argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Vanguard-class Life Extension Programme — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): I cannot imagine either CASD or my hon. Friend reaching 50, and I think we should put my hon. Friend on one of the submarines as part of that celebration. The anniversary shows that our nuclear deterrent has kept Britain, and also our NATO partners, safe over 50 years.
Illegal Drone Use: Airports — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): The Ministry of Defence rapidly deployed counter-unmanned air systems capability in support of Sussex police and the Metropolitan police, both at Gatwick and at Heathrow. We are working with colleagues in the Department for Transport and across the Government, and will continue to do so.
Illegal Drone Use: Airports — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Henry Edward Millar Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): I would like to convey the sincere thanks of the Gatwick management to the Ministry of Defence for its swift action last month during the drone incursion, and I can confirm that they have now bought a very similar system for future use. May I have an assurance that the MOD remains on standby to assist civilian airfields in these situations?
Illegal Drone Use: Airports — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): I join my hon. Friend in thanking the RAF for its work. It worked incredibly quickly to get to both Gatwick and Heathrow. Of course, our armed forces are always ready to respond, should they need to, but it should be said that responsibility for drone activity at civilian airports lies with the airport operators.
Illegal Drone Use: Airports — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Julian Murray Lewis (Conservative, Centre-right): The Ministry of Defence is evidently well prepared to respond very quickly to drone threats, once it is asked for assistance, but can the Minister explain the policy whereby installations are not already in place and a crisis has to arise before that assistance is deployed to the airports?
Illegal Drone Use: Airports — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): We are taking this very seriously. The Ministry of Defence has been working on this over the past couple of years, and we are of course working with our allies to ensure that we have the very best technology to protect our armed forces and keep this country safe.
Illegal Drone Use: Airports — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): I obviously cannot go into the details of the capability that we have—I do not think that that would be sensible for the security of our country—but, having visited the system that is in place at Heathrow, I can say that it is incredibly effective.
Outsourcing: Quality of Service — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): The Ministry of Defence regularly monitors the performance of all its contractors, including for outsourced services. That is carried out through the robust monitoring of contract performance indicators, with action being taken as appropriate when standards are not met.
Outsourcing: Quality of Service — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): The Ministry of Defence takes the safety of its people and the findings of the report extremely seriously. We are committed to addressing the shortfalls identified in the report. We have already taken action on some of the recommendations, and we will continue to ensure that we implement the report’s other recommendations.
Syria: Coalition Forces — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): I have regular conversations with the US Secretary of Defence on a range of issues, including Syria. Last week I had my first discussion with the acting Secretary of Defence, and the MOD will continue those discussions with the US Department of Defence.
Leaving the EU: Defence Co-operation — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Questions: What plans his Department has for maintaining defence co-operation with European partners in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): As I am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware, 90% of our industrial collaboration with other European countries on defence is actually on a bilateral basis, not through the European Union. I imagine that that pattern will go long into the future. When we look at the defence of Europe, is it based on the European Union or on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation? I would argue it is based on the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, not the European Union.
Leaving the EU: Defence Co-operation — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Questions: What plans his Department has for maintaining defence co-operation with European partners in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Philip Martin Dunne (Conservative, Centre-right): Will my right hon. Friend take this opportunity, in the light of tomorrow’s important votes, to explain his view of the claims made by some observers outside this place that the defence and security clauses of the withdrawal agreement would somehow cede control over defence operations and military procurement from Her Majesty’s Government to EU institutions?
Leaving the EU: Defence Co-operation — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Questions: What plans his Department has for maintaining defence co-operation with European partners in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not agree at all. Our country can and will succeed, whatever it has to deal with and whatever it faces. Much of our defence collaboration is done through third-party organisations, whether they be NATO, the United Nations or joint expeditionary forces. As I have already touched upon, most of our defence industrial collaboration is done not through the European Union, but on a bilateral basis.
Leaving the EU: Defence Co-operation — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Questions: What plans his Department has for maintaining defence co-operation with European partners in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Julia Louise Lopez (Conservative, Centre-right): Following the Prime Minister’s commitment to participate in aspects of the EU’s defence framework, can the Defence Secretary advise as to the carve-outs the UK has negotiated, or intends to negotiate, from strict third country participation criteria in any common security and defence policy initiative?
Illegal Immigration (English Channel) — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): As the House is aware, HMS Mersey, an offshore patrol vessel—OPV—was deployed on 3 January in support of Border Force activity in the channel. Additionally, our support includes the deployment of up to 20 suitably qualified naval personnel on Border Force cutters to provide additional capacity.
Global Navigation Satellite System — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): Galileo is an issue because our armed forces need to know that we have absolute faith in their secure systems. The EU decided not to allow us to have that information, which is why we are coming out. However, we are working across Government to look into the alternatives, which is why the Prime Minister has put the funding in place.
Global Navigation Satellite System — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Stuart James Andrew (Conservative, Centre-right): It will obviously replicate very much what the US system has, but it will also ensure that we have additional capability should we need it. It is really important that our armed forces have all the equipment they need and that they have systems such as GPS so that we can put them in a safe environment when they are defending our country.
