Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on scenario planning for the number of military hubs for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine; and if will set out the ranges of the number of such hubs.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has received representations on the potential impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 on military operational capability.

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

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 is being repealed and replaced by new legislation. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will deliver new safeguards specifically designed for veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The Ministry of Defence continues to consult with veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will (a) review and (b) update the UK’s Defence Contribution in the High North strategy, published in March 2022, to ensure it (i) reflects the Government’s policies and (ii) adequately addresses (A) current and (B) emerging security challenges in the arctic region.

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

The 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets out the Government's approach to deterring threats and strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area, including the Arctic and High North. The region features strongly in the SDR's strategic thinking, particularly in relation to the Royal Navy's Atlantic Bastion concept (which includes securing the North Atlantic and adjacent waters), the importance of NATO's Northern Flank, our co-operation through the Joint Expeditionary Force and bilaterally with nations such as Norway, and the anticipated geostrategic shifts due to climate change, including increased accessibility and competition in the High North.

The Government continues to monitor developments in the Arctic region closely, including Russia's military posture and capabilities in the region. This is achieved through a combination of intelligence assessments, engagement with allies, and participation in multinational fora such as the JEF and NATO.

NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, how much has been spent on implementing the scheme as of 6 January 2026.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) is a response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society.

Tranche1, beginning in 2026, is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future tranches. The total cost to Defence to deliver Tranche 1 of the scheme is £13 million. The cost of future tranches will be informed by lessons drawn from Tranche 1.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, what the estimated total cost of implementing the scheme is.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) is a response to the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society.

Tranche1, beginning in 2026, is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future tranches. The total cost to Defence to deliver Tranche 1 of the scheme is £13 million. The cost of future tranches will be informed by lessons drawn from Tranche 1.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to strengthen the UK’s preparedness, in coordination with NATO allies, in response to threats to the security of Greenland.

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

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which is a member of NATO. NATO has made clear that the North Atlantic, High North and Arctic is a priority area for deterrence and defence and Allies are stepping up to enhance security in the region. As a NATO ally the United States is an essential partner in this endeavour. As the Strategic Defence Review makes clear, the UK is increasing its presence, activities and investments to keep the Arctic safe and to deter adversaries, including through Atlantic Bastion and leadership of the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what a) UK and b) other NATO forces are currently deployed in Greenland.

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

The UK does not currently have forces deployed in Greenland. Denmark is responsible for the defence of Greenland and maintains a military presence.

NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority for Euro-Atlantic Security, which is why, alongside our NATO Allies, we have increased our defence spending, presence and activities to keep the Arctic safe and deter the collective threat we face from Russia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to strengthen the UK’s preparedness, in coordination with NATO allies, for threats to the security of NATO members in the Baltic region.

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

In coordination with NATO allies, we have committed to strengthening preparedness and deterrence to counter threats to the Baltic region, ensuring that our forces remain capable, credible, and ready to respond to any threat to Alliance security.

This is demonstrated through the UK’s lead as framework nation for NATO’s multinational battlegroup in Estonia and contribution of surveillance aircraft to NATO’s BALTIC SENTRY, which protects critical national infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.

Additionally, and in line with our NATO Article 3 commitments, the UK is the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force, which has demonstrated the UK’s leadership, preparedness and responsiveness to security threats in the High North and Baltic.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 5th January 2026, to question 100522 on General Dynamics, what was the complete list of criteria for Ajax Initial Operating Capability (IOC) that was met on 23 July 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Armoured Cavalry Programme met all pre-agreed elements required to confirm Initial Operation Capability on 23 July 2025. The criteria spanned across all recognised Defence Lines of Development including Training, Equipment, Personnel, Information, Doctrine and Concepts, Organisation, Infrastructure, Safety and Logistics.

It would not be appropriate to release the complete list of criteria as to do so could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential security implications for British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean following the US’s intervention in Venezuela.

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

The UK Government is committed to safeguarding the security of all our Overseas Territories, including those in the Caribbean. The Ministry of Defence undertakes regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the next meeting of the JEF nations will take place.

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

JEF nations meet regularly in various formats. JEF Chiefs of Defence are meeting on 15 January 2025, and the next JEF Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for late March.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Diplomacy Strategy has been completed.

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

The Defence Diplomacy Strategy’s development was completed in December 2025. The Department plans to launch a public summary of the Strategy early this year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has reviewed existing command arrangements for ground-based air defence in relation to the protection of critical national infrastructure.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continually reviews its operational capabilities, including command arrangements for ground-based air defence, to ensure they remain effective and fit for purpose. The protection of the United Kingdom’s critical national infrastructure is a key priority, and the MOD works closely with other Government Departments and agencies to assess and address potential threats. Any updates or changes to command arrangements are informed by regular assessments, operational requirements, and emerging threats to ensure the safety and security of the nation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has assessed the role of air defence artillery systems in countering unmanned aerial systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with subject matter experts, both at home and abroad, to assess the effectiveness of different types of Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS). This includes the role of air defence artillery systems.

