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
Thursday 4th December 2025
War in Ukraine
Commons Chamber
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
12:52
Select Committee Inquiry
Tuesday 2nd September 2025
Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes

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

Written Answers
Friday 5th December 2025
Armed Forces: Training
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November to Question 92321 on Armed …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 4th December 2025
Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Ministry of Defence Police (Conduct, Performance and Appeals Tribunals) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1087) (“the 2020 Regulations”), …
Bills
Wednesday 6th November 2024
Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2024-26
A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; …
Dept. Publications
Saturday 6th December 2025
00:01

Ministry of Defence Commons Appearances

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

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

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

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

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Nov. 03
Oral Questions
Nov. 20
Urgent Questions
Dec. 03
Written Statements
Nov. 26
Westminster Hall
Nov. 11
Adjournment Debate
View All Ministry of Defence Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Introduced: 6th November 2024

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

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

Ministry of Defence - Secondary Legislation

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

Petitions

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

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

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

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

Departmental Select Committee

Defence Committee

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

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

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


11 Members of the Defence Committee
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Portrait
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Derek Twigg Portrait
Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Fred Thomas Portrait
Fred Thomas (Labour - Plymouth Moor View)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Michelle Scrogham Portrait
Michelle Scrogham (Labour - Barrow and Furness)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman (Conservative - Hereford and South Herefordshire)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Emma Lewell Portrait
Emma Lewell (Labour - South Shields)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Lincoln Jopp Portrait
Lincoln Jopp (Conservative - Spelthorne)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Alex Baker Portrait
Alex Baker (Labour - Aldershot)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Calvin Bailey Portrait
Calvin Bailey (Labour - Leyton and Wanstead)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Ian Roome Portrait
Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat - North Devon)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Mike Martin Portrait
Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat - Tunbridge Wells)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes
9 Dec 2025, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Rafi Hottak - Former Afghan Interpreter
Professor Sara de Jong - Professor at The University of York
David Williams - Reporter at Daily Mail

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
Introductory session with the National Armaments Director
16 Dec 2025, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Rupert Pearce - National Armaments Director at Ministry of Defence

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

50 most recent Written Questions

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

26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November to Question 92321 on Armed Forces: Training, if he will list all other definitions of training outside of Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy conduct two categories of training. These are Collective Training, and Individual Training.

Collective Training is any training activity focussed on the collective performance of two or more people working together that improves the ability of a team, large or small, to work together in order to generate the forces required for operations, and is collective only when the team as a whole is assessed on its collective performance.

Individual Training is training designed to develop a mix of Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Behaviours of individuals. Individual Training can take multiple forms and, excluding Phases 1 & 2, is set out below:

  • Phase 0 Training
  • Phase 3 Training
  • Individual Training
  • Pre-employment Training
  • Present, Apply, Review (PAR) Training
  • Care of Trainee (COT) Training
  • Deployed Collective Trainer Training
  • Distributed Training
  • First of Class Training
  • Interim Training
  • Steady State Training
  • Formal Training
  • Joint Training
  • Live Training
  • Modular Training
  • Remedial Training
  • Robust Training

Joint Service Publication 822 provides additional information on training and can be found on the gov.uk website.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with references to the Written Statement on the Armoured Cavalry Programme (HCWS1099), published on 26th November 2025, by when does he intend to complete the safety investigation into Ajax.

The safety of our personnel is paramount. The Defence Accident Investigation Board are conducting an investigation into the incident at pace with support from the Army Safety Investigation Team and General Dynamics.

While the relevant investigations take place the Ministerial team have directed a pause on the use of Ajax for training and exercising. It is currently anticipated that the investigation will take at least two weeks.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of his Department's equipment budget was spent on novel technologies in the last 12 months.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, such as autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted systems. What is in scope of this commitment and the pathway to achieving it are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan, as such detail on what is included will be published in due course. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a target date for spending 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, such as autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted systems. What is in scope of this commitment and the pathway to achieving it are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan, as such detail on what is included will be published in due course. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Autonomous Collaborative Platforms are currently in development.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 19 September 2025 to Question 76688.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, which contracts his Department has placed with Alford Technologies since 5 July 2024.

The Department has placed two contracts with Alford Technologies since 5 July 2024.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ministry of Defence homes in Scotland have been unoccupied for (a) up to 3 months, (b) up to 6 months and (c) over a year.

The table below provides details on the number of Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties in Scotland that were occupied or void during the requested time periods.

