Mr Calvin Bailey

It is indeed a great privilege to respond to my friend, the right hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge (Tom Tugendhat), especially today, the first day of remembrance. I know there are differences in when we think it is right to put on the poppy. I just acknowledge that, and I was selling them this morning. I am not making a political point; we both recognise that remembrance is important, and it is something that we both care about. It is important to set that out. Similarly, he has been a doughty champion for the people and the Government of Yemen. He has spoken about this matter many times. I have sat in the Chamber and listened to him, and I recognise that all the questions he is asking come from a good place. He is deeply impassioned and well informed on this matter. With regard to the situation on which I am here to answer questions, the Prime Minister clearly set out the strategic parameters and the arrangements for any military operation. That should answer the preponderance of the questions that the right hon. Member asked at the beginning. When adjusting that military contribution, it is appropriate for the Secretary of State to do so in a written ministerial statement. I am grateful to be in front of the House today, wearing my Royal Air Force tie, speaking about the brave soldiers and service personnel who have deployed on our behalf to provide support to allies across the region. It is in our national interest to ensure that our allies in the region receive support when they ask. We have set out that support, of which we should be rightly proud.