Robert Courts has been elected Chair of the Defence Committee

• View the results sheet (pdf, 90KB)
• Defence Committee

Also on the ballot paper were Sarah Atherton and Mark Francois.

Chair's comments

Chair of the Defence Committee, Robert Courts MP, said:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the country and our Armed Forces at such a crucial time for our security. My thanks to all those colleagues who supported me and to Sarah Atherton and Mark Francois – deeply respected committee members – for a well-fought election.

All around us, the world is becoming more challenging. As a consequence, our Forces need more support, more investment, and more capacity, not less. Under my leadership, the Committee will continue to unpick the long-term issues that affect defence.  We will seek to provide solutions for these, including tirelessly making the case for more investment in our Armed Forces. We will consider, not just how to build robust supply chains and bolster our industrial base, but we will also ask how UK defence should exploit emerging technologies of the future. 

Our soldiers, sailors and airmen represent the best of our country. As Chair, I will continue to advocate for the training and equipment they need to keep our country safe. Defence is in my political DNA. As not just a former Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, but also as an MP representing the largest base in the Royal Air Force, I have an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing our military.

As Chair, I won’t shy away from robust scrutiny and will lead through collegiate teamwork and consensus. I highly value the contributions of all Members and look forward to working together on holding the Government to account.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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