Ministry of Defence

We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

John Healey
Secretary of State for Defence

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Defence)

Conservative
James Cartlidge (Con - South Suffolk)
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence

Scottish National Party
Dave Doogan (SNP - Angus and Perthshire Glens)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Defence)

Liberal Democrat
James MacCleary (LD - Lewes)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Baroness Goldie (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Earl of Minto (Con - Excepted Hereditary)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Ministers of State
Lord Coaker (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Al Carns (Lab - Birmingham Selly Oak)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Luke Pollard (LAB - Plymouth Sutton and Devonport)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Louise Sandher-Jones (Lab - North East Derbyshire)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Tuesday 9th December 2025
Select Committee Docs
Tuesday 9th December 2025
16:54
AUKUS0037 - AUKUS
Written Evidence
Select Committee Inquiry
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes

This inquiry will examine the circumstances behind and the consequences of a major data breach in February 2022 from the …

Written Answers
Wednesday 10th December 2025
Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement by the Minister for the Armed …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 4th December 2025
Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1087) (“the 2020 Regulations”), …
Bills
Wednesday 6th November 2024
Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2024-26
A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; …
Dept. Publications
Wednesday 10th December 2025
16:59

Ministry of Defence Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Nov. 03
Oral Questions
Dec. 08
Urgent Questions
Dec. 09
Written Statements
Dec. 09
Westminster Hall
Nov. 11
Adjournment Debate
View All Ministry of Defence Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Introduced: 6th November 2024

A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd September 2025 and was enacted into law.

Ministry of Defence - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations amend the Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1087) (“the 2020 Regulations”), primarily to align with changes made by the Police (Conduct, Performance and Complaints and Misconduct) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/558) to the disciplinary procedures that apply to members and former members of the territorial police forces in England and Wales and appeals from those procedures.
Section 382 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”) provides that the 2006 Act will expire at the end of one year beginning with the day on which the Armed Forces Act 2021 (“the 2021 Act”) was passed, unless continued in force by Order in Council in accordance with that section. The 2021 Act was passed on 15th December 2021. The Armed Forces Act 2006 (Continuation) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/1120) provided for the continuation of the 2006 Act for a period of 12 months. This Order provides for the continuation of the 2006 Act for a further period of 12 months, so that it expires at the end of 14th December 2026.
View All Ministry of Defence Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Petitions with most signatures
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187 Signatures
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Ministry of Defence has not participated in any petition debates
View All Ministry of Defence Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Defence Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Defence Committee
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Portrait
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Derek Twigg Portrait
Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Fred Thomas Portrait
Fred Thomas (Labour - Plymouth Moor View)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Michelle Scrogham Portrait
Michelle Scrogham (Labour - Barrow and Furness)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman (Conservative - Hereford and South Herefordshire)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Emma Lewell Portrait
Emma Lewell (Labour - South Shields)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Lincoln Jopp Portrait
Lincoln Jopp (Conservative - Spelthorne)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Alex Baker Portrait
Alex Baker (Labour - Aldershot)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Calvin Bailey Portrait
Calvin Bailey (Labour - Leyton and Wanstead)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Ian Roome Portrait
Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat - North Devon)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Mike Martin Portrait
Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat - Tunbridge Wells)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
Introductory session with the National Armaments Director
16 Dec 2025, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Rupert Pearce - National Armaments Director at Ministry of Defence

