Supporting Statement
We face the most challenging defence picture for many years. The asymmetric challenges that have faced us since 9/11 have not disappeared: those who wish to challenge our way of life are as active as they have ever been. Yet we have seen the era of great power rivalry return in the shape of China, and further, with Russia not just establishing a new Cold War but bringing mechanised warfare back to the continent of Europe in a way that many felt had been left behind.
We need to recognise the fact that the scene is darkening. We need to address the lack of mass across all armed services that is a major source of concern for the entire West, to consider afresh how we work with our allies both within and outside NATO, be prepared to rebuild our defence industrial base and supply chains to ensure we have access to the equipment and supplies that we need. But above all, we must ensure that our people - the best of our country - are given the quality of service life that they deserve and which ensures that they remain in military service. Training must remain world-class, with deployments providing career stimulation but not so frequent - under pressure of smaller armed forces - as to threaten family life. Homes must be a significant, positive part of the service life “offer” to ensure that we attract - and keep - the next generation of soldiers, sailors and airmen, never forgetting that retention of highly-trained personnel is every bit as important as recruiting them. We will have to accept that we need to spend significantly more on defence, to rebuild mass and combat power, as well as invest in the new technologies - AI, electronic warfare, uncrewed - of the future, as well as our world-class intelligence and the logistics without which no armed effect is possible. And of course, we need to learn the lessons of Ukraine and the Middle East as our adversaries will most certainly be. All of these “front line” level factors must be supported by a serious look at deterrence and strategy - understanding what it is we want to achieve, and why - before we consider how we ensure that we do it.
With these imperatives comes a need for robust scrutiny. I would aim to be a strong and unifying chair, providing collegiate stability as we scrutinise the challenges that face us. I am well-placed to do so, not only already serving on the committee, but chairing a sub-committee inquiry into military accommodation. I have substantial ministerial experience as Minister for Aviation, Maritime & Security during the COVID pandemic, with significant experience of working cross-party both in Government and from the back benches. With RAF Brize Norton, the largest base in the Royal Air Force, at the centre of my constituency, I have a major military presence that underpins my detailed understanding of defence. I wish to serve our country, the House and the committee - and would be deeply honoured to have that responsibility.