Notes - for a speech on the Royal Navy February 2007 | |
I would like to take the opportunity to talk about the respect and gratitude that I have for the Navy. First, It’s effectiveness in 20th Century conflicts, when my father was part of it. Second, It’s value in the recent conflicts, where servicemen and women from my constituency are involved. And also, at the other end of its range, the special relationship between the Royal Navy and TS Resolution – the Sea Cadet Unit in my constituency. --- Although there was no crushing naval victory in the First World War, the Royal Navy's command of the sea allowed troops and supplies to flow to the British armies in France and Flanders that eventually defeated the German Army.The Royal Navy’s role in the Second World War was greater, even, than in the First, and the price was higher. Some 1,525 vessels of all sizes were lost, including 224 large warships. Over 50,000 British naval personnel lost their lives, a total more than all the men and women currently serving in today's Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and 20,000 more than in the First World War. ---The post Second World War Royal Navy has seen a great and necessary transformation with the introduction of nuclear powered and nuclear armed ballistic missile submarines. The Falklands War of 1982 was a remarkable demonstration of maritime global operations, retaking the islands thousands of miles from Britain. It emphasised the importance of the navy when its future was in some doubt; as a result many of the drastic cuts announced in the Tory 1981 Defence Review did not take place.We are in a comparable situation now – Similar, in that Royal Navy forces are distinguishing themselves in operations abroad, that there is a review taking place – but Different, in that there are no drastic cuts proposed[3]. The Royal Navy itself says that it ended the Twentieth Century more powerful relatively than it had been for some time and perhaps second only to the United States Navy in its ability to project power around the world[2]. ---In this Century in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan the Royal Navy has played a leading role, and servicemen and women from Swindon have been and are involved. The Royal Navy played a key role in Operation Telic deploying 3 Commando Brigade as well as 23 ships and submarines supported by 14 RFAs to the Gulf a total of some 8000 people. I want to mention 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines because they are based mainly in the south-west of England, and so there is that connection with Swindon. The amphibious capability of the Royal Marines stands in constant readiness to move anywhere in the world to meet emergencies which threaten our vital security. The Navy has survived and thrived - by changing to meet the current threat - and the Government’s consistent funding for Defence is supporting that.[4]--- It is clear that we are no longer fighting the cold war, which was dominated by anti-submarine patrols requiring a large number of frigates. We need a modern and versatile navy that fits in with the general intent of more manoeuvrability rather than fighting wars of attrition, and the Government has clearly already done a lot to achieve this[5].I am pleased that the Government has plans to maintaining only the minimum independent Nuclear deterrent, and to set an example by reducing our weapons – whilst not giving up any major maritime commitments[6]. Whilst the Trident White Paper states that the Government intends to make a further 20% cut in the number of warheads, from 200 to 160 – bringing the overall reduction since 1997 to almost 50% compared to the previous government’s plans. We will retain the deterrent we need – and the Royal Navy will remain one of the world’s most powerful navies and will continue to deploy worldwide in support of our national interests. I am extremely pleased that we are investing heavily in new and far more capable ships in the biggest warship building programme this country has seen in decades; a programme that is likely to be worth some £14Bn over the next 10-15 years. Introduction of larger, more capable vessels means that we need fewer frigates, destroyers and attack submarines than before.But there is no evidence for what is described in the opposition motion as ‘mothballing’ of 6 destroyers and frigates. This is the usual scare-tactics which, through misinformation is designed to confuse the public and our armed forces. The opposition motion refers to Admiral Sir Jonathon Band – but are they aware that just 7 days ago he said that “Today's Royal Navy is funded to do what is asked of it – not least thanks to a current investment programme of £14billion, and the delivery of 28 new ships in the last decade alone”?. Admiral Sir Jonathon Band was quoted as saying he wanted a debate in Britain over the amount of money spent on defence (The Daily Telegraph, 17 February 2007). So let’s have one!The result of Labour’s consistent funding for Defence is that last year the Defence budget reached £30bn for the first time, 20% higher in real terms than the budget we inherited from the opposition in 1997, and the second largest in the world after the US. I don’t expect to hear any promises from the opposition today about how much they’re prepared to fund our services – just a few well chosen paragraphs of PR speak. But servicemen and women are pretty smart and they know you can’t have the ‘Gucci kit’ without the money – so under the Tory proceeds of growth formula, they would be losing out as well as schools, police and health services in Swindon. --- Now I want to turn to (a less controversial subject), TS Resolution, the Sea Cadet Unit in my constituency. The Unit was previously affiliated to the last warship to bear the name ‘Resolution’, the Polaris submarine ‘HMS Resolution’. After ‘Reso’ decommissioned their affiliation was transferred to HMS Portland, a Type 23 Frigate. The officers and ships company of Portland have regular contact with the cadets and offer opportunities for sea days whenever possible. These experiences are very memorable for the cadets and are talked about enthusiastically long after, with the stories inevitably getting more outrageous with every re-telling – much like the contributions we sometimes hear in this chamber! In short the Royal Navy freely and without any obligation put themselves out on a continuous basis and I know this gives the cadets a very positive impression, and acts a great role model for them. It is also interesting to note the high proportion of ex-servicemen that continue to provide service by getting involved with the sea cadets – this is perhaps one of the more subtle ways in which the armed forces contribute to everyday life in the UK. The unit in Swindon has been in continuous operation for the last 70 years for the young people of Swindon. They continue to provide a safe and structured environment for the young people of Swindon , allowing young people to better themselves and to feel a real sense of pride and camaraderie with their fellow cadets.When the press is full of reports about gun crime and the lack of respect for authority – as it was again this morning, the cadet forces are a constant reminder of the superb opportunities there are to take part in something that is positive and constructive. And that a weapon is only as dangerous as the person in charge of it, and the environment which they are in. They are very lucky to be supported by a volunteer staff with a stunning array of talents. I want to mention particularly, First Aid Training Officer, Andy Ormston, Steve Trotman, a qualified chef with many years of experience including service in the merchant navy. First Lieutenant Dave Peele, a former Royal Navy Gunnery Officer with 22 years service and provides the cadets with first class drill instruction, including some very smart rifle drill. Charles Milne, also ex-RAF, is a highly qualified Dinghy instructor and keen dinghy racer. His daughter Emily is one of our Leading Cadets and has recently also qualified as a dinghy instructor. Kayaking – Chris Bird , our kayaking instructor, is also the youth officer for the Swindon and District Canoe Club. And I must mention Commanding Officer Keith Taylor, Keith is a degree qualified engineer with many years experience. We in Swindon are naturally very proud of the achievements of our Cadets and the manner in which they conduct themselves when on duty. I am looking forward to going to the unit and performing the duties of inspecting officer at one of the Monthly Divisions nights. Finally, I understand The Naval Base Review is ongoing and it is unlikely that the recommendations will be finalised before the Spring.I want to leave you with a final thought from Vince Cane, a former Marine Engineering technician in the submarine service who does a huge amount of work with the sea cadets in Swindon – when wishing me good luck for this debate he said: “let’s hope good sense prevails!” Mr. Speaker - I hope we can do him proud.
(This speech was not delivered because the house was adjourned).
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