At of 27 November 2025:

Time Period

Unoccupied SFA in Scotland

(a) up to three months

156

(b) between three and six months

90

(c) between six and twelve months

98

(d) over twelve months

357

To effectively manage the SFA across the estate, the MOD maintains a management margin. This means that a percentage of the Department’s housing stock must remain void (unoccupied) to allow for periods between occupants moving out and new occupants moving in, to facilitate essential maintenance and repair, and to ensure that the Armed Forces have the flexibility to relocate units and individuals across the country as operational requirements dictate.

As of 27 November 2025, there are 3,078 SFA properties in Scotland, of these 2,377 are let and 701 are void (unoccupied).

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of unoccupied MoD housing stock on local communities.

No assessment has been made regarding the impact of unoccupied Ministry of Defence (MOD) housing on local communities. However, the MOD remains committed to fostering strong relationships with these communities.

We maintain a certain number of defence housing as vacant to allow for personnel to be rotated, and others are empty awaiting upgrade, repair or disposal. We are aware that communities purge homes that are lived in - whatever their type - and our new housing offer to our people will see modernisation of more defence homes and expanded eligibility meaning more defence homes being used.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to promote UK Type 31 frigates to NATO allies considering funding for their fleets.

We are fully supporting industry by promoting the benefits of the Type 31 frigate to our NATO partners and allies whilst being sympathetic to their own capability and indigenous industrial requirements.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average time is for Ministry of Defence housing stock to be let (a) in the UK, (b) in Scotland and (c) Moray.

This information is not held centrally. In order to answer the hon. Member's Question, the Ministry of Defence's Industry Partner would be required to review every record, which could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the average number of Ministry of Defence housing stock in Scotland.

As of 27 November 2025, there are 3,078 Ministry of Defence Service Family Accommodation properties in Scotland.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total number of occupied and unoccupied Ministry of Defence homes in Moray.

There are currently 911 Ministry of Defence Service Family Accommodation properties in Moray.

752 of these properties are occupied and 159 properties are unoccupied.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take take steps to ensure effective allocation of Ministry of Defence housing stock.

The Defence Housing Strategy will deliver a new demand and supply forecasting model that will ensure the future needs of the Armed Forces are more accurately planned for, enabling us to deliver housing in the right places to support military operations and reducing the number of homes that lie empty.

Currently around 70% of total Defence homes are occupied by Service personnel. Going forward, over 90% of Defence homes will be required for Service personnel. This will include many Serving families who will be able to access family housing on a widened eligibility basis over time. Steps to widen access cannot be taken sufficiently quickly or cost-effectively without focusing Defence family homes on core occupants.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to purchase new housing stock in communities where Ministry of Defence housing stock is unused.

On 3 November 2025, we announced our Defence Housing Strategy (DHS). It’s the most significant change for Armed Forces housing in more than 50 years and kickstarts one of Britain’s most ambitious building programmes in decades – delivering new homes for military and civilian families and driving economic growth.

As part of the DHS, a new demand and supply forecasting model will ensure that the future housing needs of the Armed Forces are more accurately planned for, enabling us to deliver housing in the right places to support military operations and reducing the number of homes that lie empty.

This model, together with improvements in data management on the condition and status of our homes and a comprehensive examination of demand, supply and estate laydown by area, will ensure that housing is provided in the locations it is required and that the number of empty homes is reduced.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 18th March 2025 to question 37371 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, what progress has he made on securing delivery of the remaining F-35B aircraft from the first tranche.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Londonderry (Mr Gregory Campbell) on 19 November 2025 to Question 91099.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-14/91099

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has placed an order for any Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles since 5 July 2024.

The Ministry of Defence has not placed any orders for Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XL-UUV) since 5 July 2024. The Royal Navy has an experimental XL-UUV, known as Excalibur, which was delivered this year and is currently undergoing trials and experimentation. Investment decisions will be in the Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how regularly he meets with the Special Representative on AUKUS.

The Prime Minister's Special Representative, Sir Stephen Lovegrove regularly meets with the Defence Secretary to discuss key priorities for the AUKUS partnership. These discussions help ensure AUKUS is being pursued as a whole-of-Government effort in line with the Prime Minister's direction. I met him last week to discuss AUKUS also.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has held a trilateral meeting with his US and Australian counterpart since 5 July 2024.

The Secretary of State for Defence hosted the first UK-hosted AUKUS Defence Ministers' meeting on 26 September 2024 with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, and the then United States Secretary of Defense, The Honourable Lloyd J. Austin III, to review progress and discuss priorities for delivering across Pillars 1 and 2.

