CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

DEFENCE – STRATEGIC DEFENCE REVIEW - 24 July 2024

DEFENCE – STRATEGIC DEFENCE REVIEW - 24 July 2024

Sir Julian Lewis: I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman’s [Richard Foord’s (LibDems Defence Spokesman's)] analysis of past strategic defence reviews, and I particularly remember the 1998 SDR, which was after a Labour landslide. It was strategic and outlined concepts that stood the test of time. One reason for that was that it gave other people the opportunity to contribute to the review. I am hoping that Labour Ministers might pay a little attention to the idea that if they want their strategic defence and security review to do well, they should open up the process so that people on a non-partisan basis can have serious input to it – [Interruption.] I am delighted to see my friend the Minister for the Armed Forces [Luke Pollard] nodding his agreement.