Chair details 1922 Defence Committee report
Today the House of Commons held a general debate on NATO and international security. During the debate, John Baron MP highlighted the recent report [copy attached] of the 1922 Defence Committee, which he chairs.
John said,
“The consensus achieved today in this debate is essential if we are to move the dial on defence spending in this country. It is therefore very welcome and we trust our leaders will listen. As someone who served in the 1980s in Germany, Berlin, Northern Ireland and with the UN elsewhere, I commend those men and women serving in the Armed Forces who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the liberties we enjoy today.”
“Ukraine has indeed served as a wake-up call, and given fresh purpose to NATO. For too long the West has been complacent, believing that democracy would sweep the field at the end of the Cold War. But democracy is a fragile construct, as highlighted last year on Capital Hill. It needs nurturing, encouraging and defending. We need to spend more on both our hard and soft power assets in its defence.”
“Our 1922 Defence Committee report solicited views from across the Parliamentary party. It was published last week, and we now await a meeting with No 10 and the Prime Minister. Back benchers are adamant that the conclusions of Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper need to be revisited, that the associated military cuts be halted immediately and that a threat-based review carried out, post-Ukraine, which is supported by increased defence spending in real terms.”
“Other recommendations within the report recognise the vital importance of our service personnel’s well-being, as well as the extent and strength of our weaponry and manpower. It also argues that the nuclear deterrent should not be included in the defence budget, as it is a strategic asset – the days of including it to make a headline GDP figure are over.”
“In conclusion, we need to talk softly and carry a big stick if we are to defend what we cherish. We now await the response from No 10.”
Notes to Editors:1922 Defence Report
• For more information, please see John’s press release of 13th May [‘1922 Defence Committee releases report’].
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