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Category: Defence

  • Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on Remembrance Sunday

    The comments made by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 8 November 2020.

    We come together every November to commemorate the servicemen and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

    In this time of adversity, no virus can stop us from honouring their memory, particularly when we have just celebrated the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War.

    And in times of trial, our tributes matter even more. So let’s come together once again and remember those to whom we owe so much.

  • Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on Afghan Interpreters

    Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on Afghan Interpreters

    The comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 22 October 2020.

    Interpreters played a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces in Afghanistan and we owe it to them to make sure their sacrifice is properly rewarded.

    For the first time, today’s legislation puts in place similar requirements for those who resigned and were made redundant, recognising the unique pressures and circumstances faced by locally employed Afghans.

    This fair and simple system will offer dozens more courageous individuals who served alongside British troops the chance to build a new life in the UK.

  • John Healey – 2020 Comments on Service Police Investigations

    John Healey – 2020 Comments on Service Police Investigations

    The comments made by John Healey, the Shadow Defence Secretary, on 13 October 2020.

    It is hard to take the Defence Secretary seriously. Over the last five years, the Government has done four reviews with almost 100 recommendations on Armed Forces investigations and prosecutions.

    Faced with growing criticism of their Overseas Operations Bill, the Government has launched another review rather than rethinking the legislation.

    Ministers should instead work with Labour, and organisations including the British Legion and Liberty, to improve the Bill so it better protects British troops and our reputation for adhering to international law.

  • Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on Duqm Port Investment

    Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on Duqm Port Investment

    The comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 12 September 2020.

    The long standing friendships between the UK and the Gulf states are more important than ever. With shared defence and security interests, it is vital we work together for both regional and global stability. Our trade links are just as strong, too – from cotton to aerospace.

    Whether tackling Daesh, or making our streets in the UK safer thanks to our intelligence networks, these are hugely valuable relationships that I am pleased to be able to renew this week.

  • Stephen Morgan – 2020 Comments on Armed Forces Recruitment

    Stephen Morgan – 2020 Comments on Armed Forces Recruitment

    The comments made by Stephen Morgan, the Shadow Armed Forces Minister, on 7 September 2020.

    The worrying increase of over seven thousand application withdrawals this year continues this Government’s decade of decline in failing to support our country’s Armed Forces and its recruits.

    Whilst the Minister claims to be looking to improve the Armed Forces ‘offer’, its failing recruitment contract is clearly not working.

  • Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

    Ben Wallace – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

    Comments made by Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 5 August 2020.

    VJ Day is sometimes seen as the forgotten victory, but this year, on its 75th anniversary, our celebrations are rightly focused on paying special tribute to the Greatest Generation and their service and sacrifice in the Far East. I will be thinking of the unique hardships faced by those who served, and thanking them for all they did for us.

    The partnerships forged during the Far East campaign continue to thrive today. It’s a unique honour for me as Defence Secretary to meet Second World War veterans in person at important commemorations such as these. As a former Army officer, I understand just how much today’s troops are inspired by those who came before them.

    I am proud we have put together such a full programme of events and look forward to paying tribute to our amazing Asia pacific war veterans.

  • Oliver Dowden – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

    Oliver Dowden – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

    Comments made by Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on 5 August 2020.

    We must never forget the bravery and sacrifice of our greatest generation. On 15 August we will come together as a nation to remember, give thanks and pay tribute to the endurance of those who served around the world and finally secured peace for us. These commemorations will inspire a new generation to learn about them and ensure their stories of heroism and sacrifice live on.

  • Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

    Boris Johnson – 2020 Comments on VJ Day Plans

    The comments made by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 5 August 2020.

    When the Second World War ended 75 years ago with the surrender of Japan, British soldiers, sailors and airmen were serving in the Far East, fighting hard to achieve victory – and were among the last to come home.

    On this anniversary I want to remember what we owe the veterans of the Far East campaign. They brought an end to the Second World War, they changed the course of history for the better, liberated South East Asia, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.

    That’s why on this remarkable anniversary – and every day hereafter – we will remember them.

  • Alok Sharma – 2020 Comments on Green Investment in Aerospace

    Alok Sharma – 2020 Comments on Green Investment in Aerospace

    The comments made by Alok Sharma, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, on 20 July 2020.

    We have an incredible aerospace industry right here in the UK that defines the way aircraft are manufactured globally.

    This £400 million ATI investment will help secure our world-leading position in developing new flight technology to make air travel safer and greener into the future.

  • Amanda Solloway – 2020 Comments on Military Communications System

    Amanda Solloway – 2020 Comments on Military Communications System

    The text of the comments made by Amanda Solloway, the Science Minister, on 19 July 2020.

    Space technology plays an important role in supporting our military and keeping us safe, while also boosting the UK’s economy and enabling world-leading science and research.

    With this major investment in Skynet 6A, the development of the National Satellite Test Facility and the launch of a dedicated innovation programme, we are setting a bold new ambition for the UK in space.