Russian Military Activity (NATO Discussions) — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right in his analysis. By investing in defence along the eastern border against the threat of Russia, we are as much investing in our security here in the United Kingdom as we are investing in the security of nations such as Poland, Estonia and Romania. We need to continue to do this, and other nations need to step up to the mark as well.
Russian Military Activity (NATO Discussions) — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): What we have seen is increased investment in the North Atlantic, whether that is the deployment of P8s to Lossiemouth or the continued investment in our submarine forces at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, and we will continue to make that investment. We are very much leading the way in dealing with the challenges that increased Russian activity in the North Atlantic presents not just to us but to the whole of NATO.
Leaving the EU: Future Defence Relationship — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is a golden opportunity for us to look to expand our footprint across the world. Only this year, we have seen Royal Navy warships in the far east—three in fact—and that is just the sort of presence that we look to continue in the future.
Royal Marines Bases — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): Before I answer this question, Mr Speaker, may I join you in welcoming our overseas guests here today? They are strong, important and valued Commonwealth allies. In particular, I thank our Australian representative: Sydney hosted the Invictus games in October and did an absolutely fantastic job in reminding all of us that there is life after injury, and that, through sport, people can develop a new chapter as they advance On the Royal Marines, I hope, Mr Speaker, that you will join me in congratulating the Royal Marines as they celebrate 355 years since their formation. They have a fantastic history: helping Lord Nelson secure victory at Trafalgar; ensuring that we secured The Rock in 1704; enabling us to land at Normandy with 17,500 Marines; and, of course, helping in the liberation of the Falklands. We all owe those who earned the coveted Green Beret a huge debt of gratitude.
Royal Marines Bases — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): I join the hon. Gentleman—I hope the whole House will agree with me—in saying thank you to all those who have served and who are serving in the Royal Marines. He is aware that we had a series of debates last week supporting the Royal Marines and confirming an important continued presence in the south-west. He will be aware that 3 Commando Brigade will remain in the Plymouth area; 29 Commando Royal Artillery must move from the Citadel, which is no longer fit for purpose; 40 Commando will move from Taunton; 42 Commando will remain in Bickleigh; 45 Commando will remain in Condor; and our close protection unit looking after our nuclear assets and Lympstone will continue as well.
Royal Marines Bases — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): I can confirm that Plymouth will remain the centre of gravity for the Royal Marines commandos. As I just said, 3 Commando headquarters will remain there. Confirmation of our commitment to the Royal Marines was made this year when the Defence Secretary was able to confirm the continuation of Albion and Bulwark, those stalwart workhorses required for amphibious capability.
UK Airstrikes Against Daesh — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): Royal Air Force airstrikes have played a vital role in the campaign against Daesh. By supporting local troops on the ground in both Iraq and Syria, we have helped them to retake more than 99% of the territory that Daesh once occupied across both countries. This is a significant success, but Daesh still holds pockets of territory. We must continue to fight the terrorist threat that Daesh poses in the middle east and, of course, in the United Kingdom.
UK Airstrikes Against Daesh — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Royston Matthew Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): As the Secretary of State has alluded to, it is estimated that 99% of the territory once held by Daesh is now gone. In the light of the coalition’s success in helping to degrade Daesh in Syria, what further actions does my right hon. Friend propose when airstrikes are no longer required?
UK Airstrikes Against Daesh — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): We have seen 51 airstrikes against Daesh in the last month, 27 of which occurred in the last two weeks alone, so the tempo of activity and the amount of resource that the coalition will continue to have to commit will still be substantial over the long term. We will continue to work closely with our allies to see what kind of support package needs to be offered to continue to put pressure on Daesh, whether that is in Iraq or other countries.
Offensive Cyber-capabilities — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): The Ministry of Defence is committed to exploiting offensive cyber as a warfighting tool. We are developing and employing capabilities through the national offensive cyber programme, and ensuring that offensive cyber is fully integrated with military full-spectrum operations.
Offensive Cyber-capabilities — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I can reassure the House that all our offensive cyber operations comply with the law of armed conflict, and with national and international law. This is very much a 21st century technology, which is why we apply the enterprise approach and work closely with the private sector when it comes to developing this capability.
Offensive Cyber-capabilities — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): The short answer is by utilising the skillsets of the private sector. In many ways we have done this by recognising the use of reserves. We cannot always compete with the salaries paid by the private sector, but many of those working in the private sector are committed to national security. That is why this has very much been a growth area when it comes to the use of reserves.
Capita’s Army Recruitment Contract — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): The Army is working closely with Capita, with multiple interventions now in place and delivering improvements. Regular soldier applications are at a five-year high, supported by last year’s award-winning "This is Belonging" marketing campaign. It will take longer to see increases in trained strength due to the length of the recruitment and training pipelines.
