When Bob was invited to Meriden by Caroline to speak at the Solihull Conservative Association's Annual Dinner, he was kind enough to answer some questions relating to his military background and his thoughts about ongoing international conflicts.
Why were you drawn into politics from a military background, and what advantages do you feel this background has given you in your role as MP for Beckenham?
I was asked to stand as a parliamentary candidate by soldiers I knew. At first I thought it was a ridiculous idea, but I gradually warmed to the prospect. Although my knowledge and interest in the military will always come second to the needs and concerns of my constituents in Beckenham, I know what it is like to be at the sharp end of an impossible situation and can use this alternate view to aid government decision-making.
What was the most challenging aspect of leading your Battalion during times of conflict?
The most challenging aspect was to do the job properly, ensuring the safety of my men, in times of extreme pressure.
Do you feel that any changes should be made to soldiers’ training given the new focus on peace-keeping and dealing with humanitarian crises?
The military is always evolving and developing different strategies to remain effective. It is often difficult to appreciate how the soldiers will need to respond before the campaign begins so changes often occur on the ground as new challenges present themselves.
During a time of sustained political upheaval and the ensuing hardship and suffering of its people, do you believe the UK can help to resolve the conflict in Syria?
At the moment I think that Syria is in the grips of a civil war. Generally, civil wars need to resolve themselves, so right now is not the right time for British military intervention. If the situation changes and we are compelled to act, any military action would need to be under the direction of the UN Security Council.