The UK operates advanced Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities which continue to be developed in response to the changing threat. These systems are operated by various different users within Defence, including air defence units.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of Project Vanquish.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Project Vanquish has been launched by the Royal Navy to seek proposals from industry for a Technical Demonstration of a Fixed-Wing, Short Take Off and Landing, Autonomous Collaborative Platform. Vanquish will be a jet-powered aircraft able to take off and land from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier without the need for catapults or arrestor gear. It will determine the ability of such an air vehicle to deliver maritime mission sets for Carrier Strike.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the decrease in power-to-weight ratio between Challenger 2 and Challenger 3.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intent and he will know that Challenger 3 has been designed to deliver an optimal balance of lethality, survivability, and mobility to meet its operational requirements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of current UK stockpiles of short-range ground-based air defence missiles compared with stock levels held in 2022.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I am withholding further detail for operational security reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Starstreak and Lightweight Modular Missiles have been ordered since 2022 to replace stocks donated to Ukraine.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I am withholding further detail for operational security reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of planned expenditure on UK Integrated Air and Missile Defence during the current Parliament will be allocated to effectors, as opposed to sensors and command-and-control systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to modernising the UK's air and missile defence capabilities, including ground-based systems such as Sky Sabre, to ensure robust national resilience as highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review. UK capabilities provide sovereign nation capability and support interoperability with NATO allies and partners. These capabilities, integrated with NATO Allies defend our homeland and contribute to the strength of the NATO Alliance.

The Government has committed £1 billion to Integrated Air and Missile Defence in line with the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring investment is prioritised against evolving threats as part of the future Integrated Force. The allocation of investment and timelines for Integrated Air and Missile Defence spending will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

It would not be appropriate to state stockpile levels of munitions for reasons of national security, but these remain under continuous review to maintain operational readiness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK’s ground-based air defence capability in the event of the UK having to operate without direct United States support.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to modernising the UK's air and missile defence capabilities, including ground-based systems such as Sky Sabre, to ensure robust national resilience as highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review. UK capabilities provide sovereign nation capability and support interoperability with NATO allies and partners. These capabilities, integrated with NATO Allies defend our homeland and contribute to the strength of the NATO Alliance.

The Government has committed £1 billion to Integrated Air and Missile Defence in line with the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring investment is prioritised against evolving threats as part of the future Integrated Force. The allocation of investment and timelines for Integrated Air and Missile Defence spending will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

It would not be appropriate to state stockpile levels of munitions for reasons of national security, but these remain under continuous review to maintain operational readiness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether spending on UK ground-based air defence and Integrated Air and Missile Defence effectors will be deferred until the 2030s.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to modernising the UK's air and missile defence capabilities, including ground-based systems such as Sky Sabre, to ensure robust national resilience as highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review. UK capabilities provide sovereign nation capability and support interoperability with NATO allies and partners. These capabilities, integrated with NATO Allies defend our homeland and contribute to the strength of the NATO Alliance.

The Government has committed £1 billion to Integrated Air and Missile Defence in line with the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring investment is prioritised against evolving threats as part of the future Integrated Force. The allocation of investment and timelines for Integrated Air and Missile Defence spending will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

It would not be appropriate to state stockpile levels of munitions for reasons of national security, but these remain under continuous review to maintain operational readiness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) UK and (b) overseas military and civilian personnel will be routinely employed at the Global Combat Air Programme International Government Organisation in Reading when it is fully operational.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Global Combat Air Programme International Government Organisation (GIGO) is validating and refining its organisational design.

Tri-nation planning for the Organisation includes a workforce of around 500 employees when fully operational. Exact numbers will fluctuate based on the programme requirements. A third of employees will come from each of Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, there will be a mixture of military and civilian employees from each nation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when is Operation Shader scheduled to end.

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

The UK remains committed to the enduring defeat of Daesh through Op SHADER. Whilst all UK operations remain under constant review, there are no plans to end Op SHADER. The UK will continue to do what is necessary to prevent a Daesh resurgence, support regional stability and protect UK national security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of raw materials used in the production of equipment for the armed forces are sourced in Britain.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government is spending more of a rising defence budget with British companies.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) total direct expenditure with industry was £35.4 billion in 2024-25, of which £31.7 billion was with UK industry. Of the total industry spend, £11.9 billion was on equipment, of which £10.4 billion (87%) was in the UK.

Statistics on MOD expenditure with industry are published annually on the gov.uk website at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-regional-expenditure-statistics-with-industry-202425.

The Department does not centrally track the origin of all raw materials used in the production of equipment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of equipment used by the British armed forces is made in the UK.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government is spending more of a rising defence budget with British companies.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) total direct expenditure with industry was £35.4 billion in 2024-25, of which £31.7 billion was with UK industry. Of the total industry spend, £11.9 billion was on equipment, of which £10.4 billion (87%) was in the UK.

Statistics on MOD expenditure with industry are published annually on the gov.uk website at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-regional-expenditure-statistics-with-industry-202425.

The Department does not centrally track the origin of all raw materials used in the production of equipment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2925 to Question 79699 on Antiship Missiles, when in 2026 is the full business case for the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme scheduled to be (a) submitted and (b) approved.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme Full Business Case is planned for submission and approval in summer 2026. Existing approvals are in place to support continued work until the end of 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made developing the WEEVIL mine-clearance vehicle.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to my response to Question 95410 on 8 December 2025 which remains extant.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that data analysed by Palantir is protected from access by foreign governments.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

All data used and developed in Palantir's software deployed across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will remain under the ownership of the MOD.  The MOD has put in place extensive data security and protection measures to ensure UK Defence information is appropriately managed. UK Defence Data used and developed in Palantir's software remains sovereign and under the control of the MOD.  We have clear contractual controls in place to ensure this as well as control over the data system that Palantir software sits upon. Any change from this cannot be conducted without consent from the MOD. All data will remain sovereign, freely available across the MOD to be exploited wherever it is needed, including the broader supply chain, and technical ecosystem.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ensure that NHS practitioners are informed of the vulnerability to suicidal ideation of veterans impacted by Lariam; and what steps veterans can take with his Department to help improve awareness within the NHS of the nature and effects of mefloquine toxicity.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Mefloquine is recommended as an effective anti-malarial by international health agencies, including the World Health Organisation. Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Health Service both follow National Institute for Care and Excellence guidelines on the prescription and management of side effects associated with mefloquine.

