This week in the Defence Select Committee, I spoke about the incredible work of our local Air Cadets here in Leyton and Wanstead - young people from every background learning skills, teamwork and service. They are representative of modern Britain, but our armed forces still aren’t. The Ministry of Defence has more to do. Women and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented, even though young people want to serve - despite what some headlines might suggest. The recruitment p

Great to meet with colleagues from the Netherlands Embassy - Defence Attaché Captain (N) Rick Ongering and Economic Attaché Mohamed El Yemlahi - to discuss shared military mobility challenges and the essential role of rail links in enabling rapid and efficient mobilisation to Eastern Europe. 

The Defence Select Committee's visit to Ukraine was both inspiring and sobering. Over three years ago, I flew the penultimate UK mission into Kyiv to deliver materiel essential to Ukraine’s defence ahead of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Standing there again, I was reminded that Ukraine continues to stand on the front line of European security, defending the UN Charter and liberal democracy against Putin’s assault on our shared values.

I had the pleasure of visiting 241 Wanstead & Woodford Squadron Royal Air Force Cadets and was blown away by their dedication and spirit. The Banner, Drill, and Band Teams all put on a brilliant display - full of energy, teamwork, and pride.

My speech given at the Victory Services Club on the Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Secretary of State, friends and colleagues, thank you for being here tonight. As someone who wore the RAF uniform for 24 years, it’s a privilege to speak on Battle of Britain Night and to do so amongst people who live and breathe our nation’s security.

Recently in Parliament, I held a meeting with representatives and workers from Prospect Union, one of the largest unions representing civil servants and workers in the defence and energy sectors.

Last week, I joined the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on a visit to the U.S. Our agenda included discussions with NATO Joint Force Command Norfolk, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, RAND, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the United States Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of State. We spoke with members of Congress, industry, and academia - all focused on the future of defence and transatlantic cooperation.

I recently had the privilege of hosting a Defence-Space Industry Roundtable in Parliament, bringing together leaders from across government and industry to address the future of the UK’s space sector with Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry.

Last week I visited Estonia and Finland with the Defence Select Committee, as we gather evidence on Russian threats. What we heard was sober