Ministry of Defence

We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

John Healey
Secretary of State for Defence

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Defence)

Conservative
James Cartlidge (Con - South Suffolk)
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence

Scottish National Party
Dave Doogan (SNP - Angus and Perthshire Glens)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Defence)

Liberal Democrat
James MacCleary (LD - Lewes)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Baroness Goldie (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Earl of Minto (Con - Excepted Hereditary)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Ministers of State
Lord Coaker (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Al Carns (Lab - Birmingham Selly Oak)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Luke Pollard (LAB - Plymouth Sutton and Devonport)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Louise Sandher-Jones (Lab - North East Derbyshire)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Thursday 26th March 2026
Gurkha Veterans
Commons Chamber
Select Committee Docs
Friday 27th March 2026
09:29
Select Committee Inquiry
Wednesday 28th January 2026
Defence in the High North

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

Written Answers
Friday 27th March 2026
Ajax Vehicles
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what comparative assessments have been conducted between Ajax and like-for-like competitor vehicles …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 12th March 2026
Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
This Order amends the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983 (“the Scheme”), which makes provision for the payment of pensions and …
Bills
Thursday 15th January 2026
Armed Forces Bill 2024-26
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed …
Dept. Publications
Friday 27th March 2026
16:50

Guidance

Ministry of Defence Commons Appearances

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

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

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

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

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Mar. 16
Oral Questions
Jan. 12
Urgent Questions
Mar. 26
Written Statements
Mar. 04
Westminster Hall
Mar. 25
Adjournment Debate
View All Ministry of Defence Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Introduced: 6th November 2024

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

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

Ministry of Defence - Secondary Legislation

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.
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.
View All Ministry of Defence Secondary Legislation

Petitions

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

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

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

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
10,515 Signatures
(8,303 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
8,508 Signatures
(3,512 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
329 Signatures
(104 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
365 Signatures
(85 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
10,515 Signatures
(8,303 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
8,508 Signatures
(3,512 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
7,574 Signatures
(30 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
5,037 Signatures
(28 in the last 7 days)
Ministry of Defence has not participated in any petition debates
View All Ministry of Defence Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Defence Committee

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

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

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


11 Members of the Defence Committee
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Portrait
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Derek Twigg Portrait
Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Fred Thomas Portrait
Fred Thomas (Labour - Plymouth Moor View)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Michelle Scrogham Portrait
Michelle Scrogham (Labour - Barrow and Furness)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman (Conservative - Hereford and South Herefordshire)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Emma Lewell Portrait
Emma Lewell (Labour - South Shields)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Lincoln Jopp Portrait
Lincoln Jopp (Conservative - Spelthorne)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Alex Baker Portrait
Alex Baker (Labour - Aldershot)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Calvin Bailey Portrait
Calvin Bailey (Labour - Leyton and Wanstead)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Ian Roome Portrait
Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat - North Devon)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Mike Martin Portrait
Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat - Tunbridge Wells)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
Women in the Armed Forces: Follow-Up
14 Apr 2026, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Louise Sandher-Jones MP - Minister for Veterans and People at Ministry of Defence
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins - First Sea Lord at Ministry of Defence
General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO - Chief of the General Staff at Ministry of Defence
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth - Chief of the Air Staff at Ministry of Defence
Sam des Forges - Director of Conduct, Equity and Justice at Ministry of Defence

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

50 most recent Written Questions

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

19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the average length of time for each Type-45 Fleet Time Support Period.

Fleet Time Support Periods (FTSPs) for Type 45 Destroyers vary in duration depending on the scope of scheduled maintenance, operational commitments, capability insertions and any emergent work identified once the vessel enters the maintenance period.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) the potential cancellation of the the Ajax programme and (b) levels of Ajax export contracts on levels of employment in Merthyr Tydfil.

The Armoured Cavalry Programme's contract has a range of remedies available including but not limited to, step in rights, demand recovery plans, or terminate should its cancellation ever be necessary. While the future of the Merthyr Tydfil factory and future exports is a matter for General Dynamics Land Systems UK, I have frequent engagement with representatives from General Dynamics, the Welsh Government and the local MPs regarding the Ajax platform. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what comparative assessments have been conducted between Ajax and like-for-like competitor vehicles which could replace it; and which vehicles have been compared.

