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 28th April 2026
Afghan Resttlement Programme
Written Statements
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 29th April 2026
11:00
Select Committee Inquiry
Wednesday 28th January 2026
Defence in the High North

The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …

Written Answers
Wednesday 29th April 2026
Shipping: Sanctions
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the legal basis is for allowing UK forces to interdict sanctioned …
Secondary Legislation
Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Ministry of Defence Police (Vetting) Regulations 2026
These Regulations make provision for the vetting of Ministry of Defence Police (“MDP”) officers. They require every MDP officer to …
Bills
Thursday 15th January 2026
Armed Forces Bill 2024-26
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed …
Dept. Publications
Thursday 30th April 2026
17:24

Transparency

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
Mar. 16
Oral Questions
Jan. 12
Urgent Questions
Apr. 28
Written Statements
Apr. 22
Westminster Hall
Mar. 25
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 make provision for the vetting of Ministry of Defence Police (“MDP”) officers. They require every MDP officer to hold and maintain vetting clearance. They also establish a procedure for withdrawing vetting clearance where there is evidence that an MDP officer may no longer be suitable to hold it. The Regulations are connected to the regulations which deal with conduct matters and unsatisfactory performance or attendance set out in Schedules 1 and 4 to the Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1087) (“the 2020 Regulations”).
This Order amends the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983 (“the Scheme”), which makes provision for the payment of pensions and allowances to, or in respect of, civilians who were killed or injured during the 1939-1945 World War.
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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7,679 Signatures
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5,328 Signatures
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4,335 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: 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 Defence in the High North 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

8th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many MOD police officers have been recruited in each year since 2020; and what his Department's recruitment target was in each of those years.

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.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
9th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual funding in cash terms has been for MOD Police in each year since 2020.

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.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
9th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the workforce numbers were for the Ministry of Defence Police in each year since 2020.

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.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people served in the Armed Forces as Reservists between 2000 and 2015.

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

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people served in the Armed Forces as Reservists between 1997 and 2015.

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

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on identifying the origin of the drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on 1 March 2026.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
12th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds, published on 12 February 2026, what is the a) total value of the package announced and b) from which budget will the funding be taken.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when will his department answer question 113295, published on 12 February 2026.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
3rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the inability of UK and US counter-Uncrewed Air Systems defences to intercept the drone that struck the runway at RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
3rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has launched an investigation into the inability of UK and US counter-Uncrewed Air Systems defences to intercept the drone that struck the runway at RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
27th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has undertaken a recent review of the security and defence of the Falkland Islands; and what steps he plans to take to improve the adequacy of the preparedness of the UK to defend them.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
21st Apr 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made on the defence investment plan.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to utilise industrial capacity in Northern Ireland to support the defence investment plan.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any MoD data was stored in or transited through Global Switch data centres in London between December 2016 and December 2017.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the decision by the Australian Department of Defence to migrate its systems out of Global Switch data centres following the 2016 acquisition; and what steps his Department took to assess whether equivalent risks existed in the United Kingdom.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using defence bonds as a way to finance capital-intensive commitments in the Strategic Defence Review.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has undertaken analysis on the likelihood of (a) Egypt, (b) Japan, (c) Saudi Arabia, (d) South Korea, (e) Turkey and (f) Taiwan obtaining independent nuclear deterrents.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Investment Plan will be published before 1 June 2026.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
15th Apr 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what financial cuts or efficiencies the Ministry of Defence has been asked to make in the financial years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Global Combat Air Programme has received funding since 1 April 2026.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a delay to the presentation of the Defence Accident Investigation Branch investigation on the Ajax programme.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on (a) Project Beehive, (b) MMCM program (Marine Mine Counter Measures), (c) SeaCat and (d) the repairs to HMS Bangor.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve mine hunting capabilities.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to issue an update to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational vessels are available to the Royal Navy with hospital or casualty receiving facilities.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had internal discussions regarding the implementation of efficiency savings in his Department in the current financial year since 1 April 2026.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Cabinet Office guidance entitled May 2026 Elections: guidance on conduct for civil servants, updated on 2 March 2026, has affected the timing of the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department is providing to UK companies exporting defence technologies to Ukraine to help them leverage battlefield-tested innovations for wider international markets.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures has his Department put in place to support UK firms supplying defence equipment to Ukraine to adopt rapid innovation cycles based on operational experience.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
25th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 25 March 2026 to question 121915, which sites have been affected by temporary suspension of cadet activity; and when the closures of those sites began.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
25th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the statement given by Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment & Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, at the Public Accounts Committee hearing on 24 March 2026, what Ajax 2 is.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the difference between Ajax 2 and Capability Drop 4 of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the development of Ajax 2.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on resolving disputes over pay and work conditions in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

We continue to engage constructively with trade unions. It would not be appropriate to offer more detail of these engagements as discussions are ongoing.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
24th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of applicants to the UK's Active Reserve forces successfully joined in the last year for which figures are available.

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.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
22nd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) when he expects the Ministry of Defence to respond to Freedom of Information request FOI2026/00636, submitted by my office on the 9th January 2026, and (b) what the reasons are for the delay in issuing a response.

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.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in cases since 1 January 2015 where service personnel have been removed from training or had their service terminated following the expression of opinions during training or instructional activity, what guidance exists to distinguish between lawful expression of opinion, unacceptable conduct, and discriminatory behaviour, and whether records are kept of the grounds on which such administrative decisions were made.

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the UK Armed Forces, including recruits and officer cadets, have since 1 January 2015 been subject to administrative action including suspension, removal from training, or termination of service, as a direct result of statements or viewpoints expressed during formal training, education, or assessment activities; and to provide the figures by Service, by calendar year, and by type of administrative action.

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in how many cases since 1 January 2015 where a member of the Armed Forces was removed from training or had their service terminated following comments expressed during training or instructional activity, the action taken resulted in (a) reinstatement, (b) progression to a lesser administrative measure, or (c) permanent termination of service; and whether the Department holds a central record of the grounds on which each such decision was made.

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
24th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what welfare, health and family‑support provisions are available to submariners completing exceptionally long patrols.

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

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
21st Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much does he expect to spend on the delivery of Operation Interflex in financial year (a) 2026-27, (b) 2027-28 and (c) 2028-29.

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).

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
22nd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much was spent on the delivery of Operation Interflex in financial year 2025-26.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Oral Statement of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Defence, Col 78, whether his Department received external advice to remove the video on social media of a British-run military repair facility in Ukraine.

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.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Oral Statement of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Defence, Col 78, who issued the instruction to remove the video on social media of a British-run military repair facility in Ukraine.

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.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Oral Statement of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Defence, Col 78, for how long was his Department's video of a British-run military repair facility in Ukraine on social media before it was removed.

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.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Oral Statement of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Defence, Col 78, whether additional security measures were put in place following the removal of his Department's video on social media of a British-run military repair facility in Ukraine.

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.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under what legislation do British forces operate in UK waters.

UK forces operate in accordance with both international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and domestic law.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out which current operations have been endorsed by the National Security Council.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
2nd Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the seizure of the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera and the removal of its captain and first officer from UK jurisdiction by United States Coast Guards, what engagement the Government received from the United States prior to that operation; on what basis the removal of those individuals from UK territorial waters was permitted; and what assessment he has made of the suitability of United States Coast Guards to (a) remove and (b) transfer individuals from UK territory.

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.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)