The Defence Secretary has regular engagements with the US Secretary of War and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, where they discuss a range of matters, including AUKUS. The UK continues to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities that AUKUS presents for our three nations.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister's press release entitled £4bn maritime deal with Indonesia set to boost British jobs and support Indo-Pacific security, published on 21 November 2025, what is the joint maritime capability that will be developed for Indonesia's navy.

The Partnership will enhance our shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order. It will also pave the way for greater interoperability and joint training between both navies. Due to commercial sensitivities, at this stage we are unable to release further information beyond what was shared in the press release of 21 November 2025.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister's press release entitled £4bn maritime deal with Indonesia set to boost British jobs and support Indo-Pacific security, published on 21 November 2025, when the joint maritime capability that will be developed for Indonesia's navy will formally commence production.

The Partnership will enhance our shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order. It will also pave the way for greater interoperability and joint training between both navies. Due to commercial sensitivities, at this stage we are unable to release further information beyond what was shared in the press release of 21 November 2025.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Prime Minister's press release entitled £4bn maritime deal with Indonesia set to boost British jobs and support Indo-Pacific security, published on 21 November 2025, what proportion of the production for the joint maritime capability for Indonesia's navy will take place in the United Kingdom.

The Partnership will enhance our shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order. It will also pave the way for greater interoperability and joint training between both navies. Due to commercial sensitivities, at this stage we are unable to release further information beyond what was shared in the press release of 21 November 2025.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled £4bn maritime deal with Indonesia set to boost British jobs and support Indo-Pacific security, published on 21 November 2025, how many of the 1,000 jobs in the UK will be created as a result of the (a) jointly developed maritime capability developed for Indonesia's navy and (b) 1,000 vessels for the Indonesian fishing fleet.

The Partnership will enhance our shared commitment to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, upholding freedom of navigation and supporting a rules-based international order. It will also pave the way for greater interoperability and joint training between both navies. Due to commercial sensitivities, at this stage we are unable to release further information beyond what was shared in the press release of 21 November 2025.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK jobs and air defences boost with purchase of new missile launchers, published on 22 August 2025, what is the in service date for the Land Ceptor missile systems.

The Sky Sabre air defence missile system – which includes Land Ceptor – has been in service with the British Army since 2022.

The press release of 22 August 2025 refers to an additional purchase of Land Ceptor launchers and support vehicles known as Medium Range Air Defence (MRAD) Capability Uplift Package one. Initial Operating Capability for MRAD is scheduled for Q4 2026.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK jobs and air defences boost with purchase of new missile launchers, published on 22 August 2025, when will the Land Ceptor missile systems reach minimum deployable capability.

The press release of 22 August 2025 refers to an additional purchase of Land Ceptor launchers and support vehicles known as Medium Range Air Defence Capability Uplift Package one.

This is currently working towards reaching Initial Operating Capability, which is scheduled for Q4 2026.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of (a) noise and (b) vibration on the (i) Ajax, (ii) Ares and (iii) Athena vehicles on the health of service personnel.

As safety of our personnel is the top priority for the Ministerial Team, prior to Ajax Initial Operating Capability being announced, I sought assurances in writing from the Chief of the Defence Staff and the National Armaments Director that the system was safe to operate, which I received..

As such, following the recent incident where noise and vibration symptoms were reported by some personnel operating Ajax, and out of an abundance of caution, I directed a pause on the use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out.

The Defence Accident Investigation Board are working with the Army Safety Investigation Team and General Dynamics at pace to conduct an investigation into the incident.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2025 to Question 87832 on RAF Brize Norton: Palestine Action, what was the cost of returning the two damaged aero engines to a serviceable condition.

Whilst the engines damaged on 20 June 2025 have since been inspected and returned into service, their reduced cleared life will necessitate a significant overhaul within the next two years.

The full financial impact of the incident will not be known until that overhaul is complete and it is known which parts will need to be replaced.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many instances of vibration sickness have been recorded with a) Ajax, b) Ares, c) Athena and d) other Ajax-variants since 6th November 2025.

Safety of personnel is a top priority for me. As reported to the House in my recent Written Statement dated 26 November. On 22 November, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure. Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care. Importantly, none of the symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalisation.

Of the 61 vehicles of all AJAX types were involved in the exercise, 23 AJAX Vehicles were linked to soldiers suffering from noise or vibration injury.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 November to Question 93390 on Type 45 Destroyers: Lasers and with reference to his oral statement on UK Airstrike: Houthi Military Facility, Column 333, Official Report, 30 April 2025, whether it is his Department's policy to install DragonFire on four Royal Navy vessels in 2027.

The Ministry of Defence plans to install the first DragonFire system on a Royal Navy vessel in 2027. The installation of additional systems will be in accordance with the Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 93964 on Defence: Contracts, if he will name the (a) six companies with contracts valued above £500 million and (b) 26 companies with contracts valued between £100 million and £500 million.

The Department has been able to provide the six companies with contracts valued above £500 million. These suppliers can be found in the attachments provided.

The Department has been able to provide some of the twenty-six companies with contracts valued between £100 million and £500 million. The Department is withholding some of the suppliers as full disclosure may prejudice commercial interests and national security.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 93964 on Defence: Contracts, how many of the 1,000 signed contracts are valued below £5 million.

The Department can confirm that, out of 1,000 signed contracts, 561 have a value of less than £5 million.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, if he will state the percentage that EU countries can spend with UK defence companies as a result of the partnership.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO.

We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement.

This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, how many defence contracts have been signed as a result of the partnership.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO.

We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement.

This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the United Kingdom will make a formal application to join the second round of EU SAFE funding.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO.

We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement.

This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the second round of EU SAFE funding will commence.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO.

We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement.

This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to conduct any future negotiations with his EU counterparts on a UK application to join the EU SAFE fund.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO.

We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement.

This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the impact of the collapse of negotiations on UK access to the SAFE fund.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO.

We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans.

As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement.

This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the (a) immediate and (b) longer-term impact of grounding the SV fleet following the issues encountered during Exercise Titan Storm.

The safety of our personnel is always our utmost priority. A number of Rheinmetall MAN Military (RMMV) Support Vehicles (SV) been affected by a minor mechanical fault, which is being quickly rectified. This issue did not occur on Exercise TITAN STORM.

Following advice from the Defence Safety Authority and Defence Equipment and Support, Field Army has directed a pause on its use of the vehicles while action is taken at pace to rectify the issue as a matter of priority. Whilst repair analysis is ongoing, initial estimates indicate that all vehicles will be returned to full use by early 2026 in accordance with formation priorities.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 November 2025 to Question 93956 on Driving Tests, what is the estimated total cost of the Ministry of Defence charges to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency for the use of 36 defence driving examiners for one day per week over a 12-month period.

In response to a Military Aid to the Civil Authorities request from the Department for Transport, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has agreed to provide 36 defence driving examiners (DDE) to conduct driving tests for one day a week for 12 months. This support will seek to reduce current civilian driving test wait times.

Actual costs will be calculated and charged following the completion of this support, the estimated cost is approximately £100,000. The MOD has agreed to charge marginal costs, rather than full costs, in line with HM Treasury guidelines as set out in JDP 02 UK Operations: the Defence Contribution to Resilience.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
21st Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to deploy a naval vessel in the Caribbean during hurricane season in addition to HMS Trent; and if so, whether that vessel will have better capabilities than HMS Trent to provide support to the relief of storm damage.

There are no current plans to deploy other naval vessels in addition to an Offshore Patrol Vessel during the Caribbean hurricane season. As part of an FCDO-led response, the MOD provides scalable support options under Operation VENTUS. While our immediate response is primarily delivered through the Royal Navy persistent presence and an embarked crisis response troop, there are a wide range of options retained at high readiness in the UK to be deployed in advance of, or subsequent to, a demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what amount of financial savings the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army, and (c) Royal Air Force have been asked to make in financial years (i) 2025-26 and (ii) 2026-27.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to him in response to his Question 93654 of 24 November 2025.

The Ministry of Defence applies in-year controls across the Department to manage performance against the Defence budget and these controls are subject to continuous review.

This approach is part of normal good financial management and ensures that resources are allocated effectively to meet operational priorities.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
1st Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel have had a hearing assessment following operating within an Ajax or Ajax-platform vehicle.

All Ajax users follow routine audiometry protocols which includes an annual hearing test. This is required for users of all armoured vehicles.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
26th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to review Gurkha pay and pensions in accordance with the 1947 Tripartite Agreement.

The Government holds the Gurkhas in the highest regard and deeply values their unique and enduring contribution to the United Kingdom. Their bravery, loyalty, and dedication have been an integral part of the British Armed Forces for over two centuries. The Government remains fully committed to recognising their service and ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect.

Gurkha terms and conditions of service were originally established under the 1947 Tripartite Agreement and have been adapted over time to reflect changes in the Brigade’s circumstances. Since 2007, Gurkhas have served under the same terms as the rest of the British Army, with certain provisions retained to preserve the unique identity of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Defence Secretary has not engaged in discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the uprating of legacy Gurkha pensions, as retrospective changes or enhancements are generally not applied to public service pension schemes. This principle is consistently upheld across the public sector.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure consistency in the medical discharge process across the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.

