Ministry of Defence

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) continues to drive for both improved performance and increased value for money from all its Estates Management contracts.

The DIO has conducted a series of reviews to capture lessons learned from the delivery of the Future Defence Infrastructure Services Accommodation contracts and commissioned external audits of Industry Partners (IP)s performance. The Department also has the contractual right to withhold elements of profit for non-performance of Key Performance Indicators by its IPs, and continually assesses Property Management Contract Supplier performance. Performance is monitored on a monthly basis including oversight at Chief Executive level.

Defence Medical Services (DMS) has several mature policies and capabilities in place designed to mitigate the risk of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the deployed space, from antimicrobial policy and stewardship to infection prevention and control strategies.

DMS is developing an AMR strategy to ensure Defence can manage the current threat and respond to future risks, including balancing the needs of the wounded with the threat of resistance.

DMS is at the forefront internationally in capturing data on AMR from the conflict in Ukraine, with active collaborations with Ukrainian colleagues which have resulted in a number of academic publications on AMR and conflict.

AMR tools and resources have been developed to help healthcare professionals to improve infection prevention and control practices, and to help improve prescribing. Best practice can reduce the use of antimicrobials and reduce the risk of resistance developing.

We are unable to estimate how many people were affected by the historic policy on LGBT Service personnel and who are therefore eligible for the Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS). This is due to the varying ways in which personnel were impacted, with some being dismissed or discharged, and others choosing to leave due to the culture whilst others continued to serve.

Defence’s LGBT Restorative Action team have mounted communications campaigns to drive awareness of, and encourage, eligible LGBT Veterans to claim under the FRS since the Scheme was announced. We continue to work with local councils, the NHS, LGBT and military charities, and Veterans network to better inform affected Veterans of the FRS and how to apply. Defence has also allocated £90,000 worth of grants to charities, including Fighting With Pride, to support Veterans with their FRS applications.

As of 9 June 2025, the FRS had distributed £2.2 million in payments, prioritising elderly applicants and those with serious health conditions to ensure timely support for those most in need. The first payments were issued within 15 weeks of the scheme going live, and while some complex cases require additional time, the Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring all eligible individuals receive the support they are entitled to.

The Government encourages those affected by the Ban to visit gov.uk for further information, guidance, and support on how to make an application: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 June 2025 to Question 57620 to the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard).

The Government recognises the importance of timeliness in delivering this important recognition. The Independent Panel convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating the Government's commitment to delivering the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) at pace. Further sittings are taking place in June, with several more scheduled in the coming months.

We expect to increase the frequency of sittings, up to two per week and will continue to monitor progress, assessing whether further increases would provide benefits without compromising the integrity of the process. Increasing the number of sitting days may expedite the processing of applications but must be balanced with ensuring the process remains thorough and robust. Evidence gathering is the longest and most complex part of the process, requiring information to be collected from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted carefully to ensure fairness for applicants and the responsible management of public funds.

As of 9 June 2025, the FRS had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved; we envisage the FRS speeding up once these are completed.

The Ministry of Defence keeps under careful consideration its policies on training being provided.

Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK.

The Ministry of Defence keeps under careful consideration its policy on training being provided in the UK.

Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK.

Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) are key platforms for the British Army to meet Defence Commitments.

Although small numbers are scheduled for disposal, these will have been selected in line with serviceability and suitability for role. As such, without substantial investment, they are not likely to offer significant capability to Ukraine and providing such small numbers would only increase the diversity of Ukraine’s armoured vehicle fleet – increasing their logistic and training burdens.

The UK will continue to work with Ukraine to identify how best to help them to resist Russian aggression.

The Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) is a joint Department for Education and Ministry of Defence initiative, underway since 2012, which aims to increase the number of cadet units in schools, and the number of cadets within those units. The CEP does not cover cadet units in the community.

Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the cadet experience the Government wants more young people to be able to become cadets. Our recently published Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030 – both in-school and community-based. We will bring forward more detail in due course.

The Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) is a joint Department for Education and Ministry of Defence initiative, underway since 2012, which aims to increase the number of cadet units in schools, and the number of cadets within those units. The CEP does not cover cadet units in the community.

Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the cadet experience the Government wants more young people to be able to become cadets. Our recently published Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030 – both in-school and community-based. We will bring forward more detail in due course.

The Ministry of Defence’s provision of assistance to foreign armed forces is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis.UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.

As set out in Annex 1, Clause 7 of the Treaty, the UK holds the right to notify Mauritius about any activity that is seen as potentially undermining, prejudicing or otherwise interfering with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia. Mauritius would then commence a Security Review in respect of these activities . This means that the UK will have an effective veto over any activity that presents a clear and direct threat to the base on Diego Garcia. There is no limit to the scope of activities considered under this condition.

Project GRAYBURN is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements. As part of this phase, performance, interoperability and complexity are some of the characteristics under consideration. Due to the current phase of the project and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide further detail.

The Strategic Defence Review sets out a clear path for transformation across Defence. The Defence Investment Plan will set out in more detail the Department’s capability plan in the Autumn, replacing the Defence Equipment Plan.

Project GRAYBURN is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements. As part of this phase, performance, interoperability and complexity are some of the characteristics under consideration. Due to the current phase of the project and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide further detail.

The Strategic Defence Review sets out a clear path for transformation across Defence. The Defence Investment Plan will set out in more detail the Department’s capability plan in the Autumn, replacing the Defence Equipment Plan.

There are currently eight ships in build, with a further eight on order. These include the next-generation Type 31 General Purpose Frigates, Type 26 Anti-Submarine Frigates, and the Fleet Solid Support ships, to be crewed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

There are currently five submarines in build, and one on order. This includes the Dreadnought class, the replacement for the Royal Navy’s current Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, and Astute-Class attack submarines.

The above figures do not include programmes that are in development but not yet contracted for, such as SSN-AUKUS submarines, Multi Role Strike Ships and the Type 83 Air Defence Destroyer.

These ships and submarines, together with other capabilities, are a vital part of achieving the new hybrid navy as outlined recently in the Strategic Defence Review.

Defence routinely engages with drone component suppliers to iterate and spiral develop capability in close cooperation with allies.

One of the key mechanisms to ensure that Defence is up to date with the latest developments in drone technology and associated tactics is through our support to Ukraine, where drone capabilities are developed and exploited in cooperation with drone component suppliers. As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, Defence will continue to invest in drone technology to advance our capabilities in tandem with UK industry.

The number of occupied Service Family Accommodation (SFA) homes at RAF Shawbury, RAF Cosford and Clive Barracks (Ternhill) that do not have up to date gas safety certificates or electrical safety certificates as at 18 June 2025, is shown in the following table:

The safety of Service personnel and their families is the Departments highest priority, and it is unacceptable for any family to be living in a home without the necessary checks.

It remains a top priority to gain access to these homes to carry out this work. Access has been attempted to all of these properties at least three times, and the Chain of Command has been asked to assist.

The number of occupied Service Family Accommodation (SFA) homes at RAF Shawbury, RAF Cosford and Clive Barracks (Ternhill) that do not have up to date gas safety certificates or electrical safety certificates as at 18 June 2025, is shown in the following table:

The safety of Service personnel and their families is the Departments highest priority, and it is unacceptable for any family to be living in a home without the necessary checks.

It remains a top priority to gain access to these homes to carry out this work. Access has been attempted to all of these properties at least three times, and the Chain of Command has been asked to assist.

This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. I am leading work across Government and with Civil Society with a strategy that outlines our vision for these remarkable men and women and the outcomes we wish to achieve. Announcements will be made in due course.

At the UK-EU Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU agreed a unique and bespoke Security and Defence Partnership. The Partnership has been designed to complement our core bilateral security partnerships and support this Government’s commitment to NATO, which remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security.

The partnership documents frames cooperation through dialogues, information exchange and identification of collaborative opportunities including case-by-case involvement in EU initiatives.

Information is not held centrally on the Ministry of Defence’s employee network events which encompass a wide range of interests and activities. Network events specifically related to diversity are only tracked where central funding has been requested: no such diversity network events took place in May 2025.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently undertaking an extensive review of its entire Service Family Accommodation (SFA) portfolio, to determine how the department will invest to strengthen housing standards for forces families.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out wider plans to improve the standard of Service family homes.

