Armed Forces Bill

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. I am delighted and slightly relieved to stand at the Dispatch Box this evening with the task of sending the Bill on its way to another place. I should like to pay sincere tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Islwyn (Mr. Touhig), who was responsible for introducing the Bill. He is a great parliamentarian and a good friend. His deep regard and support for the armed forces are well respected by Members on both sides of the House. His open and consensual approach to the Bill, which helped the Select Committee to conduct its businesses effectively, were widely welcomed. I am indebted to him, and I am very grateful indeed for his authoritative and constructive contribution to our debate. On a personal note, I thank him for the support that he has given me. I pay tribute to members of the Select Committee, which was chaired by my right hon. Friend the Member for Knowsley, North and Sefton, East (Mr. Howarth). Many of them have made sincere contributions today with the common purpose of ensuring that we introduce legislation that can better meet the needs of the 21st century. The hon. Member for Aldershot (Mr. Howarth) has been gracious to me on my first run-out—I am sure that he could have been harder. He mentioned his former colleague and very good friend, Eric Forth. I remember Eric with admiration, having been a Friday Whip before assuming my new role. One thing that Eric pioneered was in-flight refuelling during debate. Some of my hon. Friends have been good at in-flight refuelling this afternoon. I will not name them, but they have my grateful thanks. I am sure the House will join me in sending good wishes for a speedy recovery to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Robert Key), who cannot be with us this evening. He served on the Select Committee on the Bill, and made a significant contribution to it. I place on record my thanks to the staff of my new private office, and the Bill team in particular, who did not quite take away the sleepless nights, but they helped with detailed briefings throughout the afternoon. They know what they did and, if it is not out of order, I offer them a small drink after the debate. We have had a good debate. I shall not cover old ground, but I shall mention my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen). We crossed swords for a couple of hours, especially over what constituted the definition of an enemy. Never has Churchill’s quote been so valid—enemy behind, opposition in front. My hon. Friend may have defined his enemy this afternoon, but I hope he will be my friend at the end of the debate. Although my time as Minister responsible for the Bill has been brief, it falls to me to mark an important stage in its progress. I will not detain the House unduly, but I shall say a few words about the Bill. It is a good Bill.