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Defence in the UK

I will refer specifically to the timetable, because I think that it is critical at present. As I have said, the project is on course, but Members should bear it in mind that it is one of the largest and most complex PFI projects ever tackled. The idea that no complexities, problems or challenges will arise throughout its duration is absurd. There are bound to be challenges, but I believe that there is a clear timetable. The planning application is due to be submitted in spring this year. It is detailed planning, for a massive 600-acre new-build development. This thing is gigantic. The construction programme alone is on a par with the one for the London Olympics. It is therefore understandable that there will be some delays. However, we can reasonably expect construction to begin in August 2010, phase 1 to be completed by the beginning of 2014, and phase 2 to be completed by 2015. We should pay tribute to the tremendous work of the defence training review integrated project team, which has been under the leadership of Brigadier Geoff Nield for the last four and a half years—an extended period—to ensure ownership of the project. Brigadier Nield will be moving on shortly, but it is important that we record our thanks for his achievement in tackling the huge challenge posed by radically transforming our training provision. Let me return to the original point made by the hon. Member for North Dorset (Mr. Walter). I apologise for possibly accentuating my argument a bit too much. The term that I used was not intended to be derogatory towards the current providers, who supply excellent training on the nine legacy sites and the three existing military technical colleges. That training has been excellent, and has served us well over the last 60 years. The problem is that it is not the training that we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We need greater integration, greater jointery and greater flexibility in delivering our training. That will be possible only on a compressed site, with all our service personnel being trained side by side, and we could not wish for a better site than St Athan, which will be a purpose-built facility. I recall with horror and terror going to my first camp, as a young recruit, on a dark December evening. I thought that I had descended into hell. There was no heating. It was an old second world war barracks in Newark, for goodness' sake. It was a quite terrifying experience. These youngsters, however, will enter one of the most modern learning environments imaginable: brand new, and offering the best training—largely from the private sector—and the best trainers in the world. Furthermore, during their stay at St Athan, the length of which will vary, men and women will have a choice. They will be able to go sailing along the beautiful heritage coast in the morning, go climbing in the Brecon Beacons in the afternoon, and at night go clubbing in Cardiff, one of the fastest-growing and most popular cities in Europe. What more could we offer them?