The MOD is engaged with NHS England (NHSE) through the NHSE Armed Forces Clinical Reference Group. This group has recently reviewed the clinical management of the side effects associated with mefloquine. As symptoms can resemble acute psychiatric conditions, clinicians are advised to assess patients individually and are expected to take a full drug and alcohol history, including any previous mefloquine use.

In England, Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE provide a broad range of specialist mental health, physical and wellbeing care services to veterans, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

I would encourage any Veteran who is struggling with their mental health to self-refer or seek the support of their GP to access Op COURAGE, the Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. The side effects that may be experienced whilst taking, or with a history of having taken mefloquine, will be treated according to the diagnosis; for example, if the patient is experiencing depressive symptoms, the treatment for depression will be instigated.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the total estimated cost of the Chinook Extended Range programme has changed since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The total estimated cost of the Chinook Extended Range programme remains within the budgetary limit of £1.85 billion that was approved in June 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total estimated cost of the Chinook Extended Range programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The total estimated cost of the Chinook Extended Range programme remains within the budgetary limit of £1.85 billion that was approved in June 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many additional Aster 30 missiles have been ordered for the Type 45 destroyer fleet since 2022.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I am withholding further detail for operational security reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will consider the potential merits of a dedicated Cadet Forces Day within Armed Forces Week to recognise the cadet force and to provide a national focal point to celebrate achievements and promote volunteering.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The contribution the Cadet Forces make to our communities is significant and being a cadet provides immense value to young people through the numerous benefits that the ‘cadet experience’ offers.

The Government is committed to expanding the Cadet Forces and we are very pleased that the Strategic Defence Review recommended a growth in cadet numbers by 30% by 2030. This exciting initiative is backed with an initial investment of £70 million and work is currently underway to establish how and where the 30% increase will be realised.

Although the Ministry of Defence Cadet Forces are not technically part of the Armed Forces, they are a part of the wider ‘Defence Family’. Cadets and adult volunteers form a key link with wider society and recognising the Cadet Forces is, therefore, an appealing idea.

Cadets already contribute to Armed Forces Week, typically through locally organised activities, and this is something we continue to encourage. Given the aim of significantly increasing the number of cadets and adult volunteers we also see clear merit in raising awareness of the Cadet Forces at a national level and, like my predecessor, I am also supportive of your proposal.

We are actively considering how the concept of a Cadet Forces Day can be developed, although I do not have any specific updates to share with you at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what arrangements exist between the UK and the Republic of Ireland for the interception of unidentified or hostile aircraft in Irish airspace.

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

Access to Irish airspace is managed through extant diplomatic channels as per international norms with clearance being requested and granted for state aircraft under set conditions. UK Military aircraft do not enter the sovereign airspace of Ireland for operational purposes, without the express prior agreement of the Irish Government. Questions on sovereign airspace access and associated regulations are for individual nations to answer, therefore any questions on Irish airspace should be directed to the Irish Government.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the equity of the current eligibility criteria for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, including Regular Officers who were discharged before 29 July 2014 but who served the same qualifying period as those who have received the medal under the revised rule.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 29 October 2025, to Question 84537.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-10-22/84537

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of mobility associated with armed forces service on the educational continuity of the children of service personnel with special educational needs and disabilities.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is aware of the potential impact of Service related mobility on children with additional needs from Armed Forces families. December 2025 saw the publication of MOD commissioned research carried out by Oxford Brookes University entitled ‘Supporting ALL to Thrive’ (See link: https://sattproject.org.uk/|).

This project investigated the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes of children with additional learning or support needs and/or disabilities from UK Armed Forces families. The Oxford Brookes research team have presented their findings to the Department for Education and continue to work with the MOD in developing an evidence base that can help shape future policy development.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, whether he plans to increase military procurement for the (a) Army, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Royal Navy as a result of the agreement to deploy UK service personnel as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine.

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

The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine and leading the Coalition of the Willing.

As part of our preparations, we have allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNFU) in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This £200 million will specifically fund preparations for any deployment of the MNFU to upgrade vehicles, communications systems, new counter-drone protection and additional force-protection equipment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, whether the deployment of service personnel as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine would include any members of the reserve forces.

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

Consistent with established Defence protocols, Reserve Forces will be considered for inclusion as operational requirements dictate. This approach ensures the necessary flexibility and resilience to fulfil our commitments effectively.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what contractual payments to General Dynamics for the Ajax programme have been made since 1 January 2025; and on which dates were they made.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence paid General Dynamics Land Systems UK £330 million in line with contractual obligations for the Ajax programme between 1 January 2025 and 12 January 2026. I am unable to publish details of the milestones and payment schedule as this may prejudice the Department's commercial interests.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2025 to Question 95908 on Ajax Vehicles: Noise, how many Ajax users have had their hearing (a) decline and (b) be downgraded following audiometer protocols after crewing an Ajax vehicle.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

To obtain the information required to answer the hon. Member’s question in full would incur disproportionate costs due to the amount of data that would need to be obtained.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many US military personnel are stationed at (a) RAF Alconbury, (b) RAF Molesworth, (c) RAF Croughton, (d) RAF Fairford, (e) RAF Lakenheath, (f) RAF Menwith Hill, (g) RAF Mildenhall, (h) RAF Barford St John, (i) RAF Welford, (j) RAF Yeovilton, (k) RAF Feltwell, (l) RAF Blenheim Crescent and (m) RAF Northwood.

