned about the diverse range of UK helicopter fleets across different services, noting that while some aircraft like the Chinook and Apache are less urgent for replacement due to their long service dates extending into the 2040s, others such as the Puma have a much shorter lifespan until around 2025-30. He highlights potential shortfalls in medium-lift capability and the need for consideration of unmanned aircraft capabilities. Additionally, he points out that budgetary pressures on procurement can affect service conditions for military personnel.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
She shared her personal experience of being rescued by a Sea King helicopter, emphasising the importance of long-term funding for defence procurement and replacing aircraft. Carol highlighted issues such as the gap in capability with the Nimrod replacement and stressed the need to align UK defence policy with that of its European allies post-Brexit. She also discussed the skills gap in defence sectors and the underrepresentation of women, advocating for more diversity in STEM fields. In an intervention, Ms Monaghan noted that companies recruit equally at apprenticeship level but observed a disparity at graduate level, suggesting women may be underrepresented in this stage of their career. Highlighted issues around gender imbalance in defence companies, particularly at senior levels. Noted that female and male students equally consider apprenticeships but graduates are less balanced. Suggested improving recruitment practices to address this issue.
Jack Lopresti
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
He congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate, noting the Chinook helicopter's critical role in military operations by picking up casualties and operating a mobile theatre to ensure quick transport back to Camp Bastion. He highlighted Boeing and the RAF for operating the aircraft for 40 years with continued service expected until probably the 2060s.
Marcus Fysh
Con
Yeovil
Championed the need for a helicopter strategy, highlighting Yeovil's importance in UK rotary-wing manufacturing. Emphasized the economic benefits of £11 billion in potential export sales from Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. Proposed opportunities for Army to integrate the Wildcat with missiles alongside Apaches. Suggested conducting a capability review on AW149 as a possible solution.
Stephen Morgan
Lab
Portsmouth South
The MP highlighted the importance of rotary-wing aircraft in defence, stressing the need for a comprehensive strategy to maintain sovereign capability, preserve investment and jobs, and ensure national security. He urged the Government to urgently develop a wider defence industrial strategy encompassing expenditure, policy and operations across all areas of defence.
Government Response
James Heappey
Government Response
Congratulated Robert Courts for securing the debate and praised the courage of helicopter pilots and engineers in challenging environments. Emphasized defence's role in supporting 115,000 jobs through £18 billion annual spending. Highlighted the iAero Centre in Somerset as a key innovation hub. Discussed workforce diversity issues and advocated for improving recruitment practices to attract more women into high-end engineering roles. Mentioned significant investments including £24 billion over ten years on rotary wing equipment, infrastructure, personnel, and training. Cited various investments such as £1 billion for 62 Wildcat helicopters and £900 million for 30 Merlin Mk 2 deliveries. Outlined plans for future autonomous systems and collaboration with international partners like NATO and the US Army's Future Vertical Lift programme. Emphasized the importance of a balanced approach between equipment, personnel training, infrastructure, and in-service support to deliver efficient military capability. Called for patience from Robert Courts regarding the timing of a rotary-wing strategy amid broader security, defence, and foreign policy review.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.