Statement on the future of reserve forces
3 July 2013
Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, made a statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday 3 July on the future of the UK's reserve forces
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Jim Murphy, responded to the statement on behalf of the Opposition.
White Paper - Reserves in the Future Force 2020
The Secretary of State for Defence published a white paper, 'Reserves in the Future Force 2020: valuable and valued', on 3 July 2013, which sets out plans to sustain and grow Reserve Forces.
White papers are documents produced by the Government setting out details of future policy on a particular subject. A White Paper will often be the basis for a Bill to be put before Parliament. The White Paper allows the Government an opportunity to gather feedback before it formally presents the policies as a Bill.
Oral statements
Oral statements are made after Question Time (or at 11am on a Friday) and after any Urgent Questions.
Statements normally relate to matters of policy or government actions. At the end of a statement, MPs can respond or question the government minister on its contents.
Watching proceedings from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
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