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Proceeding contribution from Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. It occurred during King's speech debate on Defence Readiness.


Defence Readiness

I commend the shadow Minister for bringing this matter forward. He is right to put it on record; it is very much part of this debate. However, this goes further than the veterans who cannot sleep at night, and the families who are worried about what will happen to their father, brother or sister. Does he agree that this is affecting recruitment? Those who want to join the Army are saying, “If we join and get involved in a battle to protect this country, we could find ourselves being persecuted for it, or taken to court.” Does he agree that, for that reason and others, the Government must be fair, when it comes to legislation, and must listen to the points that he put forward?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
786 c561 
Session
2026-27
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Defence Defence equipment Expenditure Northern Ireland Procurement Military bases Iran Ukraine Small businesses Russia Veterans Chagos Islands
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk