The Defence Reform Bill, currently going through the House of Lords, provides an opportunity to make such a statement. Genuine concern exists as to whether we can recruit and train 30,000 members of the Army Reserve, and the current Bill could offer the opportunity to alter the regular/reserve balance within our Army and increase the size of the regular Army. An additional 3,000 regular soldiers would provide an extra deployable brigade – a useful increase in capability in itself, sending the signal that Britain takes its defence responsibilities seriously, not only on behalf of its citizens but on behalf of our EU and Nato allies, too. Were we to keep that additional brigade stationed in Germany, it would further underline our commitment to peace and security.