David Reed

David Reed

Conservative — Exmouth and Exeter East

Speaking in the House of Commons on 16 March 2026

Debate

Middle East: UK Armed Forces Personnel

Contribution

This is an important point and, given the volatility of the international system, we must learn from our mistakes. In a written answer on 9 March, the Minister for the Armed Forces confirmed that discussions took place before the decision to deploy HMS Dragon. We know those conversations happened and that the Royal Navy put forward recommendations. When British personnel are under threat, those delays carry consequences. I ask again: will the Secretary of State tell the House which Minister chose not to act on that advice sooner, and, crucially, why?

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