This month has seen some really important developments in Parliament, including the passing of the Rwanda Bill and the announcement by the Prime Minister that defence spending will increase by £75bn, taking it to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES UK TO INCREASE DEFENCE SPENDING TO 2.5% OF GDP
This month, the Prime Minister announced £75bn of additional funding to increase our defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.
Representing the Home of the British Army, and as a veteran myself, I know how important our Armed Forces are in a dangerous and unpredictable world.
Ever since I was first elected, I have been vocal in my support for more defence spending and I am thrilled to see the PM's announcement. As the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, I am proud that this money will ensure the UK remains the largest defence power in Europe.
This will give our professional and highly-trained soldiers, sailors and airmen the equipment, munitions and new technology they need to face the ever-evolving threats this country, and our allies, face.The Defence Secretary gave a statement to the House of Commons earlier this week, giving more details about this announcement. You can read more about the announcement here.
GARRISON ACCOMMODATION - SHARE YOUR VIEWS
I'm running a survey about housing and other quality of life issues for local Armed Forces personnel and military families.
Whilst most SFA is of a good standard, this is not universally the case - I am seeking views from members of the Armed Forces and their families living in our area. I want to hear more about their experiences of living on the Garrison - the good and the bad!
This follows from a meeting I had at the Aldershot Garrison Community Hub last month (pictured), where I heard about SFA families' experiences, the recent roll-out of super-fast broadband across the Garrison, and feedback on the MOD's New Accommodation Offer.
If you live in SFA in the Aldershot constituency, or are a veteran and have recently lived there, then please do take a moment to fill out my survey here.PROMOTING SAFER GAMBLING
Last month, I was invited by the Betting and Gaming Council to place a bet on the Grand National at a local bookies as part of their campaign to promote safer gambling.
If my horse came in, the winnings would have been donated to a charity of my choice, which is the fantastic Rushmoor Repair Cafe.
Whilst unfortunately my horse fell at the first hurdle(!), the BGC are still kindly donating £250 to the Cafe!
It was great to meet the team at the William Hill branch on Victoria Road, Aldershot, to hear about how they are encouraging safe gambling, as well as their day-to-day work.
If you, or anyone you know, needs support, visit: www.gambleaware.org/finding-the-right-support.UPDATE ON PINEHURST HILL SIDE
I have opposed the plan to place over 300 asylum seekers in Pinehurst Hill Side.
As you may have seen, the Home Office is getting back on with the task of ending the use of hotels to temporarily house asylum seekers, whilst their applications are processed.
Understandably, some people were concerned that this might have meant that the previous plan to use Pinehurst Hill Side would be revisited.
I spoke with the Home Secretary last week, who confirmed that there are no plans to use Pinehurst Hill Side to house asylum seekers.
Rest assured, I will continue to follow this matter closely and ensure local people's voices are heard in Government.REPORTING BACK FROM PARLIAMENT
It's been another busy month in both Parliament and my first full month as Armed Forces Minister.
Last week, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act was finally passed by Parliament. This is a hugely significant piece of legislation, which will act as a powerful deterrent to those migrants looking to make the unnecessary, dangerous and illegal crossing over the Channel.
It will also give the Home Office a powerful tool to relocate migrants who do reach our shores, ensuring they are treated fairly and can live in safety in Rwanda. This builds on the progress already made by the Prime Minister in his agreement with Albania, which saw migrant crossings fall by a third last year - even while overall immigration into Europe was increasing.
Clearly there is more to do, but the passing of this Bill is a significant moment and it is a shame - although not surprising - that opposition parties opposed this and other steps to tackle illegal immigration, without having a credible plan of their own.In my capacity as Armed Forces Minister, I have undertaken a number of visits to defence establishments across the country, including RAF High Wycombe, HMS Prince of Wales (docked in Portsmouth, pictured above) and the Strategic Command, based at Northwood Headquarters.
Finally, I was pleased to welcome Barbara Bright and Dudley Howard to Parliament this month to attend PMQs (pictured below).
Both Barbara and Dudley do fantastic work locally as part of the Farnborough branch of the Royal British Legion and it was a privilege to meet them in Westminster Hall to personally thank them for all they do for our community.REIMAGINED WELLESLEY PLAY AREA TO RE-OPEN SOON. Fantastic news - work is getting underway on the regeneration of the Wellesley play area!
The site is now temporarily closed whilst the work takes place, with the aim of re-opening in the Summer - it'll be well worth the wait!
You can take a look at the plans for the site via a virtual 3-D tour on the Wellesley Hampshire website.COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: ALF TURNER & SONS BUTCHERS RAISE THOUSANDS FOR WOUNDED VETERAN
It was great to meet up with Paul of Alf Turner & Sons Butchers, based in Aldershot, and Hero Bear from Help for Heroes.
Paul and the team at Alf Turner & Sons have been raising money for the fantastic military charity Help for Heroes by donating a proportion of the sales of some of their sausages and other tasty products.
To date, they have raised over £280,000 for this great cause and its fantastic to see this Aldershot-based business set up by a veteran so many years ago making this enormously generous contribution to our Armed Forces community.
The sausages come highly recommended by me!
