Speeches by Scrogham.

“I am the MP for Barrow and Furness. We have a huge interest economically in what happens with the nuclear deterrent: we build the submarines. I have been critical in the past of the amount of engagement we have with the wider public nationally. Locally, people understand what we are building and they are very proud of …”

“I agree that we have spoken mostly about job creation and putting money into the economy—we understand that very clearly in Barrow and Furness. Nationally, the message about what AUKUS delivers to counter the deeper threat is not really out there. On pillar 2, we have had criticism of the Government for not engaging wi…”

“Are you saying, “Put the ideas on the table that we want them to work on, and back them with the funding”? The whole idea within business tends to be, “We need clarity. We need to be able to have a decision before we can move.” That has obviously been a long-term issue in the submarine programme, with the lack of clari…”

“What do you think are the risks and opportunities for the UK of the planned rotational deployment of the Astute class out of Australia?”

“Do you have anything to add, Sophia?”

“Touching on what Jesse Norman said about “up to 12”, what are your views on how business and industry work with that? I know that when working in business, the definitives are always easier. Do you think that industry can cope working with an “up to” number?”

“This Government are resetting the relationship between those who serve and those who served. The Government’s response to the Defence Committee’s inquiry into the armed forces covenant was positive. Will the Minister provide an update on the work that is being to strengthen the covenant?”

“I have been impressed by the work being done in Drop Zone in my constituency. It runs a variety of projects for young people, including specialised education for those with additional needs, mental health support, and support for the transition back into education, employment and training. But young people in Barrow an…”

“3. What steps she is taking to support young people into employment, education or training in Barrow and Furness constituency.”

“My constituents in Barrow and Furness very much welcome the Government’s move towards delivering more neighbourhood health services, but my right hon. Friend will be aware of the great concern locally about the proposal from Lancashire and South Cumbria integrated care board to permanently end level 3 critical care at …”

“12. What steps his Department is taking to support neighbourhood health services.”

“It is staggering to hear of yet another serious data breach under the previous Conservative Government. Does the Secretary of State—[Interruption.] Conservative Members can bicker from their Benches, but it was clearly a mistake made when they were in power. Does the Secretary of State agree that we have inherited a ch…”

“You are talking about a rebalancing, rather than an exit. Where would the UK be in that balance, and what would we be bringing?”

“Going back to the previous question, something that was raised regularly on our visit was whether it is attractive to work there. One of the big issues was that you could not have your partner with you for a long portion of the time. If you wanted to work there, but you could not have a partner with you, that would be …”

“Capability decisions will come out on the back of the defence investment plan in the autumn. Have you considered whether some of our allies could take on some of the burden that the UK currently has?”

“You mentioned the US. If the US withdraws capabilities, where is the UK best placed to replace those?”

“When do you expect them to be appointed?”

“Thank you all for your time today. What do you feel are the main challenges that we face in delivering defence reform? I will put that to the Secretary of State first.”

“I will direct the same question to Mr Williams.”

“I love a good opportunity and I love that we are being ambitious, but unless we accept where the challenges are and own them, we will not be able to deliver. You have already mentioned the way the MOD works; we have frequently discussed in this Committee that it is currently not very efficient and is holding back a lot…”