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.
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)
This inquiry will examine the circumstances behind and the consequences of a major data breach in February 2022 from the …
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what maritime and aerial support has been provided to the Republic of …
The Armed Forces (Service Complaints) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1955) (“the 2015 Regulations”) make provision about the procedure for making and …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed …
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News and Communications
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.
Bills currently before Parliament
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 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.
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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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
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes
20 Jan 2026, 9:30 a.m.
At 10:15am: Oral evidence
Rt Hon Sir Ben Wallace, former Secretary of State for Defence
At 11:00am: Oral evidence
Rt Hon James Heappey, former Minister of State for the Armed Forces
At 11:45am: Oral evidence
Rt Hon Sir Grant Shapps, former Secretary of State for Defence
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
The work of the Secretary of State for Defence
27 Jan 2026, 1:30 p.m.
At 2:00pm: Oral evidence
Rt Hon John Healey - Secretary of State at Ministry of Defence
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Defence Committee: 24 Current Inquiries
Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)Over the past five years, the only UK support to Ireland has been Search and Rescue assistance provided on five occasions. There was no additional cost identified for this activity. We have not provided maritime support to Ireland.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Armed Forces do not have separate divorce procedures applying solely to Service personnel. Any injury-related payments are valued and shared between the parties in accordance with the relevant scheme rules and general divorce law.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Work is ongoing with the Home Office to deliver the manifesto commitment to scrap visa fees for non-UK veterans and their dependants including those from the Commonwealth, but it is not possible at this stage to provide an implementation date.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
A review of performance requirements and technical solutions is ongoing as part of the concept phases for Project GRAYBURN and Project TROUBLER. Interoperability, (including calibre) with other in service weapons will be considered as part of this process. Commonality across users in the British Army is important but must be informed by the individual user requirements of each project, which includes consideration of NATO and wider international interoperability.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The competition for round one development funding for VALOUR Recognised Centres is currently underway. Once VALOUR Recognised Centres are established, they will be expected to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including Veterans’ Commissioners.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Royal Navy has conducted one period of counter-illicit trafficking operations in the Caribbean in January and February 2025.
The Ministry of Defence has also conducted routine capacity building training with regional partners for example to build their maritime operational capability.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) application process, which all applicants are subject to, cannot be streamlined or reduced for applicants who were members of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). A UOTC Officer Cadet is attested into the British Army as a Group B Reservist and are required to complete and pass medical and security checks, which members of the CCF are not subject to when joining the CCF. The CCF is not part of the British Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), it is a uniformed youth organisation, that is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, and which operates in schools across the United Kingdom.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society.
The Gap Year scheme will start as a first tranche during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. Gap Year personnel could later become eligible for promotion if they opted to remain in the Armed Forces after their engagement, subject to meeting the requirements of relevant single Service personnel/promotion policy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Army is confident in its ability to deliver large-scale land exercises and remains committed to the continuous improvement and development of its capabilities.
The scale and complexity of training exercises are being increased, including a transition from single battlegroup exercises to brigade level events. These exercises incorporate both live and virtual elements, ensuring integrated training that enhances operational readiness.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the Minister for the Armed forces to Question 79389 on 17 October 2025 in the House of Commons, which remains extant in that the Army will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality by 2035.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Army continually assesses capabilities to ensure we can meet NATO and wider operational requirements. The Army's capability and modernisation are driven by the Strategic Defence Review's direction to move to warfighting readiness, developing an Army that is more lethal, agile, and a globally engaged integrated force. This includes the aim to deliver a modernised, lethal division by 2030, capable of operating in complex environments.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Early Capability Demonstrator platforms of the RCH155, two for Germany and one for the UK, will be built in Germany for joint testing.
The project remains in its assessment phase and a production contract has not yet been placed.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Type 45 destroyers HMS Dauntless, Dragon and Duncan are operational.
Type 45 Power Improvement Project upgrades remain on target and Class availability is maximised to ensure that the Royal Navy has been able to fulfil all of its operational commitments.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Consistent with established Defence protocols, Reserve Forces will be considered for inclusion as operational requirements dictate. This approach ensures the necessary flexibility and resilience to fulfil our commitments effectively.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine and leading the Coalition of the Willing.
