Terrorism

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 29 October 2001.

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Photo of Geoff Hoon Geoff Hoon Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence 2:30, 29 October 2001

I had the opportunity to see the Royal Marines as they completed the exercise in Oman last week—an exercise that tested our ability to deploy forces rapidly right across the range of capability. I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Royal Marines, in particular, much appreciated that. There was no doubt in their minds about their combat effectiveness or their readiness to take action. I am sure that if he looks carefully at what their commanding officer said—what he actually said to the "Today" programme, as opposed to what he was interpreted as saying—he will see that there is little doubt that the Royal Marines stand ready to deal with any threat, whenever it might arise.