Lords debates level of UK's defence forces
24 November 2017
Members of the Lords, including a former head of the Royal Navy and former chief of general staff in the British Army, debated maintaining the UK's defence forces at sufficient levels to contribute to global peace, stability and security, in the House of Lords on Thursday 23 November.
- Catch up on Parliament TV
- Read the Lords Hansard transcript
- Lords Library note: Size and Capability of the UK’s Armed Forces for Contributing to Global Peace, Stability and Security
This was a balloted debate. They normally take place on a Thursday in the chamber. During debates, members are able to put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
The debate was proposed by Lord Soley (Labour), former military serviceman in the Royal Air Force.
Members who took part included:
- Lord Dannatt (Crossbench), former chief of general staff, British Army
- Lord Sterling of Plaistow (Conservative), former member of the National Security Strategy joint committee
- Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat), former professor of international relations, London School of Economics
- Lord West of Spithead (Labour), former First Sea Lord (head of the Navy)
Earl Howe (Conservative), minister of state in the Ministry of Defence, responded on behalf of the government.