With international tensions at their most dangerous since world war two and war raging in Europe, James Sunderland backs the Government’s commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence as vital both strategically and politically. He calls for a capability audit and for the additional money to be allocated to build up existing capabilities and ensure that what we have works well in battle.
Following the Defence Secretary’s statement on the cyber attack where a malign actor hacked into the armed forces payment network, James Sunderland seeks assurances a diplomatic protest has been made, that firewall protocols given to defence contractors match those used by the MOD itself and that no malign actor can gain access to bank accounts.
James Sunderland backs the case for building the Western Rail Link to Heathrow and urges the Government to underwrite the project which has huge benefits for the local area and for people travelling to Heathrow from the west of England and Wales.
James Sunderland welcomes the £16 million safety valve programme and other SEN initiatives provided to Bracknell Forest by the Department for Education and calls on the Secretary of State to visit Bracknell to see all the good and outstanding schools and the focus on apprenticeships and T-levels at Bracknell and Wokingham College.
James Sunderland welcomes the Government commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and calls for the money to be used on the capability gaps and to improve the operability of existing equipment so that our forces can maintain and enhance their world-leading global posture.
James Sunderland welcomes the long-awaited Football Governance Bill which will put fans back at the heart of the game. He calls for regulation to be balanced to protect clubs and fans from unscrupulous owners, whilst maintaining the sport’s appeal to owners, investors, media and fans. The regulator must have the power to prohibit rogue directors, not only in football, but from directorships elsewhere and the scope should be expanded beyond the top five leagues.