Commons Presses Defence, Deepens China Engagement, Eyes Lords Reform

High-Level Summary

The Commons held Defence oral questions on support for SMEs, Ukraine, spending plans and capabilities from helicopters to the High North, alongside assurances on the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent. The Prime Minister then made a statement on his visit to China and Japan, setting out engagement, trade and security outcomes and drawing robust exchanges with Opposition leaders. A further statement addressed US Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein; Ministers ordered an urgent review of Peter Mandelson’s conduct and proposed modernising Lords disciplinary processes. The House agreed Lords amendments to implement the High Seas (BBNJ) treaty and carried over the High Speed Rail (Crewe–Manchester) Bill to progress Northern Powerhouse Rail. The day ended with an adjournment debate on the Tamar toll crossings and regional connectivity in Cornwall.

Detailed Summary

Tributes by the Speaker

The Speaker opened by offering condolences to Lord Flight and Lord Wallace of Tankerness: “Last week, the House paid tribute to Lord Flight… My condolences go to his family and friends.” and “I would like to pay tribute to Lord Wallace of Tankerness… I offer my condolences to his family and friends.”

Oral Answers: Defence (SMEs, Ukraine, capabilities, spending)

Members questioned Ministers on support for defence SMEs, procurement and capability decisions, Ukraine support, veterans, housing and future spending. The Defence Secretary highlighted a new SME-focused unit: “Our new office for small business growth, which opened its doors for the first time last week, will help turn that around.” He was pressed on the medium‑lift helicopter competition and the Defence Investment Plan; he said, “We are working flat out to complete the DIP” but did not give a publication date. On Ukraine, he stressed enduring support and coordination at NATO: “the UK is providing more military support now than ever before”, and announced “a new £40 million contract… to buy new sonobuoys” to bolster anti‑submarine warfare.

On the High North, the Government cited current deployments and training: “We have Royal Navy deployments in the High North”. Ministers reiterated the independence of the nuclear deterrent — “the only person who can authorise its firing is the Prime Minister” — and investment in the sovereign warhead programme. On the EU Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund, Ministers said talks ended as “no agreement was possible that met our national interests”. Veterans’ measures included “£50 million for Operation Valour, and £12 million for the reducing veteran homelessness programme”. The Ajax programme’s initial operating capability remains paused pending safety investigations. Housing policy pledged that “90% of military homes will be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt” over a decade. On spending, the Government plans to reach 2.6% of GDP in April 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament, and underlined naval shipbuilding, including Type 26 exports to Norway. No divisions were held; several meetings and reviews were offered. The DIP publication date was not stated in the transcript.

Statement: Prime Minister on visits to China and Japan

The Prime Minister argued for pragmatic engagement with China while protecting UK security, stating that “refusing to engage would be a dereliction of duty” and that “we can protect ourselves, while also finding ways to co‑operate”. He said China had confirmed that sanctions on parliamentarians no longer apply: “all such restrictions on parliamentarians no longer apply”. Announcements included 30‑day visa‑free travel for Brits, halving whisky tariffs to 5% — “worth £250 million… comes into force today” — and a border security pact to “enable joint law enforcement action to disrupt” the small boat engine supply at source. He said he pressed Beijing on support for Russia and raised human rights and Jimmy Lai’s case.

Opposition leaders challenged the approach and claimed limited outcomes; for example, the Leader of the Opposition criticised a “supine and short‑termist approach”. The Government committed to continue engagement with China, deepen cooperation with Japan (including GCAP), and maintain contact with Jimmy Lai’s family. No division was held; further specific concessions beyond those announced were not stated in the transcript.

Statement: US DOJ files and Peter Mandelson

Ministers condemned Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and announced immediate steps regarding Peter Mandelson following release of US files. The Prime Minister asked the Cabinet Secretary “to review all available information… and to report back… as a matter of urgency”. Ministers said they believe Peter Mandelson should not remain in the Lords and will seek to modernise disciplinary processes: “The Government will today write to the appropriate authorities in the other place to start that process.” The Opposition called for wider investigations, including into his behaviour while ambassador, and queried past vetting. Asked about a criminal referral, Ministers said decisions are “a matter for the prosecution services and the police”. Outcome: Cabinet Secretary review commissioned; Government to pursue Lords procedure reforms; Ministers pledged to cooperate with any investigations. A police referral was not stated in the transcript.

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (High Seas) Bill: Lords Amendments

Ministers presented 12 Lords amendments to support devolved implementation and consultation for the BBNJ treaty. The Bill “is a vital part of delivering the UK’s international obligations under the BBNJ agreement”, which “entered into force on 17 January”; the UK will ratify after Royal Assent and secondary legislation. Legislative consent was obtained in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Amendments included changes to Scottish environmental impact assessment regulations and procedural provisions for devolved regulations. Ministers outlined post‑Royal Assent SIs needed before ratification. Queries on costs and enforcement were raised; detailed figures were not stated. Outcome: Lords amendments 1–12 were agreed without division. Next steps include laying SIs and depositing the instrument of ratification at the UN.

High Speed Rail (Crewe–Manchester) Bill: Carry‑over and Select Committee

The Secretary of State sought to carry over the hybrid Bill to progress the Manchester–Liverpool section of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), clarifying scope: “This is categorically not about reinstating HS2 north of the west midlands”. She said HS2 elements south of Millington would be removed, and the Bill would deliver the NPR section into Manchester, including new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. The Opposition accepted the rationale for carry‑over but raised questions on funding constraints; a backbencher objected to continuing the Bill. Outcome: both the carry‑over and Select Committee motions were agreed. A division was called and then not proceeded with; the questions were agreed to.

Delegated Legislation and Business Motions

The House extended proxy voting to serious long‑term illness or injury and transferred Estimates day selection to the Backbench Business Committee. Draft Orders to establish the Cheshire & Warrington and Cumbria Combined Authorities were approved without division.

Adjournment: Tolled crossings and regional connectivity (South East Cornwall)

Anna Gelderd (South East Cornwall) highlighted reliance on the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry — “Around 16 million vehicle crossings take place each year” — their joint local authority ownership and toll‑funded model — “The Tamar bridge is publicly owned and jointly operated by Cornwall council and Plymouth city council” — and the cumulative costs for low‑income communities. She asked for devolved powers, grant funding and legacy debt relief to reform tolling, and investment in the A38, Dawlish rail resilience and digital connectivity. The Minister cited significant local transport funding — “Cornwall will benefit from up to £221 million… over the next four years” — but noted there is “no specific central Government funding stream for the upkeep of tolled crossings such as Tamar”. She outlined the statutory process for toll changes and promised cross‑government collaboration. Outcome: no commitment to remove or reduce tolls; assurance of ongoing funding streams and coordinated planning; decisions on toll levels remain with the joint committee.