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Defence in the UK

The hon. Gentleman should be patient. We are almost ready to make known our response to the review body, and we shall do so as soon as we are able to. [Interruption.] He says from a sedentary position that it is overdue, but I am not aware that there is a set date for its release. We will make the House aware of our response soon—that is the only answer that I can give him. I urge him to be a little more patient. The relationship between the armed forces and society has to be a two-way street. Each complements the other; one cannot exist without the other. Government's responsibility is to ensure that that remains so, and that the armed forces are treated appropriately. This work in progress is something to which we remain wholly committed—our people deserve no less.