Our focus has been, and continues to be, ensuring that AJAX is safe for our soldiers to use. In considering the future of AJAX, several alternative platforms were assessed. I intend to update the House to outline next steps after Easter recess.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to enhance drone manufacturing capacity in the UK.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to enhancing the UK’s drone manufacturing capacity by investing in research and development, fostering partnerships with industry, and supporting innovation through initiatives. These efforts aim to strengthen the domestic defence industrial base, promote growth and ensure the UK remains at the forefront of cutting-edge drone technology.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, when the UK's return for 2027 will be produced.

The UK will submit its 2027 defence return at the next suitable point. NATO returns are usually required in May each year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department seeks feedback from military personnel on the catering service provided by Sodexo.

The Ministry of Defence actively seeks and acts upon the feedback from Military Personnel regarding catering services provided by Sodexo.

Military Personnel are able to submit feedback by scanning site QR codes displayed on tables, using digital feedback applications, or through established local engagement channels. Additionally, each catering facility maintains a comments and suggestions book, which is regularly reviewed.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who in the new Defence Reform Quad structure is responsible for ensuring that new commercial technologies are adopted by the armed forces.

Adoption and integration of new commercial technologies is a collaborative process between the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group and the Armed Forces. The Military Strategic Headquarters, on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff, sets the design of the integrated force and the NAD Group are responsible for planning, resourcing and integrating applicable technology to deliver capability to the Armed Forces to meet the design.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many vehicles are part of the Land Rover WOLF fleet.

I can confirm that as of 19 March 2026, there are 5,826 platforms in-service in the Land Rover WOLF fleet. This figure includes those in the active fleet and those in or awaiting to commence the disposal process.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when is HMS Richmond due to be decommissioned.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 108883 tabled on 4 February 2026.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current total remuneration of the National Armaments Director.

The total remuneration package for the National Armaments Director (NAD) is in line with the maximum advertised. The base salary for the role is currently £400,000.

In addition, the NAD is also eligible for an annual performance award of up to 60% of base salary. However, as year-end performance has yet to be reviewed no such award has been made. If such an award were made for 2025-26 it would be prorated in light of the NAD having been employed part way through the year.

The NAD’s eligibility for other benefits is the same as for other MOD Civilian SCS4 posts in terms of pension and travel benefits. Values for these will be reported in the MOD Annual Report and Accounts alongside any prorated 2025-26 annual performance award value.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to incorporate lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield innovation, particularly in drone technology, electronic warfare and autonomous systems, into UK defence.

The pace of Defence's 'learn and adapt' cycle has accelerated exponentially as a result of lessons learnt in Ukraine The SDR highlighted the importance of autonomous systems within the UK’s integrated force. Decisions on the UK’s equipment requirements, including drones, electromagnetic warfare and autonomous systems, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Royal Navy minesweepers will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98517 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98518 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to make changes to the UK-Morocco security partnership in the context of recent events in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The UK’s security partnership with Morocco is focused on addressing shared defence and security interests through a programme of bilateral activities, which is developed and agreed on an annual basis. Recent events in the Middle East and North Africa have not altered this approach.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to expand defence training and knowledge-sharing initiatives with Ukraine, including through facilities and defence establishments in Scotland.

In March 2026, the UK and Ukraine signed an Enhanced Security and Defence Industrial Collaboration Declaration, which will see the UK and Ukraine deepen cooperation in the field of military training and knowledge sharing.

This includes the participation of Ukrainian personnel in allied training activities and the organisation of joint exercises.

We will accelerate cooperation in the exchange of defence-related information and data and integrate lessons learnt from the battlefield into military training and capability planning.

On 12 March, we announced a £50 million investment into the Scotland Defence Growth Deal to boost Scotland’s crucial role in UK defence. We also announced a further £10 million to support the implementation of a Defence Technical Excellence College, in consultation with Colleges Scotland, to increase the number of skilled workers available to Scotland’s defence sector.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, what the evidential basis is that the relationship with the Republic of Cyprus has never been closer.

The UK's defence relationship with the Republic of Cyprus is multifaceted, underscored by an annual multi-domain bilateral cooperation programme. The activity outlined in this programme continues to increase year-on-year, identifying and exploiting previously unconsidered areas to the benefit of both nations. Evidence of this was the completion of the inaugural UK-Cyprus Industry Day, held at the Cypriot High Commission in December 2025.

The collaboration at the operational level is deep. This has been demonstrated through the coordination of air defence efforts in response to the current situation in the Middle East.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, whether he has been invited to hold discussions with Defence Minister Palmas and other Cypriot Government officials on the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.

