We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.
The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd September 2025 and was enacted into law.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
As part of routine financial management, the Ministry of Defence continues to allocate resources effectively to meet departmental and operational priorities. The total Ministry of Defence budget this financial year stands at £65.5 billion.
The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action.
Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is carefully considered to ensure legality.
A summary of the government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.
We have deployed significant air defence assets to the region since January. This includes extra jets, radars, HMS Dragon, counter drones systems and over 500 additional British personnel as part of our significant air defence team.
This is a comprehensive layered air defence capability. It would not be appropriate to comment on any assessment which may be utilised by our adversaries.
In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information relevant to this and other questions regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.
This information is not held in the format requested for Amey and VIVO. Complaints from families are received and managed by Pinnacle’s National Service Centre. Amey and VIVO do not record or manage these complaints from families.
Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.
The Department can confirm that, since July 2024, the department has signed a total of 1,398 major contracts. Ministry of Defence (MOD) contract records do not distinguish between sustainment or refresh (i.e. follow-on) contracts. Consequently, we can only provide the number of new contracts initiated since 5 July 2024.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.
Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.
Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.
The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran which were involved in launching strikes at regional allies and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.
A UK-Israel military cooperation agreement, which incorporates a range of defence engagement activity, was signed in December 2020. Whilst the UK Ministry of Defence regularly reviews cooperation with Israel, the agreement remains extant.
We keep maritime activity in UK territorial waters under constant review. We will not provide a running commentary or get into details of our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting our adversaries.
The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union in May 2025 is an example of this Government delivering on its manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth, and reinforce NATO.
We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy as set out in the Security and Defence Review.
The Security and Defence Partnership outlines the possibility for establishing an Administrative Arrangement between the UK and the European Defence Agency. Officials remain in discussions with the EU to explore this.
Any potential future UK commitment – financial or otherwise – will ensure value for taxpayers and support wider defence priorities.
The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action.
Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is carefully considered to ensure legality.
HMS Dragon is a sovereign UK deployment to protect the interests of the UK, and the interests of our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Royal Navy routinely operates alongside partners and allies, enabling the deconfliction of maritime and aviation assets to be embedded within routine operating procedures.
Full details remain classified to ensure UK operational advantage.
HMS Dragon is a sovereign UK deployment to protect the interests of the UK, and the interests of our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Royal Navy routinely operates alongside partners and allies, enabling the deconfliction of maritime and aviation assets to be embedded within routine operating procedures.
Full details remain classified to ensure UK operational advantage.
I refer the hon. Member to my response to question 106653 on 27 January 2026.
The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract includes the provision of four Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs). These will be housed at RAF Benson, along with associated training infrastructure.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues.
We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) on 16 April 2026 to Question 124427.
Subsequent to the establishment of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth in January, the Department is currently working to deliver full operating capability by the end of this year.
This activity is being aided by engagement with a pathfinder group of SMEs to ensure we are addressing the needs of smaller and non-traditional suppliers. As part of this work, we will develop a range of metrics to measure the impact of the Office.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will provide a comprehensive overview of the Department's forward investment priorities across equipment, infrastructure, people, and supporting capabilities.
I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.
I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.
I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.
I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.
I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.
Between 23 March and 6 April 2026, a total of 1,639 requests were logged as urgent repair requests for Service Family Accommodation properties across the UK Defence estate.
A report that is detailing the breakdown of urgent repairs by their reason can be seen in the table below.
Category | Number of requests |
BRICKLAYER WORKS | 2 |
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER | 288 |
GROUNDWORKS | 4 |
HANDYMAN | 5 |
HEAT/AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP WORKS | 5 |
HEATING REPRESSURISE SYSTEM WORKS | 3 |
GAS ENGINEER WORKS | 622 |
HEAT AND OIL WORKS | 8 |
JOINER WORKS | 181 |
MOULD TREATMENT WORKS | 3 |
PEST CONTROL WORKS | 15 |
PLUMBING WORKS | 471 |
ROOFER WORKS | 28 |
SPECIALIST WORKS | 4 |
Grand Total | 1,639 |
Between 23 March and 6 April 2026, a total of 1,639 requests were logged as urgent repair requests for Service Family Accommodation properties across the UK Defence estate.
A report that is detailing the breakdown of urgent repairs by their reason can be seen in the table below.
