The news this week of Russian ships snooping around UK offshore windfarms and undersea cables is a vivid reminder that other countries are determined to harm us, and that we must always be ready and able to defend our national interest. Key to doing that successfully is the Royal Navy's helicopter force. With the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, I've spent the past two days at RNAS Culdrose, which is home to our maritime Merlin helicopters. These are involved in everything from anti-submarine warfare and protecting our strategic nuclear deterrent to supporting anti-terrorism operations and defending critical national infrastructure. As well as being a frontline naval airbase, there are many training facilities at Culdrose, including for warfare officers, engineers and the teams who work on flight deck operations. It was a privilege to meet some of these dedicated naval personnel, whose daily work helps protect us from growing global threats.
