Speeches by Baker.

“Aldershot Town football club are going to Wembley. The FA trophy final on 11 May will be the first time in the club’s history that the red and blue army have played under the arch, with over 17,000 fans there to spectate. That club is also the first football club in the country to achieve the armed forces covenant gold…”

“I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for representing the Defence Committee. Labour’s commitment to fully enshrine the armed forces covenant in law is a vital step in recognising the sacrifices made by our service members and their families. However, our report examines some significant gaps in coverage. In particular, I…”

“What are the main barriers within the UK defence sector that are going to stop us from seizing this opportunity?”

“Based on everything you have both said, one of the fundamental things that we need to sort out if we are going to make progress is how we finance our defence capabilities and how Europe does this. There has been a lot of talk about this in recent months. My colleague Luke Charters MP and I are leading a campaign lookin…”

“Dr de Hoop Scheffer, what could it mean in terms of improving capacity and capabilities in Europe?”

“Thank you, Professor Freedman and Dr de Hoop Scheffer for sharing your expertise with us. There have been reports that allies are hesitant to maintain their current reliance on the US defence industry. The rumours that there might be an F-35 kill-switch are leading to much soul-searching and a rapid reassessment of rel…”

“As we secure Britain’s role in a changing world, I welcome the Chancellor’s focus on defence innovation and I thank her for referencing my community, Aldershot and Farnborough. We are ready to serve. When it comes to defence innovation, too many small and medium defence businesses in my community struggle to get access…”

“You are confident right now that we have the right people and the right skills to be able to counter the threats that we face.”

“That sounds like a really sensible approach in terms of where we are at now, but this is a fast-changing environment. Having worked in the private sector, I know how important that skills pipeline is and how you do that planning. You have very eloquently talked about how this is a cross-Government approach and that it …”

“12. What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of access to NHS dental services.”

“Aldershot and Farnborough are dental deserts. My constituent Nick had an infected wisdom tooth and was in agony. He had been registered with a practice in Farnborough, but it kicked him off its patient list. He obtained an emergency appointment through 111, but two weeks later the infection was back. He was left with l…”

“You have already touched on this, but I would really like to focus on cyber-space, if you do not mind, which is increasingly a part of hybrid operations that we have been talking about. What role can defence play in deterring and countering cyber-attacks?”

“The people of Aldershot and Farnborough have contributed in every major conflict for over 100 years, including the second world war. Will the Minister join me in paying tribute to the contribution of my community in that conflict? Will she also join me in congratulating Councillor Sophie Porter, deputy leader of our co…”

“12. What steps his Department is taking to support small businesses.”

“This week, Union Yard, a new quarter of Aldershot, has opened, including the Makers’ Yard, a home for local creative businesses. That has been delivered by the previous and current administrations of Rushmoor council. Will the Leader of the House join me in sending best wishes to local residents Jess and Georgina of Ki…”

“Too many small and medium-sized defence businesses in my community struggle to access the banking and finance facilities they need, often on the basis of self-imposed ethical criteria. Will the Business Secretary join me in welcoming how many investors and financial institutions have responded to the campaign I am lead…”

“So you can say today that you will be thinking in the broadest terms about this community when that legislation comes forward.”

“I also want to touch on bereaved families, who are another part of our community that it is really important are recognised in all of this. How is the covenant going to be there for our families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice?”

“Hello, Minister and panel. I would like us to come on to your thinking regarding how the covenant can become more inclusive for parts of our armed forces community who sometimes receive less focus. As the Minister will know, my constituency is home to the largest population of both serving and veteran Gurkhas in the UK…”

“Kevin, if you have an example of one of your members, could you tell us its story?”