No, the Ministry of Defence has not been invited to hold discussions with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Powerful new Royal Navy warship programme advances as milestones reached for two ships, published on 24 February 2026, if he will confirm that defence spending will increase to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

As the Hon. Gentleman will probably already know, based on the latest GDP projections, the UK's defence spending is currently forecast to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2027.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February to Question 110439 on Defence: Expenditure, what elements of the 2.6% of GDP spent on Defence in 2027 will not be spent on the MOD budget.

Defence Expenditure is defined by NATO.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on a) turnover rates within Royal Navy catering services, b) the quality of food provided in messes, and c) sales receipts in mess facilities of returning responsibility for cooking and catering at shore‑based establishments to the Catering Services branch; and whether he has estimated the cost of phasing in such changes over time.

The Royal Navy continuously reviews the catering provision provided to Service personnel to ensure this meets the standards expected. Recent initiatives have been introduced to further enhance nutrition, consistency, and customer satisfaction. There are currently no plans for the catering provision provide to shore-based establishments to be delivered by the Catering Services branch.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he and (b) any of his Ministerial colleagues held discussions with Peter Mandelson on the procurement of contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he or (b) any of his Ministerial colleagues met with Peter Mandelson between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any officials from his Department held discussions with Peter Mandelson regarding procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Peter Mandelson was in attendance in any meetings held by his Department on procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any representatives from his Department were in attendance during the Prime Minister's visit to the headquarters of Palantir in Washington on 27 February 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112213 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112214 on Lord Mandelson.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112215 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112216 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112391, tabled on 10 February 2026, on Ministry of Defence: Palantir.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, when will the first Lightweight Multirole Missile purchased as part of this announcement be in service.

Under the terms of the announced arrangement with Thales, the UK is expected to take delivery of new Lightweight Multirole Missiles in April, after which they will enter service.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, how many Lightweight Multirole Missiles will his Department procure.

I am withholding this information for reasons of safeguarding operational security.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
20th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q33 of the oral evidence given by her Department's Permanent Secretary to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, if he will list all Departments that are required to agree the Defence Investment Plan.

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
20th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q33 of the oral evidence given by her Department's Permanent Secretary to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, which Departments have not agreed to the Defence Investment Plan.

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the response of the Permanent Secretary to Question 33 in the Defence Committee Session on MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, HC 1779 on 17 March 2026, how many people are included in his comments that the Defence Investment Plan needs to be agreed by everyone across Government.

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what type of Iranian missile that was intercepted by the United States Navy was directed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.

We do not comment on the detail of such threats for reasons of safeguarding operational security.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, following the meeting of the Defence Working Group on 5 March 2026, what steps is he taking to fulfil the UK’s military deterrence obligations following the Islamic Republic of Iran’s actions that threaten the Kingdom of Bahrain’s a) sovereignty and b) territorial integrity under Article II of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA).

The UK remains committed to supporting Bahrain from Iran's indiscriminate attacks in any way we can. Since 12 March 2026, we have provided Defensive Counter Air support, enabled by the deployment of additional Typhoon aircraft to the region. The Ministry of Defence is meeting its obligations under the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA). The Chief of the Defence Staff has spoken with his Bahraini and American C-SIPA counterparts and they remain in regular contact as the situation develops.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on delivering the Defence Housing Strategy; what the total planned investment is for upgrading military accommodation; and how many service homes are expected to benefit in Rochester and Strood constituency.

We have begun the biggest transformation of Armed Forces housing in a generation. The Department is in the early stages of delivering the recommendations of the Defence Housing Strategy and we will publish our implementation plan in due course. The plan is funded by a £9 billion investment plan and will be delivered via a decade of renewal, driven by the new Defence Housing Service.

We have already made rapid improvements by delivering our Consumer Charter commitments which we announced in April 2025 to drive immediate, tangible improvements to accommodation for Service families:

  • We transformed 1,000 of the worst home in time for Christmas 2025, with more to be upgraded by Spring 2026.
  • We modernised outdated policies, to give families greater freedoms to make home improvements, streamlined the processes for those wishing to run business from home, and removed the need to seek permission to have a pet.

Until the recommendations in the Strategy have final implementation plans for every area of the country, some c47,000 homes, I regret we cannot confirm the future intent for military housing in each constituency.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many apprentices his Department recruited in each year since 2022.

The table below includes both existing Ministry of Defence (MOD) Civil Servants who commenced an apprenticeship, and those Civil Servants recruited to the MOD as apprentices. It does not include Armed Forces apprenticeships.