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
The Integrated Security, Defence and Foreign Policy Review The Security of 5G SDSR 2015 and the Army inquiry Russia: implications for UK defence and security inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2015–16 inquiry BBC Monitoring inquiry Defence Acquisition and Procurement inquiry Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill inquiry Naval Procurement: Type 26 and Type 45 inquiry NATO Warsaw summit and Chilcot Report Work of the Department 2017 inquiry F-35 Procurement inquiry North Korea inquiry Indispensable allies: US, NATO and UK Defence relations inquiry Defence Acquisition and Procurement inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17 inquiry Locally Employed Civilians inquiry The effects of BAE restructuring on UK Defence inquiry National Security Capability Review inquiry The Royal Marines and UK amphibious capability inquiry The Government’s Brexit position paper: Foreign policy, defence and development: a future partnership paper inquiry Military exercises and the duty of care: follow up inquiry Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2016 inquiry UK National Shipbuilding Strategy inquiry The indispensable ally? US, NATO and UK Defence relations inquiry Locally employed interpreters inquiry Trident missile testing inquiry Investigations into fatalities involving British military personnel inquiry SDSR 2015 and the RAF inquiry Defence industrial policy: procurement and prosperity inquiry Military Exercises and the Duty of Care: Further Follow-Up inquiry Evidence from the new Defence Secretary inquiry UK Defence and the Strait of Hormuz inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Reports and Accounts 2018-19 inquiry Procurement Update inquiry Domestic Threat of Drones inquiry UK Defence and the Far East inquiry Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2018 inquiry Work of the Service Complaints Ombudsman inquiry UK Response to Hybrid Threats inquiry INF Treaty withdrawal inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 inquiry Departmental Priorities – Post-NATO Summit inquiry Work of Defence Equipment and Support inquiry Work of the Chief of Defence Staff inquiry Mental Health and the Armed Forces, Part Two: The Provision of Care inquiry Future anti-ship missile system inquiry Statute of limitations – veterans protection inquiry UK Military Operations in Mosul and Raqqa inquiry Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Procurement inquiry Modernising Defence Programme inquiry Departmental priorities inquiry Armed forces and veterans mental health inquiry Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2017 inquiry Global Islamist Terrorism inquiry MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 Work of the Chief of the Defence Staff MoD Supplementary Estimates 2012-13 Operations in Afghanistan Strategic Defence and Security Review & the National Security Strategy The Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 1: Military Casualties Operations in Libya Developing Threats to Electronic Infrastructure The Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 2: Accommodation Defence Implications of Possible Scottish Independence Impact on UK Defence of the proposed merger of BAE systems and EADS MoD Main Estimates 2013-14 Towards the next Defence and Security Review: Part One Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Educating Service Personnel Children Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 4: Service Personnel Education Defence Acquisition Defence and cyber-security UK Armed Forces Personnel and Legal Framework for Future Operations Future Army 2020 Future Maritime Surveillance Lariam inquiry Publication of the SDSR UK military operations in Syria and Iraq inquiry Shifting the Goalposts? Defence Expenditure and the 2% pledge Flexible Response? An SDSR checklist of potential threats Towards the next defence and security review: Part Three Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 The situation in Iraq and Syria Decision-making in Defence Policy Future Force 2020 Armed Forces (Services Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill MoD Main Estimates 2014-15 Inquiry Defence Growth Partnership Ministry of Defence Mid Year Report Towards the next Defence and Security Review: Part Two: NATO Afghanistan - Camp Bastion Attack Defence Materiel Strategy Afghanistan The Armed Forces Covenant in Action Part 5: Military Casualties Pre-appointment hearing: Service Complaints Commissioner Defence contribution to the UK’s pandemic response Progress in delivering the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability Foreign Involvement in the Defence Supply Chain The Integrated Review – Threats, Capabilities and Concepts Defence and Climate Change National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh Armed Forces Readiness Future Aviation Capabilities Defence in the Grey Zone Women in the Armed Forces: Follow-Up The UK contribution to European Security The Armed Forces Covenant AUKUS Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes NATO, US and UK Defence Relations National security and investment Beyond endurance? Military exercises and the duty of care Defence in the Arctic MoD support for former and serving personnel subject to judicial processes Defence in the Arctic (Sub-Committee) Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2018 Defence industrial policy: procurement and prosperity Departmental Priorities – Post-NATO Summit Domestic Threat of Drones Evidence from the new Defence Secretary Global Islamist Terrorism INF Treaty withdrawal UK Military Operations in Mosul and Raqqa Future anti-ship missile system Statute of limitations – veterans protection Mental Health and the Armed Forces, Part Two: The Provision of Care Work of Defence Equipment and Support Ministry of Defence Annual Reports and Accounts 2018-19 European Defence Industrial Development Programme Modernising Defence Programme Military Exercises and the Duty of Care: Further Follow-Up Procurement Update Work of the Service Complaints Ombudsman UK Defence and the Far East UK Defence and the Strait of Hormuz UK Response to Hybrid Threats Work of the Chief of Defence Staff

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to Question 92229, whether his Department paid for British armed forces personnel to attend courses in Israel since October 2023.

The British Armed Forces pay for overseas courses that they attend.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of each Warrior variant are still in service; and with which sub-units.

As of 8 December 2025, there are 388 Warrior vehicles in service in the active fleet and those yet to start the disposal process:

Variant

Total

FV510

191

FV511

59

FV512

70

FV513

32

FV514

36

FV515

0

Total

388

The Out of Service date for Warrior is 2027 with all vehicles to be withdrawn from service by the end of the decade. Any vehicles that remain beyond this will be classed as surplus to requirements.

