Training cuts for army to save money? - Shropshire MP pressures Streeting in Commons despatch box debut

The MP for south Shropshire took to the despatch box in the House of Commons for the first time in his new position as shadow minister for war readiness.

Conservative MP, Stuart Anderson, pressured Wes Streeting, the defence secretary, on whether the British army has had to cancel vital training exercises to save money.

It was Mr Anderson’s first time at the despatch box in his new shadow ministerial position.

The South Shropshire MP was appointed shadow minister for war readiness by the Tory party leader, Kemi Badenoch, in September.

Asking a question to Mr Streeting on the Commons floor, Mr Anderson - who served in the Royal Green Jackets in the army - said: “Improving skills in defence requires training. Training builds readiness, which increases both lethality and survivability.

“Yet it has been reported through multiple outlets that the Army has cancelled important training to save money. Is that correct?”

In response, Mr Streeting first welcomed the Shropshire MP to the despatch box for the first time, and had some warm words for the army veteran.

He said: “First, I welcome the shadow minister to the despatch box for the first time.

“I place on the record my respect for his service to our country and the expertise that he brings to the role.”

Responding to Mr Anderson’s question more directly, Mr Streeting admitted that adjustments to army training had been made.

He said: “As I said, further training is to take place throughout the rest of this year, including major exercises that we have taken part in.

“I restate, however, that we have to live within our means. That has required some reprioritisation, including of training.

“We have to focus on the right things and make sure that we are ready to fight the next war, not the last one.

“It has not been a popular decision, but I absolutely stand by the decisions that I have taken to make sure that the culture in my Department is one that lives within its means and delivers value for the taxpayer.”