The majority of SFA at Clive Barracks meets or exceeds the Decent Homes Standard and MOD Policy states that SFA below the Decent Homes Standard should not be allocated to families.

In Financial Year 2024-25, 121 SFA at Clive Barracks received replacement doors and windows, and 52 SFA received replacements roofs, including new loft insulation.

Following a recent survey Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at Clive Barracks has been identified as requiring no repairs or minor repairs only. No SLA improvement works are programmed.

Clive Barracks has been identified for closure under the Defence Estates Optimisation Portfolio, as such, work has been limited to routine and planned preventative maintenance.

All troops accommodated at Clive Barracks will be relocated ahead of the closure of the site, in 2029.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently undertaking an extensive review of its entire Service Family Accommodation (SFA) portfolio, to determine how the department will invest to strengthen housing standards for forces families.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out wider plans to improve the standard of Service family homes.

The majority of SFA at Clive Barracks meets or exceeds the Decent Homes Standard and MOD Policy states that SFA below the Decent Homes Standard should not be allocated to families.

In Financial Year 2024-25, 121 SFA at Clive Barracks received replacement doors and windows, and 52 SFA received replacements roofs, including new loft insulation.

Following a recent survey Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at Clive Barracks has been identified as requiring no repairs or minor repairs only. No SLA improvement works are programmed.

Clive Barracks has been identified for closure under the Defence Estates Optimisation Portfolio, as such, work has been limited to routine and planned preventative maintenance.

All troops accommodated at Clive Barracks will be relocated ahead of the closure of the site, in 2029.

The date of the first meeting of the Joint Commission has not been set. Once the Treaty enters into force, the Joint Commission shall meet at least twice a year or more frequently on the request of either the UK or Mauritius.

As set out when the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was published, the Government accepts the vision and recommendations of the Review, including the establishment of a Defence Investors' Advisory Group.

The SDR suggests that Defence should build relationships with the investors behind the innovators. The Review recommends that external expertise should be systematically accessed through a new Defence Investors' Advisory Group whose membership includes venture capital and private equity investors.

The Department’s messenger service does not hold specific records of what is delivered and to whom.

The SDR recognises that today, much of the best innovation is found in the private sector, while the increasing prevalence of dual-use technologies has widened the net of potential suppliers that can contribute to Defence outcomes. The Review is clear that Defence must embrace its role in seeding innovation and growth, rapidly adopting new technology to keep the Integrated Force at the forefront of warfare.

It specifically recommends that external expertise should be systematically accessed through a new Defence Investors' Advisory Group. This will be an important starting point in boosting private investment in the defence and dual-use technology sectors, and in supporting new entrants and innovation.

Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way. The diversity of knowledge, skills, experience, and behaviours that Reserves bring from their outside jobs are an invaluable strength.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) presents an exciting opportunity to invest in our Active Reserve, and the Secretary of State for Defence has agreed to all the SDR recommendations.

We anticipate it will become necessary to increase the UK’s Active Reserve forces by at least 20%. We have received the recommendation and are looking at how to undertake this in due course.The Ministry of Defence is not in a position to comment on when exactly that will be, as this will be dictated by a range of internal and external factors.

In the meantime, to restore mass and resilience in a crisis, Defence must make much better use of the resources available by urgently reinvigorating how it engages with the Strategic Reserve and improving recruitment and retention within the Active Reserves.

The Government is endorsing the vision and accepting the Strategic Defence Reviews's 62 recommendations, including the recommendation that the MOD should seek to release all Regular personnel from administrative into front-line roles and should automate at least 20% of Human Resources, Finance, and Commercial functions by July 2028.

Military personnel in administrative roles perform them with pride and skill. As we return to rebuilding warfighting readiness, it is important that we are using our highly trained and highly skilled military personnel for the roles only they can do. The Strategic Defence Review sets the vision; more detailed workforce planning will now be conducted within the department to make these changes in a deliberate, phased way.

Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way. The diversity of knowledge, skills, experience, and behaviours that Reserves bring from their outside jobs are an invaluable strength.