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

There are approximately 11,000 United States Visiting Force (USVF) members in the UK at various defence sites, excluding family members and defence civilian personnel and contractors. In the interests of personnel security, I will not currently share specific numbers of USVF personnel at each individual site.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, whether he plans to accelerate defence spending to (a) 3% and (b) 3.5% of GDP as a result of the formal agreement to deploy UK service personnel as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government has committed to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP in the next Parliament, subject to fiscal and economic conditions, and will be considered at the next Spending Review in 2027. The commitment to spend 3.5% by 2035 will be reviewed by NATO Allies in 2029.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in the context of his Department's responsibility for devolution oversight and national security, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Scottish Government’s Defence Sector Support Policy, set out to the Scottish Parliament on 3 September 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government recognises the vital contribution that the Scottish defence industry has for the national security of the UK, while also being a key driver of economic growth. This is illustrated by the £2.5 million that this Government is providing to the Welding Skills Centre in Glasgow, which is developing the future skills pipeline needed to deliver the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Along side this we are developing the Scotland Defence Growth Deal that will draw on a share of a £250 million investment fund to support defence industry across Scotland.

It is important that both UK and Scottish Governments, as per their respective responsibilities, have policies in place that supports the growth of the sector. We are liaising with Scottish Government and Scotland’s defence industry to understand the impact assessments that have been conducted on the Defence Sector Support Policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, what is his target number of recruits for each remaining year of the current Parliament.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, when he plans to announce the salary received by recruits on the scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, what is the annual cost of implementing the scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, what the length will be of the RAF scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on developing a policy for the active engagement of unmanned aerial systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with partners across Government on a range of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) issues. The Home Office is responsible for C-UAS policy and strategy in the Homeland during peacetime. During wartime, C-UAS policy falls under the Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) framework, which the MOD is responsible for. The process of providing Military Aid to the Civil Authority (MACA) is well established and ensures a robust framework under which Defence capabilities may be used to support Other Government Departments.

In terms of legislation, work is underway to develop a suitable legislative framework that will enable Defence personnel to operate authorised equipment to protect critical Defence property and activities from the threat of UAS.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the projected cost of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme in a) 2026/27, b) 2027/28 and c) 2028/29.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, whether his Department has an annual target for the number of participants that will remain in the armed forces following the conclusion of that scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, whether his Department has a target for the number of 150 participants that will remain in the armed forces following the conclusion of that scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, how many of the 150 participants in the first wave of recruitment will be (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force recruits.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for the Armed Forces in the Urgent Question on 5 January 2026, what the evidential basis is that recruitment and retention to the armed forces has not been impacted by the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

UK Regular Armed Forces intake is now greater than outflow at the Tri-Service level and strength has remained stable. We are pleased to be reversing the trend of decline, with more people joining our Armed Forces than leaving for the first time in four years. The evidential basis for this has come from the latest Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics, published on 1 October 2025.

The statistics show that in the past 12 months (1 October 2024 - 30 September 2025), 14,100 people joined the Regular Armed Forces, an increase of 1,650 (13 per cent) compared with the previous 12-month period. In the same period, 13,860 people left the Regular Armed Forces a decrease of 1,220 (8 per cent) compared with the previous 12-month period.

This information can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2025/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-1-october-2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will (a) have discussions with cabinet colleagues on the merits of reducing student loan debt as part of a recruitment package for attracting and retaining recent graduates into the armed forces and (b) estimate the cost to the public purse of such a policy.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces already provide several opportunities to support tertiary education both before service and while serving. These include bursaries, sponsored degree study, in-service degrees and Learning Credits to offset the cost of undergraduate and postgraduate study. These schemes ensure that personnel are supported in gaining valuable qualifications and skills benefiting not only the individual, but also enhancing operational capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, why the Defence Investment Plan was not published before the rise of the House for Christmas recess 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Department will allocate spending over the next 10 years, ensuring that resources are directed effectively to meet our priorities. It is vital that these decisions are carefully considered so that the Department gets these decisions right. We are working hard to finalise the plan, and it will be published at the earliest opportunity once it is ready.