Year

Apprentices

2022

700

2023

802

2024

1,042

2025

1,063

2026 (to date)

154

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
17th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s press release entitled UK-first achieved in advanced materials to benefit defence, published on 10 March 2026, from which countries the United Kingdom has primarily previously sourced ultra-high-temperature materials prior to establishing domestic manufacturing capability.

Overseas supply of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) is predominantly available from the USA and Japan, noting that other countries are also looking to develop commercial supply capabilities.

Overall, at the present stage of UK development of industrial capability for CMC manufacture the type and magnitude of exports for defence and civil applications is unknown. Export controls are already in place to protect high performing sovereign CMC materials.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s press release entitled UK-first achieved in advanced materials to benefit defence, published on 10 March 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reliance on overseas suppliers of ultra-high-temperature materials prior to that programme on defence capability.

Overseas supply of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) is predominantly available from the USA and Japan, noting that other countries are also looking to develop commercial supply capabilities.

Overall, at the present stage of UK development of industrial capability for CMC manufacture the type and magnitude of exports for defence and civil applications is unknown. Export controls are already in place to protect high performing sovereign CMC materials.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
17th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s press release entitled UK-first achieved in advanced materials to benefit defence, published on 10 March 2026, whether he plans to export UK capability in Ceramic Matrix Composite manufacturing to allies without domestic production capacity.

Overseas supply of Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) is predominantly available from the USA and Japan, noting that other countries are also looking to develop commercial supply capabilities.

Overall, at the present stage of UK development of industrial capability for CMC manufacture the type and magnitude of exports for defence and civil applications is unknown. Export controls are already in place to protect high performing sovereign CMC materials.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 118816 on HMS Dragon: Lasers, when the demonstration and evaluation phase for DragonFire will conclude.

The DragonFire programme is being delivered through a new approach to procurement aimed at accelerating delivery timescales and providing the Royal Navy with novel capability sooner. This approach focuses on delivering a minimum deployable capability that can be further developed and enhanced over time.

Based on a successful demonstrator trial, DragonFire was selected for acceleration into service, leading to further trials to inform the design and development of a minimum deployable capability. We are on track to install this capability on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer in 2027. Beyond this, spiral development will allow for progressive improvement of the capability.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 118816 on HMS Dragon: Lasers, how many further phases will follow the demonstration and evaluation phase for the DragonFire.

The DragonFire programme is being delivered through a new approach to procurement aimed at accelerating delivery timescales and providing the Royal Navy with novel capability sooner. This approach focuses on delivering a minimum deployable capability that can be further developed and enhanced over time.

Based on a successful demonstrator trial, DragonFire was selected for acceleration into service, leading to further trials to inform the design and development of a minimum deployable capability. We are on track to install this capability on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer in 2027. Beyond this, spiral development will allow for progressive improvement of the capability.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the build schedule and estimated initial operating capacity of the Type 31 frigate.

The first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer, is scheduled to be ready for operations by the end of the decade.

The Type 31 programme is progressing to deliver five capable and versatile new frigates for the Royal Navy. HMS Active, the second ship in the class, floated-off on 21 March 2026 and will now undergo further outfit work before test and commissioning takes place. Steel has also been cut on HMS Bulldog, the fourth vessel in the class.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the current level of unmanned aerial systems is lower than that as of 1 January 2024; and if so, what is the timescale for the replenishment of munitions stockpiles to that level.

The Ministry of Defence has had delivery of over 7,900 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability and stockpiles, including uncrewed systems platform numbers and types. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the current munitions stockpile level is lower than that as of 1 January 2024; and if so, what is the timescale for the replenishment of munitions stockpiles to that level.

Details regarding Defence's munitions stockpile are classified, and it would therefore be inappropriate to provide further commentary.

As part of our commitment under the Strategic Defence Review, we committed £1.5 billion through the Strategic Defence Review to transitioning production of key munitions to an "always on" model and are progressing plans to establish six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK, taking our total munitions spend this parliament to £6 billion. The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with industry, allies, and partners to ensure that munitions stockpiles remain sufficient to meet the demands of current and future operations.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government why the publication of the Defence Investment Plan has been delayed.

The department is working to finalise the Defence Investment Plan, which we will publish as soon as we can. We need to ensure investment choices are right for both now and the future. It is the first zero-based review of Defence's budgets in eighteen years and goes significantly further than the last Government's Equipment Plan by looking across every budget line, including people and infrastructure.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)