Speeches by Roome.

“Sir Ben, in November 2021 you told the House of Commons, following a series of other serious breaches within the Afghan relocations team, that you had “much greater assurance of data handling within the ARAP team”. What are your reflections on the information security systems and culture at the MoD, and how, in your vi…”

“In your time in office, what was your input into the relocation scheme?”

“I was shocked to read those statistics, but in Devon since 2020, there have been 375 road incidents involving horses, with 19 horses injured and three killed, and 29 riders injured and one killed. Does my hon. Friend agree that there is a strong case for asking riders across the country to use body cameras to record ev…”

“Just today it has been reported that 18 tankers from the Russian shadow fleet have passed through the channel since the Defence Secretary’s statement to the House on 7 January on curtailing Russian oil exports. Does the hon. Member agree that we must show the Russians that we mean what we say?”

“Will the hon. Member give way?”

“Does the shadow Minister agree that as a result of this policy, lots of local pubs, including lots more in the hospitality industry, will go out of business?”

“T2. Over Christmas, I was contacted by constituents in North Devon who have been without NHS dental care for nearly 20 years—one with a tooth held together with superglue. When will the Government reform the dental contract and properly tackle recruitment and retention, especially in rural areas, so that we stop the ha…”

“I will offer the Government some advice. It is one word: common sense. [Interruption.] Well, two words. Given the interest in national security, I am quite surprised that a Planning Minister is at the Dispatch Box to talk about this case, but the two issues are intertwined. The Minister has rebutted other Members’ ques…”

“I cannot wait to read your paper on it in five years’ time.”

“Yes, I know, but what is your advice? I am asking you.”

“I have a quick supplementary question, Air Chief Marshal. Just before Christmas, I asked the Secretary of State on the Floor of the House when the defence investment plan was going to be published. He said that it would be with great urgency, and hopefully by the end of the year. That was after the delay in August, and…”

“One of the reasons why I ask is because it will be discussed under an urgent question to Ministers this afternoon. I was wondering whether you had had a briefing with them this morning to say what their stance should be as Ministers.”

“Where does it sit, from your advice and your interpretation? Obviously, you have lots of experience. Where would the new medium helicopter programme sit on your list of priorities as CDS?”

“Air Chief Marshal, you mentioned in your speech at RUSI on 15 December that people have a critical role, and Rick Haythornthwaite said that “people are a pivotal military capability just as much as any new submarine or fast jet.” You also said one pleasing thing on retention. The Committee has heard from General Magowa…”

“There are lots of items on the list of spending priorities you have alluded to, including the new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. Given what you said earlier—that you only advise Ministers—what advice did you give to Ministers on the medium helicopter programme?”

“Lovely. The Committee has travelled to different NATO countries and spoken to serving British personnel who are in NATO positions. I have asked the Ministers this question as well. The SDR is truly NATO first, and we hear the terminology “NATO first” all the time, but I am picking up that sometimes, when serving office…”

“And you have picked it up as an issue—”

“I beg to move, That this House has considered the Rural Fuel Duty Relief scheme. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Ms Furniss. I am pleased to have the opportunity to introduce this debate, especially in the new year at a time when many people across the country will be watching the pennies closely. As ho…”

“I will be brief, Ms Furniss, because I know we are almost out of time. I thank the Minister for his response and I appreciate his taking the time to engage with me and others on this issue. While we do not expect the Government to commit themselves ahead of a future Budget, I know that my constituents value the support…”

“I agree with the hon. Gentleman and thank him for that input. When so many people are struggling with the cost of living, schemes like this one are a concrete example of how tax relief can have an out-sized impact. A relief of 5p per litre would be welcome anywhere, but it is particularly valuable to those constituents…”