As he will recall from his time as the Defence Procurement Minister 47 of 89 major defence programmes were left overbudget and delayed when the general election occurred. We are taking the time to address these and move to warfighting readiness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, whether he has a formal target date for when the scheme will cease to be a pilot.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Armed forces to launch 'Gap Year' scheme for young people to bolster skills and leadership, published on 27 December 2025, what steps his Department is taking to encourage participation in that scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) will offer new opportunities to experience military service through a new scheme set to launch in early 2026. The lessons of the first cohort (Tranche 1) will inform future practices for the Scheme. The first participants will be apportioned at 20 each for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force respectively with the Army offering the remainder (110). The ambition remains that the scheme will expand to over 1,000 participants subject to interest. We will be setting out further details in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there are any formal agreements in place with allied nations for the provision of ground-based air defence for the UK homeland.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK is a NATO ally and participant in the NATO Integrated Air Defence System (NATINAMDS) a network of interconnected national and NATO systems comprising sensors, command and control facilities, and weapon systems. This system allows the UK to exchange information with Allied nations on a reciprocal basis, to improve sensor coverage and reaction times across the Alliance. Although there are no formal agreements for the provision of effectors of allied nations to be used to defend the UK homeland. NATO has the ability to position assigned or apportioned ground-based air defence effectors in response to emerging threats.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on scenario planning for the number of UK land assets for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine; and if will set out the ranges of the numbers of such land assets.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on scenario planning for the number of UK naval assets for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine; and if will set out the ranges of the numbers of such naval assets.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on scenario planning for the composition of UK service personnel for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine; and if will set out the ranges of UK service personnel compositions discussed.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on scenario planning for the number of UK service personnel for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine; and if will set out the ranges of UK personnel deployment discussed.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on the number of UK service personnel required to support each military hub for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with his French and Ukrainian counterparts on scenario planning for the number of UK air assets for the proposed Multinational Force - Ukraine; and if will set out the ranges of the numbers of such air assets.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, if he will list the nations that have agreed in principle to provide (a) air, (b) naval and (c) land assets to Ukraine as part of the Multinational Force - Ukraine.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, if he will list the nations that have agreed in principle to deploy service personnel to Ukraine as part of the Multinational Force - Ukraine.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what discussions he has had with other nations on (a) joining and (b) contributing to the Multinational Force - Ukraine.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, what steps will he take to protect the military hubs established to support the proposed Multinational Force Ukraine.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagement with Ukraine, France and other partners on Ukraine-related security in the event of a cessation of hostilities. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition, assets, and participating nations, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on the treatment of injury related Armed Forces payments, including the AFPS 05 injury enhancement, in divorce and financial remedy proceedings in England and Wales.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces do not have separate divorce procedures applying solely to Service personnel. Any injury-related payments are valued and shared between the parties in accordance with the relevant scheme rules and general divorce law.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2026 to Q101187 on Veterans: Visas, by what date will he have waived visa fees for dependents of Commonwealth veterans.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Work is ongoing with the Home Office to deliver the manifesto commitment to scrap visa fees for non-UK veterans and their dependants including those from the Commonwealth, but it is not possible at this stage to provide an implementation date.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the calibre of the rifle selected under Project Grayburn is the same as the calibre for the light machine gun selected under Project Troubler.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A review of performance requirements and technical solutions is ongoing as part of the concept phases for Project GRAYBURN and Project TROUBLER. Interoperability, (including calibre) with other in service weapons will be considered as part of this process. Commonality across users in the British Army is important but must be informed by the individual user requirements of each project, which includes consideration of NATO and wider international interoperability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98514 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98512 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what maritime and aerial support has been provided to the Republic of Ireland in the last 5 years; and at what cost.

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

Over the past five years, the only UK support to Ireland has been Search and Rescue assistance provided on five occasions. There was no additional cost identified for this activity. We have not provided maritime support to Ireland.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98516 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98515 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98517 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 94230 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 25 November 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98518 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen the resilience of the military from potential cyber attack.

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

Defence prioritises cyber security of its systems and implements a range of measures, including security and monitoring tools, to support cyber resilience and protect as far as possible from attack. Details of the measures are not shared publicly for security reasons.

In autumn 2025 we established Defence Cyber & Electromagnetic Force (DCEMF) to unify and advance previously fragmented and nascent capabilities, while empowering leadership to deliver operational advantage across the domain. This is in recognition of the critical importance of Cyber and Electromagnetic operations and capabilities in an increasingly complex and uncertain geopolitical environment. The DCEMF plays a central role in ensuring the UK remains competitive against peer adversaries in cyberspace and electromagnetic operations, driving the development of a technologically advanced Integrated Force capable of outthinking, outmanoeuvring, and outpacing its opponents.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to promote opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland to volunteer for the Armed Forces.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

We are committed to improving recruitment and retention through a range of targets, initiatives and measures and we are making a positive impact. The figures in the latest reporting period highlight that for the first time since early 2021, Armed Forces intake is now greater than outflow. In the 12 months preceding 1 October 2025 there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12-month period. At the same time there was a decrease of 8% in people leaving the Armed Forces. In addition to this, the Armed Forces continue to see increased numbers of applications. These trends are very welcome, but we recognise that there is still more to do.

In addition to the existing national recruitment campaigns including online material, the Services conduct recruitment that is tailored to Northern Ireland (NI). The Services use Outreach stands to facilitate face-to-face recruitment and attend recruitment fairs such as the UK Careers Fair Belfast and the NI Graduate Recruitment Fair. They also attend local events such as the Portrush Airshow and the NI Armed Forces Day.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Marines will be included within the scope of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

At the present time, there are no plans to include the Royal Marines in Tranche 1 of the Gap Year. However, Tranche 1 will help to understand the impact and measure success, informing the future shape of the scheme.

The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme opening with Tranche 1 in March 2026 as a profession-agnostic employment scheme for sailors. Our intent is to offer broad employment across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities and potentially in the future, some shore-based roles, where the cohort will have received the minimum training feasible to be safe and effective at sea. This is an exciting opportunity to live and work alongside sailors on ships deployed on missions at sea, contributing to tasks that keep the ship running, and learning skills that could be developed into future careers, such as conducting supervised engineering watchkeeping tasks, seamanship activity, communal duties and whole ship tasks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Coaker on 18 December 2025 (HL13064), whether only one Type 45 destroyer in the Royal Navy is operational.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Type 45 destroyers HMS Dauntless, Dragon and Duncan are operational.

Type 45 Power Improvement Project upgrades remain on target and Class availability is maximised to ensure that the Royal Navy has been able to fulfil all of its operational commitments.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government where the RCH 155 artillery platform will be manufactured.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Early Capability Demonstrator platforms of the RCH155, two for Germany and one for the UK, will be built in Germany for joint testing.

