Lords scrutinise defence review
Peers will debate the government's defence review today, with a collection of former defence secretaries and military officers set to speak.
The focus of the debate is likely to be the government's decision to go ahead with the construction of two new aircraft carriers despite the huge cost.
Defence ministers have faced mockery after they revealed that while both HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales would be built, the Royal Navy would not have the jets needed to fly from them until 2020.
Peers are also likely to discuss the decision to scrap the Harrier fleet and Nimrod spy planes and delay the final decision on the replacement of Trident.
Today's debate will see a maiden speech from Labour former defence secretary Lord Hutton of Furness as well as speeches from ex-defence secretaries Lord Reid of Cardowan, Lord King of Bridgwater and Lord Robertson of Port Ellen.
Also expected to contribute are former senior military officers who now sit in the Lords, including Admiral Lord Boyce, Field Marshal Lord Bramall and General Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank.
In the Commons today Mps will debate private members bills, starting with Robert Flello's Sustainable Livestock Bill.
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