In Parliament

James Sunderland, Chair of the Armed Forces Bill Select Committee, makes a statement to the House of Commons following the publication of the Committee’s special report on the new Armed Forces Bill.

James Sunderland welcomes the statement on the review into the historical actions of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and asks the Secretary of State about future challenges, particularly for sites located in Africa, across the far east and in more far-flung places.

James Sunderland examines the Lords Amendments to the Bill and supports moves to exclude more serious crimes such as torture, genocide and crimes against humanity from the five-year rule.

James Sunderland questions the Leader of the House about virtual council meetings which are due to end on 7 May and notes that virtual meetings has increased attendance.

James Sunderland calls on the Government to do more to help businesses tackling ongoing red tape in post-Brexit trade with the European Union.

James Sunderland welcomes the Government's massive £24 billion investment in defence over the next four years but cautions that the Army probably needs an establishment of 82,000 to mobilise a strength of 72,000.

James Sunderland welcomes the Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill which will establish a new research funding agency specifically aimed at providing long-term investment in “high-risk, high-pay off” innovation and research ventures. 

Speaking in the debate on Defence’s contribution to the Integrated Review, James Sunderland raises concerns about army cuts and, given the increasing focus on expeditionary capabilities, asks about changes to how the UK military might operate east of Suez.

James Sunderland asks the Home Secretary what is being done to curb antisocial behaviour such as nuisance neighbours, drug abuse, speeding cars and general disorder.