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Defence in the United Kingdom

I have listened very carefully indeed to the right hon. and learned Gentleman, who is always judicious and sensitive in his remarks. In so far as he is appealing for us to protect, succour, support and sustain the morale of our armed forces in battle, I agree entirely. As for his remarks about the asymmetric nature of warfare, in which our soldiers are asked to play by civilised rules compared with the enemy, who is unconstrained by morality or rules, I agree entirely. However, where his remarks concern those further up the chain of command—remarks that will only be seen in the context of the accusation of his hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) of a lack of moral courage by the Chief of the General Staff—I appeal to him, urge him to distance himself from that imputation. I hope that he will urge his hon. Friend to withdraw his remark, as its implications are unnecessary and it gets in the way of a frank, candid and supportive discussion for our soldiers. I want to do that as well, but I cannot do so when cases are under way, because the judicial system prevents my doing so. I hope, however, that the right hon. and learned Gentleman will distance himself from any criticism of the chiefs of staff, which is entirely separate from accusations against politicians who make those decisions.