The Ministry of Defence does not provide a breakdown of equipment by unit or sub-unit for reasons of operational security.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timeline is for the Warrior disposal plan up to its out of service date in 2027.

As of 8 December 2025, there are 388 Warrior vehicles in service in the active fleet and those yet to start the disposal process:

Variant

Total

FV510

191

FV511

59

FV512

70

FV513

32

FV514

36

FV515

0

Total

388

The Out of Service date for Warrior is 2027 with all vehicles to be withdrawn from service by the end of the decade. Any vehicles that remain beyond this will be classed as surplus to requirements.

The Ministry of Defence does not provide a breakdown of equipment by unit or sub-unit for reasons of operational security.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment his Department has made of the UK’s vulnerability to long-range missile threats, including ballistic and cruise missile systems; and what steps he is taking to strengthen integrated air and missile defence as part of the Strategic Defence Review.

The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment in Integrated Air and Missile Defence. This announcement responds to the threat the UK faces and will shape our future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Government plans to publish a detailed roadmap for improving national missile defence capabilities, including timelines and funding commitments.

The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment in Integrated Air and Missile Defence. This announcement responds to the threat the UK faces and will shape our future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, when the last trial on underwater robots took place.

It has not been possible to provide the answer within the timeframe given, I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many TEKEVER AR3 uncrewed air platforms he has procured since 5 July 2024.

For reasons of operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers of TEKEVER AR3 uncrewed air platforms procured by the Ministry of Defence.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on the UK Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme.

The Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP) comprises two constituent parts, the first of which, the Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability (MEWSIC), has entered the final testing phase with installation at the Royal Navy’s Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park underway.

The other half of MEWP is the Electronic Warfare Countermeasure (EWCM) Project which will deliver a trainable decoy launcher designed to counter anti-ship missiles and enhance survivability. Critical Design Review for the project was conducted mid-November 25 as part of preparation for production readiness.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Storage facility for over 900 vehicles completed at MOD Ashchurch, published on 5 March 2025, when all 13 new buildings will be delivered as part of the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme.

The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) remains on schedule and work at MOD Ashchurch will be completed in 2027.

Demolition of all 58 existing buildings as part of the VSSP, has been completed.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Storage facility for over 900 vehicles completed at MOD Ashchurch, published on 5 March 2025, if he has a target date for the demolition of 58 existing buildings as part of the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme.

The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) remains on schedule and work at MOD Ashchurch will be completed in 2027.

Demolition of all 58 existing buildings as part of the VSSP, has been completed.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, who will lead the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.

I am pleased to confirm that Senior Civil Servant, Tim Ketton-Locke has been appointed to lead the office and took up post on 3 November 2025.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, whether any new staff will be recruited as part of the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.

Whilst the exact number of staff employed by the Office for Small Business Growth is still under development, it is anticipated that staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect demand placed upon its services. Funding for the Office, including staff costs, is included within the £770 million Government investment into the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, who will staff the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.

Whilst the exact number of staff employed by the Office for Small Business Growth is still under development, it is anticipated that staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect demand placed upon its services. Funding for the Office, including staff costs, is included within the £770 million Government investment into the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, how many staff will be employed as part of the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.

Whilst the exact number of staff employed by the Office for Small Business Growth is still under development, it is anticipated that staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect demand placed upon its services. Funding for the Office, including staff costs, is included within the £770 million Government investment into the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, if he will list the other sectors outside the defence sector who will be consulted on the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.

Development of the new Defence Office for Business Growth is well underway. It continues to consult a wide variety of stakeholders, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and trade associations representing their members operating both within and outside of the defence sector.

The Office will also work with the Department for Business and Trade’s Business Growth Service, where relevant, to consult with the non-defence sectors included within the Modern Industrial Strategy.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June to Question 57673 on Military Intelligence, if he has a target date for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web.

The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a 'Minimum Viable Product', in 2026. What these first deliverables will consist of is still being defined. Plans will be continually reviewed to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.

No target date has been established for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to implement increased defence expenditure to improve the preparedness and readiness of the armed forces.

As outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, Defence will increase expenditure to transform the Armed Forces into a more lethal integrated force, equipped for the future. On 25 February 2025, the Prime Minister announced the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the end of the Cold War—rising to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, and to 3% in the next Parliament when fiscal and economic conditions allow. We have already boosted defence by £5 billion this year. The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Ministry of Defence will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review including steps to improve preparedness and readiness of the Armed Forces.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2025 to question 93243 on Defence: Procurement, for what reason was Project Magenta cancelled.

A routine programme review found Project Magenta was no longer viable in terms of cost or time. The review led to an alternate solution that was not available at the time of project approval.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for the total spend on (i) LinkedIn membership fees (ii) other subscriptions by his Department in the last financial year.

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025 to question 94926 on Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety, if he will set out the criteria that will allow the pause to be lifted.

Investigations by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch supported by the Army Safety Investigation Team and General Dynamics are ongoing. Further detail will be available once the investigation has concluded. Any decisions on the pause will be made by Ministers.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Statement by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 27 November on MOD Security Review, HCWS 1103, how many contracts have been placed for Remote Piloted Aerial Systems since 5 July 2024.

The Department has placed nineteen contracts relating to Remote Piloted Aerial Systems since 5 July 2024.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the official closing date under section 14 of the Inquiries Act 2005 was for the public inquiry entitled Al-Sweady Inquiry.

The final report of the Al-Sweady Inquiry was published on 17 December 2014. The last members of the Inquiry staff were released in January 2015 and final administrative wind-up procedures completed in March 2015.The chair of the Inquiry, Sir Thayne Forbes, wrote to the then Secretary of State confirming the fulfilment of his terms of reference (a so-called Section 14 letter), on 20 March 2015.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to Question 92229, which courses British armed forces personnel have attended in Israel since October 2023.

Fewer than five British Armed Forces personnel have studied on non-combat military academic courses in Israel since October 2023. Which courses they attended is being withheld in order to protect personal information.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
2nd Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date was the Gazelle AH Mk1 helicopter withdrawn from service In Northern Ireland.

The Gazelle AH Mk1 helicopter was withdrawn from service in Northern Ireland on 26 October 2023.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of equipment of Chinese origin, used by the UK armed forces, which are subject to China’s National Intelligence Law.

As the Secretary of State and I have made clear, there is risk in Chinese components being present in in civil and military technology in the UK and across our alliances. We keep technology under review to protect our national security.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December 2024 to Question 16763, what discussions his Department has had with civil society organisations since 3 December 2024 to evaluate its approach to civilian harm mitigation and response.

Mitigating civilian harm is central to Defence’s approach to human security. We work through multiple channels to promote human security, with a particular emphasis on protecting civilians. We actively engage with civil society organisations on this issue, recognising the value of their expertise and perspectives.

Since December 2024, engagement has taken place through in-person meetings and online discussions, as well as participation in civil society-led forums. We have also contributed to international workshops and conferences, including through the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for which we are now co-chairs, and attending the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas international conference.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what funding is in place for the Ministry of Defence to purchase 8 Type-26 ships.

A £3.7 billion contract was signed with BAE Systems on 29 June 2017 to manufacture the first batch of three Type 26 frigates and a £4.2 billion contract amendment was signed for Batch 2 of the ships on 1 November 2022. A total funding provision of £7.9 billion has been provided to purchase eight Type 26 ships.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in which financial year will UK NATO declared defence spending will rise above 2.6 per cent of GDP.

The UK's defence spending is expected to rise to 2.6% from 2027. The next Spending Review in 2027 will determine the trajectory beyond the current Spending Review period.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme will (a) begin and (b) conclude.

The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measure will the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme use to assess the effectiveness of the Department in implementing actions of previous reviews.

The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the previous reviews that will be assessed in the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme.

The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide a full list of the experts conducting the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme.

The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme will report to Parliament in the form of an (a) oral or (b) written statement.

The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme will be used to guide any future decisions regarding the Ajax programme.

The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September to Question 70699 on UK Defence and Security Exports, where UK Defence and Security Exports is based.

Responsibility for defence exports moved to the Ministry of Defence on 31 July 2025.

Security exports were not in scope of this Machinery of Government change and responsibility remains with the Department for Business and Trade.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52284 on Defence Industrial Joint Council, whether the inaugural DIJC meeting took place in June 2025.

The inaugural Meeting of the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Top Council took place on 9 June 2025, with the second meeting taking place on 10 September 2025, during the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition. The Top Council will now target three meetings each year.

