Committees

Defence Secretary John Healey to face questions from Defence Committee

15 November 2024

The Defence Committee will question the Secretary of State for Defence, Rt. Hon. John Healey, in his first appearance in front of the Committee. The session will take place on Thursday 21 November, at 10.30am.  

The evidence session will be wide-ranging.

Topics likely to be covered include: the global threats that necessitated the Strategic Defence Review (SDR); the challenges to armed forces readiness; issues relating to Service personnel and veterans; and UK defence commitments, including support for Ukraine.

The Secretary of State will appear alongside David Williams, the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence; Lt General Sir Rob Magowan, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Capability); and Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Military Strategy and Operations).

Chair comment

Chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, said:  

“I am looking forward to the new Defence Committee having our first opportunity to scrutinise the work of the Ministry of Defence and Defence Secretary. 

“The world is increasingly dangerous and volatile. UK defence is at a crossroads, and there are difficult decisions on the horizon.   

“This session will cover a breadth of issues, from daily life in the armed forces community, to security and defence partnerships and alliances, such as NATO. We will ask the difficult questions to ensure the Government is doing all it can to keep the UK safe.” 

On Thursday 21 November at 10.30am, The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House

From 10.30am:

Further information

Image: House of Commons