As part of our preparations, we have allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNFU) in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This £200 million will specifically fund preparations for any deployment of the MNFU to upgrade vehicles, communications systems, new counter-drone protection and additional force-protection equipment.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is aware of the potential impact of Service related mobility on children with additional needs from Armed Forces families. December 2025 saw the publication of MOD commissioned research carried out by Oxford Brookes University entitled ‘Supporting ALL to Thrive’ (See link: https://sattproject.org.uk/|).
This project investigated the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes of children with additional learning or support needs and/or disabilities from UK Armed Forces families. The Oxford Brookes research team have presented their findings to the Department for Education and continue to work with the MOD in developing an evidence base that can help shape future policy development.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 29 October 2025, to Question 84537.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-10-22/84537
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Access to Irish airspace is managed through extant diplomatic channels as per international norms with clearance being requested and granted for state aircraft under set conditions. UK Military aircraft do not enter the sovereign airspace of Ireland for operational purposes, without the express prior agreement of the Irish Government. Questions on sovereign airspace access and associated regulations are for individual nations to answer, therefore any questions on Irish airspace should be directed to the Irish Government.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The contribution the Cadet Forces make to our communities is significant and being a cadet provides immense value to young people through the numerous benefits that the ‘cadet experience’ offers.
The Government is committed to expanding the Cadet Forces and we are very pleased that the Strategic Defence Review recommended a growth in cadet numbers by 30% by 2030. This exciting initiative is backed with an initial investment of £70 million and work is currently underway to establish how and where the 30% increase will be realised.
Although the Ministry of Defence Cadet Forces are not technically part of the Armed Forces, they are a part of the wider ‘Defence Family’. Cadets and adult volunteers form a key link with wider society and recognising the Cadet Forces is, therefore, an appealing idea.
Cadets already contribute to Armed Forces Week, typically through locally organised activities, and this is something we continue to encourage. Given the aim of significantly increasing the number of cadets and adult volunteers we also see clear merit in raising awareness of the Cadet Forces at a national level and, like my predecessor, I am also supportive of your proposal.
We are actively considering how the concept of a Cadet Forces Day can be developed, although I do not have any specific updates to share with you at this time.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
This Government recognises the vital contribution that the Scottish defence industry has for the national security of the UK, while also being a key driver of economic growth. This is illustrated by the £2.5 million that this Government is providing to the Welding Skills Centre in Glasgow, which is developing the future skills pipeline needed to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Along side this we are developing the Scotland Defence Growth Deal that will draw on a share of a £250 million investment fund to support defence industry across Scotland.
It is important that both UK and Scottish Governments, as per their respective responsibilities, have policies in place that supports the growth of the sector. We are liaising with Scottish Government and Scotland’s defence industry to understand the impact assessments that have been conducted on the Defence Sector Support Policy.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with partners across Government on a range of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) issues. The Home Office is responsible for C-UAS policy and strategy in the Homeland during peacetime. During wartime, C-UAS policy falls under the Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) framework, which the MOD is responsible for. The process of providing Military Aid to the Civil Authority (MACA) is well established and ensures a robust framework under which Defence capabilities may be used to support Other Government Departments.
In terms of legislation, work is underway to develop a suitable legislative framework that will enable Defence personnel to operate authorised equipment to protect critical Defence property and activities from the threat of UAS.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK is a NATO ally and participant in the NATO Integrated Air Defence System (NATINAMDS) a network of interconnected national and NATO systems comprising sensors, command and control facilities, and weapon systems. This system allows the UK to exchange information with Allied nations on a reciprocal basis, to improve sensor coverage and reaction times across the Alliance. Although there are no formal agreements for the provision of effectors of allied nations to be used to defend the UK homeland. NATO has the ability to position assigned or apportioned ground-based air defence effectors in response to emerging threats.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Department will allocate spending over the next 10 years, ensuring that resources are directed effectively to meet our priorities. It is vital that these decisions are carefully considered so that the Department gets these decisions right. We are working hard to finalise the plan, and it will be published at the earliest opportunity once it is ready.
As he will recall from his time as the Defence Procurement Minister 47 of 89 major defence programmes were left overbudget and delayed when the general election occurred. We are taking the time to address these and move to warfighting readiness.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)