Ministry of Defence
We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.
Secretary of State
Ben Wallace
Secretary of State for Defence
Ministers of State
Jeremy Quin - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)Baroness Goldie - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
James Heappey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)Information Resources: Departmental Overview 2019-20: Ministry of Defence - 2020 UK annual report on modern slavery -
Latest News (from Department Twitter Feed)
- 17 Apr 2021, 4:01 p.m.
- More than 700 members of the Armed Forces have honoured HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at his funeral today at Windsor. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh had a close personal relationship with the Armed Forces throughout his life. https://t.co/5ikAah80EO - Link
- 17 Apr 2021, 2:01 p.m.
- “His Royal Highness has been a great friend, inspiration and role model for the Armed Forces and he will be sorely missed. From all of us who serve today and who have served, thank you.” - Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter https://t.co/TzyGiTTH9n - Link View All Ministry of Defence Tweets
Ministry of Defence Commons Appearances
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:- Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
- Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
- Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.
Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
| Date | Type | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Mar. 15 | Oral Questions | Oral Answers to Questions |
| Feb. 05 | Topical Questions | Topical Questions |
| Nov. 10 | Urgent Questions | Armed Forces: Covid-19 Deployment |
| Apr. 13 | Written Statements | Overseas Operations Bill: MOD Support to Service Personnel |
| Mar. 10 | Westminster Hall | Noise Pollution and Military Aviation |
| Oct. 15 | Adjournment Debate | Ministry of Defence Tenants: Evictions |
Ministry of Defence - Bills and Acts in the Current Session
A Bill to Make provision about legal proceedings and consideration of derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights in connection with operations of the armed forces outside the British Islands.
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed forces; to make provision about service in the reserve forces; to make provision about pardons for certain abolished service offences; to make provision about war pensions; and for connected purposes.
Ministry of Defence - Laid Secondary Legislation
| Dates | Department | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
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Laid 15 Mar 2021 In Force 12 Apr 2021 |
Ministry of Defence |
Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2021 Parliamentary Status - Text of Legislation |
Made negative procedure |
| This Order amends the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983 (“the Scheme”), which makes provision for the payment of pensions and allowances to, or in respect of, civilians who were killed or injured during the 1939-1945 World War. | |||
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Laid 15 Mar 2021 In Force 12 Apr 2021 |
Ministry of Defence |
Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2021 Parliamentary Status - Text of Legislation |
Made negative procedure |
| This Order amends the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/517) (“the principal Order”), which provides for benefits to be payable to, or in respect of, a person by reason of injury, illness or death caused wholly or partly by service in the regular or reserve armed forces. | |||
Departmental Select Committee
Defence Committee
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
11 Members of the Defence Committee
Defence Committee Member since 29 Jan 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 2 Mar 2020
Defence Committee Member since 11 May 2020
Defence Committee Member since 11 May 2020
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
<i>At 2.30pm: Oral evidence</i><br/>Professor John Louth, independent author and defence analyst<br/>Paul Hough, defence business consultant<br/>
20 Apr 2021, 2 p.m.
Defending Global Britain in a Competitive Age
View calendar
Defence Committee - Private Meeting
21 Apr 2021, 9:45 a.m.
View calendar
Defence Committee: 15 Current Inquiries
Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
Ministry of Defence Publications
Most Recent Publications
| Date | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Apr. 14 | Defence Secretary statement on UK forces in Afghanistan | News and Communications |
| Apr. 09 | Defence Secretary Ben Wallace's tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh | News and Communications |
| Apr. 09 | Regulatory Article (RA) 2330: low flying | Guidance and Regulation |
Ministry of Defence Written Questions
Written Questions are submitted by Members of Parliament and the House of Lords to receive information or updates from a Department.
Departments are required to respond in a timely fashion and provide a response or requested information. Written Questions can compel detailed and specific information to be produced, and are frequently used as the source of news stories about the work of a Department.
Latest Written Question
| Date | Title | Questioner |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Apr 2021, midnight | Armoured Fighting Vehicles | Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford) |
|
Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Army’s Armoured Vehicle capacity. Answered by Jeremy Quin - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Army, as outlined in the Defence Command Paper, is receiving significant and ongoing investment in its armoured capability. The new Boxer and Ajax, and the upgraded Challenger Main Battle Tank will make up the core of the Army's two future Heavy Brigade Combat Teams. We will be more capable against peer adversaries and integrated with our NATO Allies and partners. |
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