Speeches by Sandher-Jones.

“With anti-submarine warfare in general?”

“I have fond memories of being at Chivenor, and of the assault course there—perhaps we do not need to do that specific bit were I to visit.”

“I don’t think so. The JEF can cover a range of different types of operations, and it enhance some of the ASW activities that we do—we work closely with a lot of JEF nations on such activities, so it supports that. The JEF is about bringing these nations together, but we are obviously able to pursue different lines at t…”

“No, not in terms of the High North versus Baltic.”

“I do not believe that the JEF is taking away from anti-submarine warfare operations. We would always like to be able to do more, for certain, but I do not think that the JEF is pulling resources or focus away from that.”

“It is about making the case for what military capability needs to be in the future. I am really reassured when I look at, for example, the vision for the hybrid Navy. That is a really ambitious vision has been set out about combining crewed and uncrewed and autonomous drone systems. I look at that and at other measures…”

“It brings together a coalition of countries that have shared interests in deepening our co-operation, capability development, training and interoperability. As you know, it was formed in response to the events of 2014, so it has a clear European focus. As I set out at the beginning, we recognise that the High North is …”

“We have supported operations on other ships. It would be very helpful if I could explain to you the operational conditions and decision-making processes as to why we target one ship as opposed to another.”

“Thematically, geographically or both?”

“The hon. Member is right to highlight the fantastic work being done at Predannack, and I agree wholeheartedly with him. The defence investment plan places significant emphasis on uncrewed capability and autonomy, and the hon. Member will be well aware of the other measures that we have taken to provide support, such as…”

“I wholeheartedly agree. That was a key message of this defence investment plan, which looks ahead to the technology that we will need in the future—for example, we have allotted £5 billion to uncrewed systems, exactly as my hon. Friend says.”

“I thank the hon. Member for raising a hugely important point—he is absolutely right. When I was serving, I saw some of the areas in which we need improvement. This Government are absolutely committed to changing and improving our procurement system so that it can deliver the vital kit and equipment that our brave troop…”

“My hon. Friend is right that as well as ensuring that we purchase the right kit and equipment, we must ensure that we have personnel who are trained and ready to use it, adapting to the new way of warfare. As he knows, there will be considerable effort across our armed forces, and our new uncrewed taskforce will delive…”

“The UK is committed to security in the High North. As well as the Royal Marines’ cold weather training in Norway, ranger exercises in Sweden and Finland, and air policing operations, the UK plays a key role in NATO’s Arctic Sentry initiative and deployed our carrier strike group to the High North this year. The Secreta…”

“My hon. Friend is quite right to highlight the High North, and the defence investment plan positions our armed forces to focus on its protection, alongside our allies in NATO and the JEF. Through the Scotland defence growth deal and our intention to launch two defence technical excellence colleges, which we have invite…”

“I am sure the hon. and gallant Member will agree that the changing nature of warfare means that we must change to meet it. Having a focus on uncrewed systems and AI is critical, and I welcome the vision set out by the First Sea Lord.”

“The hon. Member has been a doughty champion for his constituency, and he and I have had many exchanges on this subject. I confirm that all decisions taken about reserves will look at what will best support that force. Those decisions are yet to be made, but we will of course ensure that we are supporting the reserves.”

“Defence continually assesses threats and risks in all areas, including aerial drones. The defence investment plan contains measures to accelerate transformation and equip forces for modern warfare, including £790 million for integrated air and missile defence. Defence has taken extensive steps to strengthen homeland co…”

“There has been an abhorrent loss of life; children must never be the victims of war. We have already suspended licences for Israel where the items might be used in military operations in Gaza. Licences are kept under continuous review. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment on or information relating…”

“I hope that my hon. Friend heard my previous answer, in which I expressed my deep sadness over the innocent victims of war. To confirm, we have already suspended licences for Israel where the items might be used in military operations in Gaza, noting the F-35 components going to the global programme. Licences are kept …”