The project remains in its assessment phase and a production contract has not yet been placed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government by what date they estimate the army will have "increased lethality ten-fold", as called for in the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the Minister for the Armed forces to Question 79389 on 17 October 2025 in the House of Commons, which remains extant in that the Army ​will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality by 2035.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to streamline background checks for applicants to the University Officer Training Corps who had been members of the Combined Cadet Force while at school.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) application process, which all applicants are subject to, cannot be streamlined or reduced for applicants who were members of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). A UOTC Officer Cadet is attested into the British Army as a Group B Reservist and are required to complete and pass medical and security checks, which members of the CCF are not subject to when joining the CCF. The CCF is not part of the British Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve), it is a uniformed youth organisation, that is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, and which operates in schools across the United Kingdom.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether people participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will be eligible for promotion.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society.

The Gap Year scheme will start as a first tranche during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. Gap Year personnel could later become eligible for promotion if they opted to remain in the Armed Forces after their engagement, subject to meeting the requirements of relevant single Service personnel/promotion policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what co-ordination there is between Veterans Commissioners and VALOUR support centres in providing easier access to essential care and support for veterans.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The competition for round one development funding for VALOUR Recognised Centres is currently underway. Once VALOUR Recognised Centres are established, they will be expected to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including Veterans’ Commissioners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what UK military activity has taken place in the past year in support of counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Latin and South America.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Navy has conducted one period of counter-illicit trafficking operations in the Caribbean in January and February 2025.

The Ministry of Defence has also conducted routine capacity building training with regional partners for example to build their maritime operational capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the army's ability to carry out large-scale land exercises.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Army is confident in its ability to deliver large-scale land exercises and remains committed to the continuous improvement and development of its capabilities.

The scale and complexity of training exercises are being increased, including a transition from single battlegroup exercises to brigade level events. These exercises incorporate both live and virtual elements, ensuring integrated training that enhances operational readiness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) availability, and (2) fighting capability, of the army's armoured vehicles.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Army continually assesses capabilities to ensure we can meet NATO and wider operational requirements. The Army's capability and modernisation are driven by the Strategic Defence Review's direction to move to warfighting readiness, developing an Army that is more lethal, agile, and a globally engaged integrated force. This includes the aim to deliver a modernised, lethal division by 2030, capable of operating in complex environments.

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Found: Context 3.1 Ministry of Defence (MOD) UK Armed Forces diversity statistics show there are a total of

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Found: Ineffective, siloed procurement, complex support landscapes and slow MOD processes deter participation

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Found: For example, while the MOD pursues digital transformation through initiatives like ASGARD, wider cross-government

Found: the UK, Astroscale has established strong partnerships with the UK Space Agency (UKSA), the Ministry of Defence

Found: A stronger MOD-industry partnership is essential for effective defence spending.

Found: establishment of Neros UA in Ukraine, Neros has established itself in the UK, working on FPV trials with the MOD

Found: Strategy and Coordination Coordinate investments from Government departments, such as DBT, DSIT and MoD

Found: The Treasury, Ministry of Defence, and Department for Business and Trade should work closely to demonstrate

Found: spending commitments from the UK Government have included £1bn for a new Cyber Command within the Ministry of Defence

Found: Overlaps between departmental briefs across the Ministry of Defence, Department for Science, Innovation

Found: Exemptions for the UAE, in general exporters are required to obtain a letter of authorisation from the MOD

Found: That is where, with the MOD, the dynamic of this relationship has changed a little bit.

Found: The MOD has said that, and others.

Found: The MOD has said that, and others.

Found: Our experience supporting Ministry of Defence infrastructure, and our expertise in mobilising similar

Found: joint, cross-Government taskforce that brings in teams from not just the Home Office, but the Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Forty-third report: MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2 Ministry of Defence

Found: Forty-third report: MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2 Ministry of Defence

Found: Forty-third report: MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2 Ministry of Defence

Found: Forty-third report: MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2 Ministry of Defence

Found: Forty-third report: MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Forty-third report: MoD’s oversight of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations 2 Ministry of Defence

Found: 2022 (Victim Information Requests: Code of Practice) Regulations 2025 S.I. 2025/1263 The Ministry of Defence

Found: Technology has been investigating the ICO decision not to open a formal investigation against the Ministry of Defence

Found: evidence from the Information Commissioner, John Edwards, in particular on the horrendous Ministry of Defence

Found: (MOD) and Loganair with regard to the continued use of halon 1211 in portable fire extinguishers

Found: Skyral is a British company based in London that has established itself as a trusted partner to the UK MOD

Found: Mae fy mhrofiad i’n help yn yr ystyr ‘mod i’n gallu cofio beth oedd y rhwystredigaethau ro’n i’n teimlo

Found: I worked in cosmetic camouflage for a make-up manufacturer, for the Ministry of Defence, so I knew you

Found: We do a lot of water provision for the Ministry of Defence across the Wiltshire Army-basing projects

Found: I worked in cosmetic camouflage for a make-up manufacturer, for the Ministry of Defence, so I knew you

Found: I worked in cosmetic camouflage for a make-up manufacturer, for the Ministry of Defence, so I knew you

Found: The MOD had information in so many different places.

Found: With the defence industry, we and the MOD are working hard.

Found: A lot of our work has been in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Found: those issues with the Turks and Caicos premier and governor, with colleagues in the Home Office and MoD

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help increase the availability of driving tests at Blackpool test centre.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests that will break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

In the coming months, DVSA will:

• Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their tests

• Introduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.