Additionally, the DIJC Delivery Group, chaired by the National Armaments Director and his industry counterpart met for the first time in November.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May to Question 52284 on Defence Industrial Joint Council, whether the inaugural DIJC has met since June 2025.

The inaugural Meeting of the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Top Council took place on 9 June 2025, with the second meeting taking place on 10 September 2025, during the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition. The Top Council will now target three meetings each year.

Additionally, the DIJC Delivery Group, chaired by the National Armaments Director and his industry counterpart met for the first time in November.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 10 March 2025 to Question 34903 on Defence: Procurement, what recent progress he has made on implementing the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 November 2025 to Question 85228.

Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the special representative on AUKUS employs any full time staff.

The Prime Minister's Special Representative, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, is supported by Civil Servants within the Cabinet Office with responsibility for coordinating and driving cross-Government work across AUKUS.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the number of staff supporting the special representative on AUKUS.

The Ministry of Defence is planning to provide two secondees to the Cabinet Office. These roles will support the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for AUKUS and help drive strategic delivery for AUKUS across His Majesty's Government.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he attends meetings between the Prime Minister and the Special Representative on AUKUS.

The Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister's Special Representative, Sir Stephen Lovegrove regularly engage on all matters relating to the AUKUS partnership. These discussions help ensure AUKUS is being pursued as a whole-of-Government effort in line with the Prime Minister’s direction.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many mobile launchers will Project Nightfall deliver.

The number of mobile launchers for Project Nightfall is not yet confirmed, as it will depend on the solutions presented by industry, including how many effectors can be carried by a single launcher.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November to Question 93042 on Unmanned Air Systems: Manufacturing Industries, whether his Department keep records of each country of origin that has supplied drones to Ukraine.

The Department does hold information on suppliers we contract to produce equipment which is gifted to Ukraine, including where they are based.

Through our joint leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Coalition of the Willing, we are actively encouraging our allies to ramp up drone production following increased drone strikes in Ukraine and incursions into European airspace.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with Atlantas Marine since 5 July 2024.

The Department has placed one contract with Atlantas Marine since 5 July 2024, this can be found below.

Contract Name

Supplier Name

Video Ray Defender (VRD) ROVs Training and Maintenance.

ATLANTAS MARINE LIMITED

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November to Question 93042 on Unmanned Air Systems: Manufacturing Industries, whether his Department hold a figure for how many of the 100,000 drones produced this year were made by British companies.

The Department does hold information on how many of the 100,000 drones due to be provided to Ukraine this year will be made by British companies. However, the release of the figure requested would prejudice national security and commercial interests.

More than 85,000 military drones have been delivered by the UK to Ukraine in just six months this year by accelerating production from British companies, supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country and contributing to local economies.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the performance of the Power Improvement Project upgrade on HMS Dauntless.

HMS Dauntless was the first of class to undergo the Type 45 Power Improvement Project upgrade. The ship has since seen increased resilience and confidence in her power and propulsion system upon her return to operational service.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June to Question 57673 on Military Intelligence, whether his Department has signed any contracts to deliver the Digital Targeting Web since 16 June 2025.

Some short-term external assistance contracts are being employed to support the preparation and planning of the Digital Targeting Web.

The Ministry of Defence has not placed or signed any contracts to deliver the capabilities and equipment for the Digital Targeting Web, since 16 June 2025. Investment decisions are made in the Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) water pumps and (b) generators his Department disposed of for each year from 2015 to date.

The number of water pumps and generators disposed of through the Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT) from January 2024 to date is as follows:

Water pumps

Generators

2024

1

103

2025

1

192

In line with Ministry of Defence policy, records related to disposals are retained for a period of seven years. Consequently, it is not possible to provide information on disposals through the DRDT prior to 2018. Additionally, due to the way information was recorded by the DRDT prior to September 2023, details on the total number of water pumps and generators disposed of between 2018 and September 2023 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

It should also be noted that not all disposals are conducted through the DRDT. Identifying the total number of water pumps and generators disposed of through other routes would similarly exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the current book value of HMS Albion is.

HMS Albion was never due to go to sea ahead of its out-of-service date in 2033. It’s disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. This ship was effectively mothballed by the previous Government.

The Current Book Value of HMS ALBION is zero. The shift was valued to zero following the Defence Secretary's announcement to remove it from service last year.

The annual maintenance cost for HMS ALBION is circa £2 million per annum.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)