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.
The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …
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: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.
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
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.
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).
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.
The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is critical to securing Defence assets and people. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time.
At the end of December 2025, Defence saw an increase in workforce that delivers the policing, guarding, and security effect across the delivery groups under a single authority (SJC). We are accelerating recruitment of Ministry of Defence Police, MOD Guard Service through targeted campaigns and implementation of targeted retention bonus for hard to recruit locations and there are now some 250 more Military Provost Guard Service than in 2020. This steady growth is supported by plans to increase this in coming months. Defence takes security seriously, which is demonstrated by the carve outs from civil service recruitment freezes and voluntary exit schemes.
The annual budget for the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are shown below:
Financial Year | Budget £ million |
2019-20 | 152.881 |
2020-21 | 157.726 |
2021-22 | 167.2 |
2022-23 | 167.676 |
2023-24 | 160.848 |
2024-25 | 182.7 |
The workforce numbers for the Ministry of Defence Police are below. Note that the 2025 figure reflects workforce plans set under the previous government:
Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
MDP ¹ | 2643 | 2768 | 2701 | 2593 | 2407 | 2139 |
NUCS ² | 227 | 235 | 230 | 221 | 211 | 196 |
Total | 2869 | 3003 | 2931 | 2814 | 2618 | 2335 |
¹ Ministry of Defence Police officers
² Non-uniformed Civil Servants
Year | Total recruited | Recruitment Target |
2020-21 | 320 | 320 |
2021-22 | 244 | 250 |
2022-23 | 252 | 270 |
2023-24 | 121 | 275* |
2024-25 | 101 | 125 |
2025-26 | 109 to 14 Dec 25 | 250 |
* Original target. Target was replaced during the course of the year by site specific recruitment targets because of ongoing reviews to reduce the number of MDP posts across the UK resulting from introduction of a new operating police model (OPM), reprioritisation of security risk and the replacement of MDP with alternative policing/security providers.
The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is critical to securing Defence assets and people. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time.
At the end of December 2025, Defence saw an increase in workforce that delivers the policing, guarding, and security effect across the delivery groups under a single authority (SJC). We are accelerating recruitment of Ministry of Defence Police, MOD Guard Service through targeted campaigns and implementation of targeted retention bonus for hard to recruit locations and there are now some 250 more Military Provost Guard Service than in 2020. This steady growth is supported by plans to increase this in coming months. Defence takes security seriously, which is demonstrated by the carve outs from civil service recruitment freezes and voluntary exit schemes.
The annual budget for the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are shown below:
Financial Year | Budget £ million |
2019-20 | 152.881 |
2020-21 | 157.726 |
2021-22 | 167.2 |
2022-23 | 167.676 |
2023-24 | 160.848 |
2024-25 | 182.7 |
The workforce numbers for the Ministry of Defence Police are below. Note that the 2025 figure reflects workforce plans set under the previous government:
Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
MDP ¹ | 2643 | 2768 | 2701 | 2593 | 2407 | 2139 |
NUCS ² | 227 | 235 | 230 | 221 | 211 | 196 |
Total | 2869 | 3003 | 2931 | 2814 | 2618 | 2335 |
¹ Ministry of Defence Police officers
² Non-uniformed Civil Servants
Year | Total recruited | Recruitment Target |
2020-21 | 320 | 320 |
2021-22 | 244 | 250 |
2022-23 | 252 | 270 |
2023-24 | 121 | 275* |
2024-25 | 101 | 125 |
2025-26 | 109 to 14 Dec 25 | 250 |
* Original target. Target was replaced during the course of the year by site specific recruitment targets because of ongoing reviews to reduce the number of MDP posts across the UK resulting from introduction of a new operating police model (OPM), reprioritisation of security risk and the replacement of MDP with alternative policing/security providers.
The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is critical to securing Defence assets and people. Recruitment is kept under constant review and is driven by Defence requirements and takes account of the number of leavers and joiners at any given time.
