Gavin Williamson: "Hard Work" To Give Armed Forces "Right Resources"

Gavin Williamson has claimed "hard work" is taking place across Government to give the "right resources" to the armed forces - amid Tory pleas to "fend off" Treasury cuts.

However, the Defence Secretary refused to comment on speculation that the ongoing strategic defence and security review would be separated from its defence element.

Former minister and Tory MP Mark Francois said Mr Williamson would receive support from his colleagues and those on the Labour benches if he continued to rebuff the "pinstripe warriors" of the Treasury.

Julian Lewis, chairman of the Defence Committee, also said defence is the UK's national insurance policy, adding:

"It's time for the Treasury to pay the premiums."

Further cuts are feared amid major pressure on the defence budget.

The news comes as reports emerge that Commons Speaker John Bercow told the Defence Secretary that he hopes there will be no further media briefings about potential cuts ahead of a major review.

Mr Bercow said that while he did not suggest the reports came from Gavin Williamson, such details "greatly irritate" MPs and result in questions for ministers in the Commons.

There has been widespread speculation about the options being considered by defence bosses, including cuts to the Royal Marines and axing Britain's amphibious assault ships.

At one stage there was even media reports about a meeting where senior defence staff were told not to talk to the media.

Mr Bercow said:

"I would just say to the Secretary of State, pursuant to a point that was made earlier, that the appearance of briefings in the newspapers, which I'm certainly not suggesting hail from him, is something that greatly irritates members of the House”.

"And, therefore, it is very much to be hoped that before the conclusion of the review there are not further such briefings.

"For if there are further such briefings, I rather imagine I will be confronted with further requests for urgent questions, and I will feel unable and in any case disinclined to resist such requests."

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth, a member of the Defence select committee, said leaks to the media were "undermining morale, they are undermining confidence of families, as well as sending completely the wrong message to our allies".

She added: "We need answers and we need them now, if only for those people who are serving.

"They need to know whether they'll be serving in Plymouth or whether they'll be moved to Colchester."

Mr Williamson replied: "In terms of the morale of the armed forces, to be reading speculation in the newspapers is not good for anyone.

"That's why I hope that we can draw to a conclusion the national security and capability review at the earliest possible moment and we can make it clear as to some of the options and what we're wishing to do to take our armed forces forward and make sure that they have the right investment, so they continue to be the successful, vibrant organisation that so many people take great pleasure and great pride in serving in."