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Armed ForcesCommunityForeign Affairs

City MP calls for “comprehensive, integrated Defence Strategy” during parliamentary debate

By 29 January 2020No Comments

Recently appointed Shadow Defence Procurement Minister, Stephen Morgan MP called on Government to implement a wider Defence Industrial Strategy while closing a debate on helicopters in our armed forces.

Mr Morgan’s calls for a comprehensive strategy, including rotary aircrafts, follow his recent probes into the Government’s delays to Crowsnest Radar.

Mr Morgan said:

“As an MP honoured to represent the city hosting the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers which will rely heavily on Merlin helicopter’s Crowsnest radar capability, it is essential that defence strategy includes wide reaching plans for rotary aircrafts.

I took the opportunity today as frontbench Shadow Minister closing the debate to call on Government to set out their plans for the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

It is imperative that in that review we prioritise building British and sovereign capability if we are to retain our operational advantage.”

The 322 rotary-wing aircrafts in the UK armed forces play a crucial role in defending national security. Roles include reconnaissance, troop transport, supply drops and radar capability.

Stephen Morgan MP said:

“We know that future air warfare will be increasingly complex, with significant technological advancements over the lifetime of a single rotary wing aircraft.

As threats evolve, we must evolve with them. And without a comprehensive Strategic Defence and Security Review, this will be deeply challenging.”