At the end of December 2025, Defence saw an increase in workforce that delivers the policing, guarding, and security effect across the delivery groups under a single authority (SJC). We are accelerating recruitment of Ministry of Defence Police, MOD Guard Service through targeted campaigns and implementation of targeted retention bonus for hard to recruit locations and there are now some 250 more Military Provost Guard Service than in 2020. This steady growth is supported by plans to increase this in coming months. Defence takes security seriously, which is demonstrated by the carve outs from civil service recruitment freezes and voluntary exit schemes.
The annual budget for the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are shown below:
Financial Year | Budget £ million |
2019-20 | 152.881 |
2020-21 | 157.726 |
2021-22 | 167.2 |
2022-23 | 167.676 |
2023-24 | 160.848 |
2024-25 | 182.7 |
The workforce numbers for the Ministry of Defence Police are below. Note that the 2025 figure reflects workforce plans set under the previous government:
Year | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
MDP ¹ | 2643 | 2768 | 2701 | 2593 | 2407 | 2139 |
NUCS ² | 227 | 235 | 230 | 221 | 211 | 196 |
Total | 2869 | 3003 | 2931 | 2814 | 2618 | 2335 |
¹ Ministry of Defence Police officers
² Non-uniformed Civil Servants
Year | Total recruited | Recruitment Target |
2020-21 | 320 | 320 |
2021-22 | 244 | 250 |
2022-23 | 252 | 270 |
2023-24 | 121 | 275* |
2024-25 | 101 | 125 |
2025-26 | 109 to 14 Dec 25 | 250 |
* Original target. Target was replaced during the course of the year by site specific recruitment targets because of ongoing reviews to reduce the number of MDP posts across the UK resulting from introduction of a new operating police model (OPM), reprioritisation of security risk and the replacement of MDP with alternative policing/security providers.
Statistics on UK Reserve Forces are published on gov.uk at the following links:
UK Regular Reserve Forces figures between 1 April 1995 - 1 April 2011 have been taken from the UK Reserves And Cadets Strengths available at the following link: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20140116145334/http://www.dasa.mod.uk/index.php/publications/personnel/military/reserves-and-cadets-strengths
UK Volunteer Reserves figures between 1 April 1995 - 1 April 2011 have been taken from the UK Defence Statistics Compendium available at the following link: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20140116145634/http://www.dasa.mod.uk/index.php/publications/UK-defence-statistics-compendium
UK Regular Reserve Forces and Volunteer Reserves figures between 1 April 2012 - 1 April 2015 have been taken from the Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics, the latest edition of the publication is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2025
Statistics on UK Reserve Forces are published on gov.uk at the following links:
UK Regular Reserve Forces figures between 1 April 1995 - 1 April 2011 have been taken from the UK Reserves And Cadets Strengths available at the following link: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20140116145334/http://www.dasa.mod.uk/index.php/publications/personnel/military/reserves-and-cadets-strengths
UK Volunteer Reserves figures between 1 April 1995 - 1 April 2011 have been taken from the UK Defence Statistics Compendium available at the following link: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20140116145634/http://www.dasa.mod.uk/index.php/publications/UK-defence-statistics-compendium
UK Regular Reserve Forces and Volunteer Reserves figures between 1 April 2012 - 1 April 2015 have been taken from the Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics, the latest edition of the publication is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2025
The full assessment of the drone that struck RAF Akrotiri is completed. Due to damage to the airframe, it is not possible to identify the exact point of origin.
The total value of the air defence package announced by the Defence Secretary at the most recent Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, is £540 million. This is funded through the UK’s annual commitment of military aid to Ukraine and Ukrainian funding underwritten by UK Export Finance.
The total value of the air defence package announced by the Defence Secretary at the most recent Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, is £540 million. This is funded through the UK’s annual commitment of military aid to Ukraine and Ukrainian funding underwritten by UK Export Finance.
Since January, we have sent additional air defence assets to Cyprus, including radar systems, counter-drone systems, F-35 jets, and ground-based air defence. We have deployed HMS DRAGON along with Merlin airborne surveillance helicopters and Wildcat helicopters with specific anti-drone capability.
Since January, we have sent additional air defence assets to Cyprus, including radar systems, counter-drone systems, F-35 jets, and ground-based air defence. We have deployed HMS DRAGON along with Merlin airborne surveillance helicopters and Wildcat helicopters with specific anti-drone capability.