• Make use of MOD driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times.

DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including for Blackpool driving test centre, to provide as many tests as possible.

Two new entrant driving examiners will be placed on a training course as soon as possible. Upon successful completion of training, this will increase the number of driving examiners at Blackpool driving test centre from seven to nine. A full-time driving examiner can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the importance of access to state boarding school facilities for the children of armed forces personnel.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The department maintains oversight of state boarding school policy, which is used to regulate standards in boarding provisions.

The Ministry of Defence oversees the Continuity of Education Allowance for eligible Service Personnel, which provides clearly defined financial support to ensure that the need for frequent mobility does not interfere with a child’s education. This includes supporting parents with the option of using a state boarding school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the long term sustainability of state boarding education.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The department maintains oversight of state boarding school policy, which is used to regulate standards in boarding provisions.

The Ministry of Defence oversees the Continuity of Education Allowance for eligible Service Personnel, which provides clearly defined financial support to ensure that the need for frequent mobility does not interfere with a child’s education. This includes supporting parents with the option of using a state boarding school.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact and effectiveness of state boarding education.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The department maintains oversight of state boarding school policy, which is used to regulate standards in boarding provisions.

The Ministry of Defence oversees the Continuity of Education Allowance for eligible Service Personnel, which provides clearly defined financial support to ensure that the need for frequent mobility does not interfere with a child’s education. This includes supporting parents with the option of using a state boarding school.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 2.1.2 of her Department’s policy paper entitled UK Government Green Financing Framework, published on 26 November 2025, for what reason facilities intended for the production of weapons grade nuclear material or for other primarily military uses are excluded; and what assessment she has made with the Secretary of State for Defence of the potential impact of this exclusion on the level of private sector participation in the Trident renewal programme.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Green Financing Framework, updated in 2025, explains how proceeds from green gilts and NS&I’s retail Green Savings Bonds will finance public expenditures that have the goal of delivering a direct and positive environmental impact.

Eligible expenditures are assessed on the basis of their contribution to the government’s climate and environmental objectives. Military nuclear spending, including the Trident renewal programme, is primarily for national defence purposes and as such is not eligible to be financed under the Framework. This exclusion is in line with international norms for green bond frameworks and enables the UK’s green gilts to be accessible to the greatest possible pool of investors, improving value-for-money.

The Green Financing Framework only applies to public expenditures and does not apply to private investment. Eligible expenditures are drawn from departments’ confirmed Spending Review settlements. There has been no rationale for HM Treasury and the Ministry of Defence to assess the potential impact on private sector participation in the Trident renewal programme.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 9 January 2026 to Question 101610 on Offshore Industry: Security, what guidance his Department has issued to the operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea on steps to take in the event of threat or intimidation from Russian military assets.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Operators follow general security guidance from a range of sources, including the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), and Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).

Operators are required to follow risk assessments and contingency planning embedded within approved safety cases under the Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations 2005.

The Government closely monitors the security of energy infrastructure and regularly assesses potential threats, working with the Ministry of Defence, which keeps Russian military capabilities under continuous review as part of routine defence intelligence and strategic assessments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 88259, what discussions has she or her officials had with MOD counterparts regarding the coordination of ODA allocations across their two departments.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 17 November 2025 in response to Question 88261.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Statement of 1 December 2025 on UK–EU Relations, HCWS1114, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for UK national security of not reaching agreement on enhanced UK participation in the SAFE instrument; and what steps her Department is taking to help mitigate capability and interoperability gaps with EU partners.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to HCWS1114 on 1 December 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential effect of limiting UK defence industrial content to 35 per cent of SAFE-funded projects on (a) sovereign capability, (b) export competitiveness and (c) supply-chain resilience across the UK defence sector.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Security and Defence Partnership outlined in HCWS1114 on 1 December 2025, how the Government intends to ensure that cooperation on tackling hybrid threats, supporting Ukraine, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans will be maintained and strengthened without a bilateral SAFE agreement.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with NATO allies on ensuring that UK–EU defence cooperation, including through the Security and Defence Partnership referenced in HCWS1114 on 1 December 2025, complements NATO planning, procurement and capability development.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The matters raised by the Rt Hon Member are primarily for the Cabinet Office who were responsible for the written statement to which her questions refer, and the Ministry of Defence who are the responsible department for defence industrial matters.

We however continue to deepen and strengthen our cooperation with the EU on a range of related matters - including in tackling hybrid threats - via our new Security and Defence Partnership. Our relationships through NATO of course remain the bedrock of our security and defence.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2025, to Question, 90238, on Government Communications Service: Staff, if he will publish the number of (a) headcount and (b) FTE Government Communication Service staff in each government department, central public body and Arm’s Length Body, including NHS, according to information collated in the most recent Government Communications Service audit; and what are the aggregate figures.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Please see the table below that contains the full-time equivalent figures for departments. These figures incorporate the ALBs, which are grouped under their respective sponsoring organisations.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help increase the availability of driving tests at Preston test centre.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests that will break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

In the coming months, DVSA will:

• Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their tests
• Introduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.
• Make use of MOD driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times.

DVSA is continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country, including for Preston driving test centre, to provide as many tests as possible. One new entrant driving examiner is currently awaiting checks and will be placed on a training course as soon as possible. An additional new entrant driving examiner is currently undertaking training, upon successful completion, the new entrant will be joining Preston from February.

