Speeches by Healey.

“We deeply value the role that Shetland—and Scotland in general—plays to reinforce the security of the United Kingdom. That is demonstrated by the fact that there are 9,500 full-time troops in Scotland; the fact that there are around 3,000 civilian defence personnel based in Scotland; and the fact that, as a Government,…”

“The hon. Lady makes an important point. The doubling in this Parliament of our investment into autonomy will be directed in significant part towards marine technology. Her part of the world—the south-west—plays a leading role in that. She urges action across Government, so I hope she will see that the shipbuilding and …”

“In the first instance, I would welcome support from the hon. Lady and her party for the fact that in this Parliament, we will invest £270 billion in defence to keep Britain safe and our alliances secure for generations to come. This is a Government who are delivering for defence, and delivering for Britain.”

“As the strategic defence review sets out, the High North is becoming more important to the UK and our NATO allies, as it becomes more accessible through climate change. We have Royal Navy deployments in the High North and Royal Marines undertaking cold weather training in Norway, as well as Ranger exercises in Sweden a…”

“The hon. Gentleman points to a firm in his constituency, and it is true that for too long too many small firms have felt locked out of MOD contracts. It is also true that the last Government, his Government, missed their own targets for SME defence support. Our new office for small business growth, which opened its doo…”

“Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I will set the record straight, including the right hon. Gentleman’s remarks before the House this afternoon —[Interruption.]”

“I can, indeed. Taskforce Kindred has been at the heart of the UK’s rapid response and our reliability as Ukraine’s closest ally since Putin first invaded Ukraine nearly four years back. It will continue to play a central role in the future, and it has lessons for the procurement and provision of our own kit and systems…”

“The 10 JEF nations, led by the UK—JEF was established by the previous Government—have stepped up their leadership, with support from Members on both sides of the House. JEF is an important part of NATO and allows us to act ahead of unanimity in NATO. From critical infrastructure to exercising in the High North, JEF has…”

“I can, indeed; I welcome my hon. Friend’s constituent in the Gallery today. This Government are on the side of those who serve and on the side of those families who support those who serve.”

“We are working flat out to complete the DIP, and the hon. Gentleman above all, having been responsible for defence procurement in the last Government, will appreciate just how overcommitted his own programme is. He will appreciate the truth of his former boss saying that, over 14 years, the Conservatives had “hollowed …”

“This month marks four years since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people continue to fight with huge defiance and courage, recently retaking parts of the city of Kupiansk, striking military targets deep in Russia, and reporting a Russian casualty rate of 25 to 1 in some parts of the frontline.…”

“We have largely done that, yes, and I can provide a running log of where we have been hitting the SDR report-attached target timelines for the Committee; I can give the Committee a rundown on those.”

“Which one do you want to ask me about?”

“Yes.”

“With respect, that was discussed yesterday in the House of Commons when we had the Second Reading of the Armed Forces Bill. It is set out in the Explanatory Notes of the Bill that we welcome your contribution that way as this Bill goes through Parliament.”

“I am sure that would be part of the perspective and the evidence that you will look for as part of your inquiry.”

“Thank you for that welcome. You rightly describe this Committee as a critical friend, partisan about defence but properly demanding of us in Government. Can I place on record my and our appreciation for the work that you, your members and your staff do and for the constructive challenge that you offer to the work that …”

“They will be part of what we plan to deliver over the next decade, which is, of course, the period of the SDR.”

“They will be part of what we look to pursue over the next decade because we want to implement those parts of the SDR.”

“It has reinforced the case that we have made as a Government since July 2024 and the vision and imperative of transformation that was set out in last year’s Strategic Defence Review. In the context that we see and that you outlined there, Mr Chairman, we have certainly seen demands on defence rising and uncertainties i…”