Strength of the UK’s Armed Forces

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:30 pm on 14 April 2021.

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Photo of James Heappey James Heappey The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence 4:30, 14 April 2021

The hon. Gentleman is entirely right that Northern Ireland is a rich recruiting ground for people wanting to serve in our armed forces, and especially our reserve. The reserve has an important part to play in the plans the Army, Navy and Air Force have for the future, and I have every expectation that we will be able to extend increased opportunity to Northern Ireland. The detail of that has yet to be confirmed, but I hope that within the next couple of months the hon. Gentleman will get a more detailed answer to his question.