A full-time driving examiner can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with the Scottish Government on support for mountain rescue services.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

I want to pay a warm tribute to the extraordinary commitment and bravery of all mountain rescue teams, particularly volunteers across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Responsibility for mountain rescue is devolved to the Scottish Government, who have been provided with the largest settlement in the history of devolution. They must answer to the Scottish people on how they are using this record funding.

While Police Scotland holds the statutory responsibility for search and rescue on land, one of the three RAF mountain rescue teams is based at RAF Lossiemouth. This crucial reserved military asset, under the UK Ministry of Defence, regularly works alongside civilian teams to save lives on Scotland’s mountains. It is crucial that the two Governments continue to work together saving lives on Scotland's mountains.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has established thresholds for dangerous weapons-related capabilities in frontier AI models.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has policy responsibility for promoting responsible AI innovation and uptake. Risks related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons (and other dangerous weapons), including defining thresholds for harm in these domains, are managed by a combination of the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cabinet Office, and the Ministry of Defence. DSIT does not set thresholds for dangerous capabilities in risk domains owned by other departments.

The AI Security Institute (AISI), as part of DSIT, focuses on researching emerging AI risks with serious security implications, such as the potential for AI to help users develop chemical and biological weapons. AISI works with a broad range of experts and leading AI companies to understand the capabilities of advanced AI and advise on technical mitigations. AISI’s research supports other government departments in taking evidence-based action to mitigate risks whilst ensuring AI delivers on its potential for growth. AISI’s Frontier AI Trends Report, published in December 2025, outlines how frontier AI risks are expected to develop in the future.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has established a defined threshold of dangerous capability in frontier AI models, including capabilities relating to chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons, which would trigger Government action.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has policy responsibility for promoting responsible AI innovation and uptake. Risks related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons (and other dangerous weapons), including defining thresholds for harm in these domains, are managed by a combination of the Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Cabinet Office, and the Ministry of Defence. DSIT does not set thresholds for dangerous capabilities in risk domains owned by other departments.

The AI Security Institute (AISI), as part of DSIT, focuses on researching emerging AI risks with serious security implications, such as the potential for AI to help users develop chemical and biological weapons. AISI works with a broad range of experts and leading AI companies to understand the capabilities of advanced AI and advise on technical mitigations. AISI’s research supports other government departments in taking evidence-based action to mitigate risks whilst ensuring AI delivers on its potential for growth. AISI’s Frontier AI Trends Report, published in December 2025, outlines how frontier AI risks are expected to develop in the future.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the (a) terms of reference and (b) membership of the Undersea Infrastructure Security Oversight Board.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Undersea Infrastructure Security Oversight Board provides a joined-up function and sets strategic direction across government on undersea infrastructure security.

The core membership includes key government stakeholders with an interest in undersea infrastructure security. This includes representation from DSIT, DESNZ, MOD, Defra, DFT, Home Office, Royal Navy and others as required. It is chaired and convened by the Cabinet Office.

Found: That obligation is described by the Ministry of Defence as essentially a duty to obey lawful orders.

Found: Permanent Access Track Defra 2022 28 of 48 UK0013016 River Avon SAC River Avon abstractions Ministry of Defence

Found: Key emission sources across the area include agriculture - particularly pigs and poultry, Ministry of Defence

Found: However, several departments continue to lay after summer recess (DEFRA, DCMS, DHSC) and MoD has moved

Found: It’s all positive.”  99Credit: Highwaystarz-Photography Ministry of Defence: The Defence Housing Strategy

Found: It’s all positive.”  58 Chapter 3 | Our offer to consumers Credit: Highwaystarz-Photography Ministry of Defence

Found: contingency measure jointly managed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Ministry of Defence

Found: 5%-MOD(SUM(K43),5%)),OR(SUM(L36)<=SUM(K43)-MOD(SUM(K43),5%),SUM(L36)>SUM(K43)+5%-MOD(SUM(K43),5%)))))

Found: The defence exemptions process is administered on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) by MOD Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: Transport Fifty-first report: The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability 9 Ministry of Defence

Found: NATO operations from the Balkans to the Middle East, as well as in joint assignments in the Ministry of Defence

Found: State-of-the-art training facilities and accommodation completed at MOD Lyneham

Found: The MOD has awarded a £7.8 million contract to Leeds-based software company The Phoenix Partnership for

Found: 500 students now learning latest digital and cyber defence skills through MOD scheme in Lancashire

Found: and appeals lie only against orders of the Employment Tribunal rather than reasons: Harrod v Ministry of Defence

Found: 2025 95 85 85 95 95 95 No income tax liability arises in relation to a pension paid by the Ministry of Defence

Found: The key changes made to Issue 14 of RA 2335 are the introduction of a requirement for all MOD flying

Found: This includes continuing to assist the Ministry of Defence in their review of defence contracting (focussed

Found: Synopsis of Causation, Lower Limb Amputation Ministry of Defence Publication.

Found: for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Ministry of Defence

Found: for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Ministry of Defence

Found: Patrick spoke about the details of the Defence Growth Deals, outlining that the MOD are still ironing

Found: tonnes of metal to be delivered over the next four years to support the building of warships for the MOD

Found: will be bringing illegal substances for consumption) and how it contravenes the Misuse of Drugs Act (MoD

Found: Annex S • The Top 12 global aerospace and defence companies have facilities in Scotland and are MOD

Found: barred/advisory lists for the National Crime Agency (NCA), British Transport Police (BTP) the Ministry of Defence

Found: (MOD).

Found: phase 2 with the Minister announcing in July 2018 the intention to explore a collaboration with the MOD