Capita’s Army Recruitment Contract — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): We have been quite open about the fact that there have been challenges in this contract. Equally, the Chief of the Defence Staff, in his appearance before the Select Committee the other day, recognised that some of these issues were of the Army’s own making historically. I can only repeat again that I am confident—this has occupied much of my time in recent months—that improvements have been made to the contract, and we are now seeing that pipeline working. It is much more effective than it has been in the past, and I think the results will be seen in a few months’ time.
Armed Forces Personnel: Trends — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his confidence in me. With respect, he is rather missing the point of the latest recruitment campaign. We will always have core intenders who want to join the military, but equally we are trying to attract a whole group of people who do not realise that the modern military requires many skills other than the ability to use a bayonet. That is precisely why, when it comes to looking at peacekeeping operations, we need to use the compassion of the so-called snowflakes who can sit there and be effective operators in the humanitarian environment.
Armed Forces Personnel: Trends — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Mark Lancaster (Conservative, Centre-right): Let us be absolutely clear. The future accommodation model is about choice. It is about recognising that not everybody necessarily wants to live on the patch, and about creating a more stable armed forces. For example, creating super-garrisons means that families are not being moved around the country the whole time. The aim is to create a good retention tool and, crucially, to give our service personnel choice in how they live their lives.
Modernising the Defence Estate — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the better defence estate programme is a 25-year programme to rationalise the defence estate, which is far too large for our present circumstances. We need to look at our training areas and our garrisons, and we need to provide places for civilian housing too. He will be aware that Chester is involved in that programme.
Modernising the Defence Estate — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): It is interesting that the hon. Gentleman raises our footprint in the north-west of England, which is a very large recruitment area, because the Defence Secretary was talking about that this morning. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the decisions that have been made concerning the Dale barracks. The 2nd Battalion Mercian Regiment and the Royal Logistic Corps units will be moving. The Fox barracks will remain, and the Army Reserve will be there, but his point is well made, and we will try to act upon it.
Modernising the Defence Estate — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Rebecca Faye Clark (Pow) (Conservative, Centre-right): Millions of pounds have been invested in the Norton Manor site, where 40 Commando is based, in Taunton Deane. It is ideally located for the marines, and more than 150 people aside from the marines work on the extensive site. This place has a great deal to recommend it, so will my right hon. Friend give a commitment that all those aspects will be assessed in the overall plan to rationalise the defence estate?
Modernising the Defence Estate — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes a powerful case for the Taunton barracks and 40 Commando. She is aware that the decision has been made already, but perhaps we can meet separately to see what more can be done to provide support.
Armed Forces: Morale — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady is right to raise concerns about morale in our armed forces. The continuous attitude survey is critical for us to understand the views of our armed forces personnel. We often talk about training, exercises and operations, but the welfare of our personnel and their families is critical.
Armed Forces: Morale — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): As I mentioned in my opening remarks, that is a concern, and we must address it. Pay has never been an issue in the armed forces. When I joined up, it was not an issue. People do not join the armed forces for the money, but we do not want it to become an issue. I was pleased that the pay freeze was lifted last year, with a 2% rise. Effort is also being made to improve accommodation and provide flexible working, which is the main ingredient that forces people to depart, because they are unable to spend enough time with their families. Those changes have been introduced, and I hope they will affect the morale of our armed forces.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Gavin Alexander Williamson (Conservative, Centre-right): As we start the new year, I want to pay tribute to the men and women who spent Christmas away from home in service of their country. Over the Christmas period, I visited UK armed forces personnel in Ukraine, South Sudan and Kenya. It was excellent to see the work they are doing in the security, peacekeeping and humanitarian fields.
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Defense
Michael Jon Wood (Conservative, Centre-right): What action is the Ministry of Defence taking to support the democratic Government in Ukraine? Will the Secretary of State update us on his recent trip to Odessa, and particularly the position of Ukrainian navy sailors held prisoner by Russia?
Topical Questions — House of Commons, 2019-01-14
Topic: Health
Questions: Does the Secretary of State want to apologise to Scots Guardsman Stephen McWhirter, who was called a snowflake in Capita’s disastrous £752 million recruitment campaign, without his permission? Guardsman McWhirter has received torrents of mocking messages, and he has said on Facebook that he will resign from the Guards.; Sexual violence against women has been an appalling part of the violence we have seen in South Sudan. Will the Secretary of State say a little bit more about what British troops have contributed as our part of the UN operations there?; Tomorrow afternoon, the funeral takes place of Acting Corporal Iain Dodds, formerly of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His family are obviously grieving. He died, very tragically, before Christmas, at the age of 39, following years of adjusting having left the service after serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. May I put on the record my thanks to the Minister for the Armed Forces for helping the family with the funeral arrangements?; What measures have the Ministry of Defence taken to ensure that serving and former members of the armed forces suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health issues are given priority when it comes to the provision of social housing?
Tobias Martin Ellwood (Conservative, Centre-right): I am pleased to say that the majority of people make the transition into civilian life without a problem, but there are those who require our support, and we have provided a new programme through the mental health and wellbeing strategy to emphasise this approach. We are also focusing on the veterans strategy, which will provide for a consultation on what more we can do to support those affected by PTSD.