Medical discharge process policy is delegated to the three Services to afford each of them the necessary flexibility to respond effectively to the unique and varying environments in which their people serve. However, Defence’s Tri-Service policy for medical discharge boards aligns the Services in terms of procedure and consistency of process. The board can recommend a medical category that may lead to a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises the need to develop a Tri-Service Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and process, improve patient experience and support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. Work is underway to review timelines for referral to medical boards to ensure consistency across the single Services.

Our comprehensive policies and procedures facilitate a smooth discharge process, providing a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving. These actions include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning Service property and identifications, taking terminal leave, and receiving a Service leavers' pack. Support is also offered through the Career Transition Partnership and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life.

Defence also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, or sick, which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. Before personnel leave, they are provided with a final case conference to ensure their issues are resolved or a plan is in place to manage them.

Whilst Defence has not assessed the proportion of medically discharged personnel who report feeling unprepared for civilian life, all are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. Healthcare support is tailored to their needs and preferences, ranging from simple transitional needs to enduring support for more complex challenges.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Department has assessed the proportion of medically discharged personnel who report feeling unprepared for civilian life.

Medical discharge process policy is delegated to the three Services to afford each of them the necessary flexibility to respond effectively to the unique and varying environments in which their people serve. However, Defence’s Tri-Service policy for medical discharge boards aligns the Services in terms of procedure and consistency of process. The board can recommend a medical category that may lead to a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises the need to develop a Tri-Service Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and process, improve patient experience and support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. Work is underway to review timelines for referral to medical boards to ensure consistency across the single Services.

Our comprehensive policies and procedures facilitate a smooth discharge process, providing a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving. These actions include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning Service property and identifications, taking terminal leave, and receiving a Service leavers' pack. Support is also offered through the Career Transition Partnership and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life.

Defence also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, or sick, which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. Before personnel leave, they are provided with a final case conference to ensure their issues are resolved or a plan is in place to manage them.

Whilst Defence has not assessed the proportion of medically discharged personnel who report feeling unprepared for civilian life, all are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. Healthcare support is tailored to their needs and preferences, ranging from simple transitional needs to enduring support for more complex challenges.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Department has assessed the potential impact of the medical discharge process on Armed Forces recruitment and retention.

Medical discharge process policy is delegated to the three Services to afford each of them the necessary flexibility to respond effectively to the unique and varying environments in which their people serve. However, Defence’s Tri-Service policy for medical discharge boards aligns the Services in terms of procedure and consistency of process. The board can recommend a medical category that may lead to a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises the need to develop a Tri-Service Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and process, improve patient experience and support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. Work is underway to review timelines for referral to medical boards to ensure consistency across the single Services.

Our comprehensive policies and procedures facilitate a smooth discharge process, providing a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving. These actions include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning Service property and identifications, taking terminal leave, and receiving a Service leavers' pack. Support is also offered through the Career Transition Partnership and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life.

Defence also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, or sick, which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. Before personnel leave, they are provided with a final case conference to ensure their issues are resolved or a plan is in place to manage them.

Whilst Defence has not assessed the proportion of medically discharged personnel who report feeling unprepared for civilian life, all are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. Healthcare support is tailored to their needs and preferences, ranging from simple transitional needs to enduring support for more complex challenges.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
27th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what procedures are in place to ensure an effective handover of medical records from Defence Medical Services to the NHS for personnel that are medically discharged.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of facilitating the transfer of healthcare information to civilian healthcare provider(s) when an individual leaves the Armed Forces,.

Personnel are advised to register with an NHS GP one to three months before discharge. On leaving Defence Medical Services (DMS) care, Service personnel are provided with a medical care summary, known as an FMed133, and advised to provide a copy of their FMed 133 to their NHS GP. If a patient’s full DMS health record is required, this is provided on request from their NHS GP.

To improve the transfer of healthcare information, DMS is working towards the greater interoperability with NHS systems and the electronic transfer of medical records from DMS to NHS GPs and expects to implement changes over the next one-two years.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, if he will provide a breakdown of the novel technologies that will be included in his Department's commitment to spent 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, including autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted capabilities alongside dual-use technology, what additional technologies are included in this commitment are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, whether his Department's commitment to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies will include any new technologies.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, including autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted capabilities alongside dual-use technology, what additional technologies are included in this commitment are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
25th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, whether any pre-existing novel technologies in use by his Department will be included in the novel technologies his Department have committed to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, including autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted capabilities alongside dual-use technology, what additional technologies are included in this commitment are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)