Strategic Defence Strategy (Scotland)

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 9:30 am on 15 September 2004.

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Photo of Robert Smith Robert Smith Opposition Deputy Chief Whip (Commons) 9:30, 15 September 2004

The hon. Gentleman made an important point when he highlighted overstretch in Iraq. As well as our keenness to support our specific regiments, at the heart of this debate is the fundamental fact that many of us believe that the Government have made a mistake in seeing the peace process in Northern Ireland as a chance to cut the size of the Army, rather than as an opportunity to redeploy that strength to ensure that we can fulfil our overseas commitments more easily.