We engage in capacity building activities with a wide range of international partners, covering a broad spectrum of topics including Humanitarian and Disaster Relief; Countering Violent Extremism; Peace Support Operations and countering illicit trafficking.<\/p>
We committed in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 to increase our capacity building with partners, and have since then expanded our activity in a number of ways.<\/p>
For example, we have launched a new three year Counter-IED capacity building programme with Pakistan. We have also joined the US-German Trans-Atlantic Capability Enhancement and Training (TACET) initiative, under which we will deploy Short Term Training Teams to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. In Ukraine, where we have already trained over 2,000 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, we are aiming to provide additional support to Ukrainian Defence reform including practical interventions in areas such as strategic communication and modernisation of procurement and logistics systems. In Nigeria we continue to expand our resident British Military Advisory and Training Team, and have committed to more than doubling the number of UK military personnel who deploy on short term training tasks to 300 in 2016. We have also significantly increased the support we provide to the Jordanian Army to help them improve border security.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2016-03-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2016-03-29T15:02:40.677Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2016-03-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defence: Procurement"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve defence capacity building.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "31375"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/436200", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/436200/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell) to Question 13408 on 30 October 2015.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/436200/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "Hansard 30 October 2015 HOC 13408.docx"} , "title" : "Defence Expenditure"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-12-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-12-15T16:26:29.477Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defence: Finance"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations the UK has made to other NATO member states on committing two per cent of their gross domestic product to defence.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "19098"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/421338", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/421338/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I discuss the pledge with NATO Allies regularly. Most recently I raised this at the October meeting of NATO Defence Ministers - at which the Czech Republic and Norway both confirmed a 10% increase in their budgets. I am confident that, by Warsaw, we will see real progress by other Allies in working to meet NATO's 2% guideline.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-10-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-10-20T14:12:55.083Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-10-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defence: Expenditure"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts on ensuring that all NATO member states achieve the target of two per cent of GDP spending on defence.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "11813"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/381402", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/381402/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The UK-US defence relationship is as strong as it has ever been.<\/p>
On operations, our forces have fought side by side in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today we are together combating terrorism and violent extremism in the Middle East and Africa, maintaining freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, providing reassurance to NATO Allies in Eastern Europe, providing training and other support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, undertaking counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, countering the narcotic trade in South America and the Caribbean, fighting Ebola in West Africa and providing nuclear deterrence for NATO.<\/p>
Beyond joint operations, our collaboration spans the full spectrum of defence activity including intelligence sharing, nuclear cooperation, joint exercises and training, defence procurement, cyber, science and technology.<\/p>
The US continues to value what the UK has always been able to offer: our leadership and partnership in addressing shared challenges, and a contribution to global operations that no other ally can match.<\/p>
On funding, we have the largest defence budget in the EU and the second largest in NATO. We will spend 2% of our GDP on defence this year. We will invest over £160 billion over the next decade on our future force.<\/p>
Our defence relationship with the US benefits from a healthy regular dialogue and strong personal relationships at the most senior levels.<\/p>
Our Combined Chiefs met for the third time in recent history in the US in May to discuss our approach to shared challenges like ISIL and Russia and to ensuring that our forces are increasingly able to operate alongside each other.<\/p>
When I met with the US Secretary of Defense earlier in the year he said that "our military collaboration is the cornerstone of both of our nations' security". I look forward to seeing him again next week at the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers where we will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen our relationship for our mutual benefit.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-06-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-06-22T15:45:28.663Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-06-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "USA: Defence"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen the UK's relationship with the US in relation to defence operations and funding.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "2701"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/226248", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Ministry of Defence"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/226248/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The core Defence budget for 2014-15 is £34 billion. The expected budget for 2015-16 is also £34 billion.<\/p>
<\/p>
Decisions for 2016-17 and beyond will be a matter for the next Spending Review. However, the Ministry of Defence is planning on an annual 1% real terms increase in spending on defence equipment in this period.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2015-03-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2015-03-16T17:43:45.84Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "11"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2015-03-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defence"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on the future of the defence budget.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "226892"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/64946", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Energy and Climate Change"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/64946/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In a competitive market, pricing decisions are a commercial matter for companies.<\/p>
Consumers can put pressure on companies to reduce prices by switching to the best deal for them \u2013 Ofgem's Retail Market Reforms to deliver a simpler, clear market combined with Government's push to significantly reduce switching times and require suppliers to share consumer data with trusted third parties, should make this easier to do.<\/p>
The Government supported Ofgem's recent move to write to the largest suppliers, challenging them to explain to consumers the impact of falling wholesale prices on their retail prices. Evidence that large suppliers raise prices more quickly when costs increase than they reduce prices when costs fall was one of the issues underpinning Ofgem's recent referral of the energy markets to the Competition and Markets Authority.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-07-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-07-07T16:08:20.7543973Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "63"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Energy and Climate Change"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Energy and Climate Change"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-07-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Energy: Prices"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he is taking to reduce consumer energy prices in-line with changes in the wholesale market prices.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "203217"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/63558", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Business, Innovation and Skills"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/63558/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
I am planning to visit Egypt from 12-15 October 2014 with a business delegation. Our Embassy in Cairo intends that the visit should focus on the following four sectors: Energy, Education, Retail and Construction.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/88", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Michael Fallon"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sevenoaks"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michael Fallon"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-07-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-07-01T14:33:37.1938571Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "26"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business, Innovation and Skills"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-06-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Trade Promotion: Egypt"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, when he plans for the next Government trade delegation to visit Egypt; and if he will include in that delegation construction companies from the UK.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4131", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jim Shannon"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Strangford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jim Shannon"} ], "uin" : "202262"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 7, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }