Commenting on today’s statement by John Hutton on Defence Planning Assumptions, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:

“The MoD’s Defence Planning Assumptions have been operating in a parallel universe for many years now.

“This latest review is just an attempt to put a veneer of credibility on the appalling overstretch our armed forces are operating under. Read more »

Speech by Nick Harvey MP delivered to House of Commons on Thu 29th Jan 2009

As ever, may I start by paying tribute to the men and women of our armed forces who work tirelessly and bravely, often in difficult, demanding and dangerous circumstances.

I join others in expressing my condolences for those who have lost their lives serving their country, and my sympathy to those who have returned injured, either physically or mentally.

Our personnel are the lifeblood of our military capabilities. Yet faced with low pay, long hours, substandard accommodation, insufficient recognition and the prospect of another ten to twenty years in Afghanistan without the support they need, they do not have an easy time. Read more »

Shadow Liberal Democrat Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey has expressed his alarm about the inappropriate use of White Phosphorus in the Gaza Strip and has tabled a motion calling on the Government to clarify its position and do all it can to persuade the Israeli government to stop using such weapons.

Despite Israeli denials, the evidence that Israeli Defence Forces used White Phosphorus in the Gaza Strip during their offensive has become increasingly clear. The UN, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented its use, and returning Israeli soldiers have admitted to it. Read more »

Commenting on today’s Government statement on the use of the Snatch Land Rover, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said:

“The Government has acted shamefully late on Snatch Land Rovers. Lives may well have been saved if this decision had been taken earlier.

“When troops nickname a vehicle a ‘mobile coffin’, it should have rung alarm bells, but the Government dithered and delayed for far too long.

“While there may be a need for these modified Land Rovers, the fact that the old vehicles are being withdrawn from service is effectively an admission of guilt. Read more »

Speech delivered to RUSI Conference on Thu 27th Nov 2008

(check against delivery)

When rebuilding a consensus where do we start?

Indeed, was there ever a consensus over Britain’s defence policy? And is it possible?

I would like to say yes, but that is dependent on everyone agreeing on my point of view.

However, as you who engage with politics and politicians on a regular basis can testify, consensus is usually an alien concept in the corridors of Westminster, and in the departments of Whitehall.

A rarity that is often lauded and seldom achieved.

The British political system and culture is antagonistic. Wholesale change would be welcome but until it comes, the checks and balances of the current set-up demand robust argument. Read more »

Today BAE Systems’ announced that it is to cut 200 UK jobs in its land systems business.

The MoD’s staggering incompetence over its armoured vehicle procurement programme now seems to be taking its toll on British jobs.

It is hard to believe that while our troops in Afghanistan are facing a crippling shortage of suitable vehicles, the jobs to make those vehicles are still being cut in the UK.

It is little wonder that the FRES vehicle programme was recently described as ‘the worst procurement programme ever’. Read more »