Investing in defence bonds is a powerful way to raise economic growth if done correctly. The Chancellor already agrees with me on the value of increasing investment in defence research and development (R&D). I asked the government if the press is correct in reporting that she is considering issuing these bonds.

I spoke to the Guardian about how the government must take action over officials in Kyrgyzstan who are allegedly helping Russia evade sanctions.

Take action over officials in Kyrgyzstan ‘helping Russia evade sanctions’, MPs and peers say | Kyrgyzstan | The Guardian

On Friday the United States agreed to extend the partial lift on sanctions on Russian oil exports. I asked the government if they agree that this decision helps Russia fund their illegal and murderous war in Ukraine, working directly against national security interests. They agreed that the current situation in the Middle East should not be used to finance Putin.

Sadly and predictably, Iran appears to have achieved escalation dominance by closing the Strait of Hormuz. I asked what plans the government have for a post-conflict region where Iran retains the upper hand because it can dictate global energy prices and continue to threaten gulf nations.

Given the fate of the Russian Black Sea fleet from maritime drones and ground forces from FPV drones, there is unlikely to be a military solution to reopening the confined waters of Hormuz. We need a diplomatic solution as fast as possible.

British Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon was killed by an Iranian ballistic missile in Iraq in 2020. When I arrived as a soldier three months later, our base was attacked eight times by Iranian proxy militias. The Iranian regime has gunned down tens of thousands of protesters in recent weeks. The morality of this is complex. I support the Prime Minister’s view in favour of a negotiated settlement, given the risks of regime change, but it must include protections against retaliation for protesters. The Prime Minister agreed.