Category | Number of requests |
BRICKLAYER WORKS | 2 |
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER | 288 |
GROUNDWORKS | 4 |
HANDYMAN | 5 |
HEAT/AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP WORKS | 5 |
HEATING REPRESSURISE SYSTEM WORKS | 3 |
GAS ENGINEER WORKS | 622 |
HEAT AND OIL WORKS | 8 |
JOINER WORKS | 181 |
MOULD TREATMENT WORKS | 3 |
PEST CONTROL WORKS | 15 |
PLUMBING WORKS | 471 |
ROOFER WORKS | 28 |
SPECIALIST WORKS | 4 |
Grand Total | 1,639 |
Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.
The figure of 19 void properties in May 2025 given in the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125514 referred to void properties in the hon. Member's constituency which had been reacquired from Annington and that were not suitable for occupation; it did not reflect the total number of void properties.
As of 1 May 2025, there were a total of 108 void Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties in the Huntingdon constituency.
As of 22 April 2026, there are a total of 98 void SFA properties in the Huntingdon constituency.
Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.
Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.
Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.
The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.
Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.
The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.
Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.
The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.
Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.
Progress continues to be made on the extension of the Future Maritime Support Programme. Contracts covering the majority of ship‑related services have been agreed, with the remaining elements in the process of finalisation, while arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of submarine support services ahead of a new contractual agreement expected to commence later in 2026.
The availability of air and missile defence capabilities is kept under continual review as part of Defence’s assessment of threats and the readiness of the Armed Forces. Readiness is directed through the Armed Forces Plan, in which the Chief of the Defence Staff directs Military Command Chiefs to hold a range of force elements at varying levels of readiness, aligned with the NATO Force Model, sovereign defence requirements, and our ability to respond to crisis. This readiness is assessed against the sum of Availability, Capability, and Sustainment.
The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment during this Parliament in Integrated Air and Missile Defence, with an early focus on improving command and control and sensor capabilities to ensure more effective integration and use of available effectors. The Defence Investment Plan will further shape the sequencing and prioritisation of future investment, informed by the evolving threat picture.
As is longstanding policy, the Department does not comment in detail on the availability or readiness levels of specific capabilities where doing so could prejudice operational security.
The Ministry of Defence is collaborating with the scheme administrator to accelerate the delivery of Remediable Service Statements (RSS) by increasing resources, implementing automation to reduce manual processing, and reallocating the workforce to allow staff to focus on the most complex cases.
The department is finalising the timeline for issuing all RSSs; this will be communicated to members once confirmed.
Regular progress updates are available to members at the following link on the Armed Forces Pensions gov.uk website:
As at 20 April 2026, War Pension Scheme (WPS) case workers are completing the initial scrutiny of claims received during the week commencing 21 December 2025.
To ensure workflow is managed effectively and fairly, all WPS cases are processed in strict date order, with priority given to those with a terminal illness and to claimants over the age of 90.
One member of the Royal Fleet Auxillary is recorded as dying on duty by accident or injury in the past 10 years; this occurred in 2019.
All on duty deaths are investigated by the appropriate body such as the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch, Defence Accident Investigation Branch, or civilian police where necessary.
I responded to the hon. Member on 24 April 2026.
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 the relevant Ministry of Defence processes ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. The work in the MRO facility continues. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is always open to working with international companies, as long as our procurement guidelines are followed and our national security is kept safe.
Defence does use Chinese manufactured goods within its supply chain, though the percentage of consumable equipment is not centrally held. MOD Commercial Officers do, where necessary, work with their security advisers to conduct due diligence checks on suppliers of specific goods, particularly surveillance equipment, to ensure that they are not subject to Chinese National Intelligence Law.
The Defence Industrial Strategy committed £250 million to fund all five Defence Growth Deals across the UK, and announced an £182 million Defence Industry Skills Package.
On 12 March, we launched the £50 million Scotland Defence Growth Deal, and from the £20 million of funding allocated to the Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we committed a £10 million investment towards the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs). This will include one in the East and one in the West of Scotland, working in consultation with Colleges Scotland to develop the colleges.
I wrote with the Secretary of State for Scotland to the Scottish Government on 12 March asking them to match fund our DTEC commitment so we can deliver two not one DTEC in Scotland. I regret to report we have received no response from the Scottish Government so far.
The Defence Industrial Strategy committed £250 million to fund all five Defence Growth Deals across the UK, and announced an £182 million Defence Industry Skills Package.
On 12 March, we launched the £50 million Scotland Defence Growth Deal, and from the £20 million of funding allocated to the Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we committed a £10 million investment towards the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs). This will include one in the East and one in the West of Scotland, working in consultation with Colleges Scotland to develop the colleges.
I wrote with the Secretary of State for Scotland to the Scottish Government on 12 March asking them to match fund our DTEC commitment so we can deliver two not one DTEC in Scotland. I regret to report we have received no response from the Scottish Government so far.
The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.
The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.
The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.