Our last day and a most interesting one. We checked out of our hotel at 0745 and then had a police escort to NATO Joint Force Command (JFC). This is one of three JFCs in NATO, the other two located in Norfolk, Virginia, and Brunssum in the Netherlands.
A slightly later start today. We packed our bags and checked out as we were heading to Naples in the afternoon. First up, though, was a visit to the Defence Ministry to meet the Minister of Defence, The RT Hon Guido Crosetto. The first thing to note about this remarkable man was his size.
A relatively early rise and off to our Ambassador's residence for breakfast at 0800. The residence, Villa Wolkonsky, is a most impressive place, set in a stunning garden, with what remains of a Roman aqueduct that used to transport fresh water into the city running through it.
I always look forward to Defence Committee trips and this week was no exception. I was at Heathrow at midday to catch the afternoon BA flight to Rome. Our group consisted of eight MPs and two members of staff, Lucy and Ellie, both of whom are just superb.
We are writing to confirm the details of the police funding settlement for 2024-25. Yesterday the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 2024-25 was laid in Parliament and the Parliamentary vote is expected to take place shortly.
