Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Gerald Howarth (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 3 November 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Russia

Question: In view of Russia’s massive rearmament programme and its naked invasion of Georgia, will the Secretary of State assure the House that Britain retains the ability to conduct key tasks such as anti-submarine warfare and Arctic warfare, and that other NATO members are also being pressed to maintain these skills? Will he also assure us that those skills have not been neglected in favour of meeting the immediate requirements of Afghanistan and Iraq?

Answer: I can absolutely give the hon. Gentleman, and the House, the assurance that he is seeking.

Secondary information