We have received the recommendation and are looking at how to undertake this in due course.

The frequency of meetings of the Defence Investors' Advisory Group has yet to be determined.

The Defence Investors’ Advisory Group will be an important element in supporting the Government’s aim of boosting private investment in the defence and dual-use technology sectors, and in supporting new entrants and innovation.

I hope that the hon. Gentleman understands that, as per the long standing convention, I cannot comment on intelligence matters.

We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to deliver the Strategic Defence Review’s vision. We will ensure the Plan is deliverable and affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technology opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. This will supersede the old-style Defence Equipment Plan.

This will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our front-line forces at speed and, importantly, invest in and grow the UK economy. The Defence Investment Plan will be completed later this year.

The plan will highlight how the Government's historic investment in defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive defence as an engine for jobs and growth.

We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to deliver the Strategic Defence Review’s vision. We will ensure the Plan is deliverable and affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technology opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. This will supersede the old-style Defence Equipment Plan.

This will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our front-line forces at speed and, importantly, invest in and grow the UK economy.

The plan will highlight how the Government's historic investment in defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive defence as an engine for jobs and growth. The Defence Investment Plan will be published later this year.

Pursuant to the answer provided to Question 56822, there is no cost to the Ministry of Defence for Israel Defence Force personnel on UK training courses. The numbers are fewer than five people and I can confirm these are academic, non-combat education courses.

Since early December 2023, the Ministry of Defence have conducted unarmed surveillance flights over Gaza for the sole purpose of locating hostages. Only information related to hostage rescue can be passed to the relevant authority, and is only passed if we are satisfied it will be used in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK.

The UK has a long history of providing assistance to other nations in the security and justice fields and continues to do so around the world. The Ministry of Defence’s provision of such assistance is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis.

UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK.

The UK has a long history of providing assistance to other nations in the security and justice fields and continues to do so around the world. The Ministry of Defence’s provision of such assistance is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis.

UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Fewer than five IDF personnel are currently enrolled in non-combat military academic courses in the UK.

The UK has a long history of providing assistance to other nations in the security and justice fields and continues to do so around the world. The Ministry of Defence’s provision of such assistance is assessed carefully on a case-by-case basis.

UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy and compliance with international humanitarian law.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence.

We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to deliver the SDR’s vision. We will ensure the Plan is deliverable and affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technology opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. This will supersede the old-style Defence Equipment Plan.

This will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our front-line forces at speed and, importantly, invest in and grow the UK economy. The Defence Investment Plan will be completed later this year.

The plan will highlight how the Government's historic investment in defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive defence as an engine for jobs and growth.

There are no plans to change the extant New Medium Helicopter competition which started on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate to Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK. The Ministry of Defence is continuing with the established procurement process, managed by Defence Equipment and Support, and the proposal will be evaluated through 2025 when, subject to Government approvals, a contract award is anticipated.

As at 1 June 2025, there were 177 Ministry of Defence (MOD) civil servants who had reported a religion or belief of Sikh. Data for religion or belief is based on self-declarations by individuals on the MOD HR personnel systems. Figures include civil servants in MOD Main Top Level Budgetary areas and the four Executive Agencies (DE&S. SDA, UKHO and Dstl).

Sikh category is recorded solely as a religious group, it is not an option for ethnicity.

Further published statistics can be found on the following link, tables 6.1 and 6.2 contain the full list of categories for religion and belief: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mod-diversity-dashboard-index

Across the country, including within Lincolnshire, a wide range of support is currently available for Armed Forces personnel as they transition into civilian life. For support with employment, the Career Transition Partnership is the initial point of provision for those leaving military Service and Op ASCEND is the employment pathway for veterans. In England Op RESTORE and Op COURAGE provide physical and mental health specialist services. Housing support is available across the United Kingdom via Op FORTITUDE, a single referral pathway connecting veterans with support.

We recently announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, which will ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the country. A new regional approach, based on a network of VALOUR support centres and regional field officers, will help to ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of their local communities. Further details on VALOUR will be announced in due course and more information can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/valour-information-and-next-steps

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 14 May 2025 to Question 47442 to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Mr Rupert Lowe).