The United Kingdom’s position on the Falkland Islands is long‑standing - sovereignty rests with the UK, and the Islanders’ right of self‑determination is paramount.
As the Strategic Defence Review set out, a core role for Defence is the protection of the UK’s overseas territories, which includes maintaining a defensive military posture in the Falkland Islands consisting of air, land and maritime forces.
We review that posture regularly to ensure it reflects all relevant developments. I am confident that our current military presence is at the appropriate level to ensure the defence of the Islands.
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
We continue to engage constructively with trade unions. It would not be appropriate to offer more detail of these engagements as discussions are ongoing.
The UK’s Reserve Forces are a vital component of Defence, providing critical capability, specialist skills and a strong connection to wider society, while offering a flexible and cost‑effective means of meeting operational demand. Reserves underpin the Armed Forces’ ability to respond to threats at home and overseas, and the Strategic Defence Review has reinforced their importance, including our ambition to grow the Active Reserve by at least 20 per cent.
In Financial Year 2024-25, the proportion of people who applied to join the Armed Forces Reserves and who subsequently became untrained entrants was as follows: Royal Navy 7%, British Army 4%, Royal Air Force 5%, in line with a long-standing trend.
Between the point of application and becoming an untrained entrant, a variety of checks and tests are conducted to ensure that any applicant entering training is suitable for military service and that it is credible that the applicant will complete training. This ensures that the standards of the Armed Forces are maintained and that public funds and resources are not wasted. There are a number of reasons for an applicant not being successful, including medical scrutiny. Reserve applications, when compared to Regulars, also reflects an older profile of applicants together with a need to balance service with civilian work and family life. In addition, historically these tests and checks in the recruiting process have involved multiple stages and appointments, which can lengthen timelines and increase drop‑out before entry.
The Department has taken urgent and targeted action since November 2024 to improve throughput which has been low historically. The Services have already streamlined recruiting processes by reducing the number of appointments, increasing automation and using digital tools to speed up decision‑making, which has improved conversion in some areas. Reserves‑specific national and local marketing campaigns are being used to better target likely candidates and set clearer expectations from the outset. From next year, Reserve recruiting will also transition to the new Armed Forces Recruiting System, which will use modern technology and industry expertise to deliver a faster, more effective and more consistent recruiting experience across Defence.
It has taken more time than expected to collate the information in scope of this request. I apologise for the delay and will aim to provide a substantive response as soon as possible.
The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Submariners undertake some of the most demanding duties in Defence and the Department recognises the unique demands placed upon them and their families.
A range of support measures are provided to submariners while on patrol and once they return home, including access to comprehensive medical care, pre- and post‑deployment health checks, comprehensive mental health support, alongside chaplaincy access and secure arrangements for receiving messages from family while deployed.
Families are supported through Royal Navy welfare organisations, including Royal Navy Family and People Support, which provides 24-hour support to Service personnel and their families. All arrangements remain under constant review and further information can be found at: Royal Navy Support
The final figures for Ministry of Defence training support to Ukraine for each financial year are audited and included within the Department’s respective Annual report and Accounts (ARAc).
The final figure for Ministry of Defence training support to Ukraine for Financial year 2025-26 will be audited and included within the Department's Annual Report and Accounts (ARAc), which will be published later this year.
On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support.
All social and press content was approved by Ministry of Defence officials ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.
On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support.
All social and press content was approved by Ministry of Defence officials ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.
On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support.
All social and press content was approved by Ministry of Defence officials ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.
On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support.
All social and press content was approved by Ministry of Defence officials ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.
UK forces operate in accordance with both international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and domestic law.
Decisions to undertake military operations are taken in accordance with established constitutional and governance arrangements. The National Security Council considers the strategic approach to national security, foreign policy, resilience, international relations, economic security, trade, development, defence and global issues. It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not shared publicly.
Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. This includes engagement with US partners on the nature and purpose of their activity. All UK support to allies for operational purposes considers the legal basis and policy rationale for any proposed activity. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations.