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.
This inquiry will examine the Armed Forces Covenant, the UK’s commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Ministry of Defence has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
We are in frequent contact with partner nations to discuss how to collectively accelerate the transfer of ammunition and other armaments to Ukraine. As co-leaders of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group the UK is taking a leading role in ensuring coordination and coherence of international support to Ukraine.
With European partners, we are also members of the artillery capability coalition and co-leads of the maritime and drone capability coalitions, which deliver immediate support to Ukraine and also have a long-term plan to support Ukraine's ambitions for a NATO interoperable future force.
The Ministry of Defence has a world leading Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search capability, providing critical support to military operations and UK resilience.
Additionally, Defence recognises the importance of Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC) capabilities delivered both internally and to external stakeholders. As we look ahead, Defence spending is being prioritised to face the threats and challenges of the twenty-first century. To meet the demand for EOC services, we currently have a framework through the Counter Explosive Ordnance Defence Engagement office, and in conjunction with the FCDO, to deliver EOC capability through a contracted solution, assured by Defence.
Future capability decisions will be subject to the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review.
The Government works closely with the Armed Forces charity sector, who play a vital part in the wider support system for veterans; I meet regularly with representatives of Armed Forces charities to discuss the support available and how we can work effectively together. I am actively exploring ways of simplifying and coordinating access to Government support, which includes working in partnership with the charity sector to harness and cohere that support.
The Government is convinced of the benefits of cadets, not just for young people who participate, but for society. Participation in the Cadet Forces has significant positive impacts on young people, increasing their performance at school and improving their employment and career prospects.
The Cadet Forces instil values and standards and provide the opportunity for young people to develop key skills including self-discipline, confidence, and resilience which equip them for life.
The skills, confidence, and cultural capital that young people gain from being cadets improves their social mobility, and in terms of health and wellbeing alone, participation in the Cadet Forces produces an annual return on investment in the region of £120 million.
Independent research has shown the cost of cadets is fully covered if the life outcomes of just 1% of cadets change each year so that they are in education, training, or employment.
For all these reasons, we are committed to sustaining the Cadet Forces across the UK, including within the Fylde constituency, where there are currently nine separate Cadet Units.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) pays a tax-free allowance called Council Tax Relief for certain Service personnel on specified operations or assignments. In 2011, the MOD doubled the rate from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, under the auspices of the Armed Forces Covenant. The MOD has established structures in place to engage regularly with a wide range of stakeholders including Serving personnel and their families. This routine engagement maintains continued awareness of the support available.
I have been fortunate enough to meet with many businesses and organisations that are both signed up and who are also interested in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. This Government is committed to fully extending the legal duty, which will increase education and awareness of the unique nature of Service.
Defence Relationship Management provides direct engagement with employers across the UK through its account management team. This engagement supports employers in understanding the Armed Forces Covenant, developing bespoke and meaningful pledges, and progressing on to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme where appropriate.
The Ministry of Defence has policy in place to hold organisations to account known as the ‘the Covenant Test’, where ultimately, if a company fails the test, their right to utilise the Armed Forces Covenant title and branding can be removed.
I refer the Noble Baroness to the response given by the Minister for the Armed Forces last November (Question 11998).
The Royal Navy has been operating a range of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to detect sea mines since 2005. In the past three years, we have increased our pool of Remus 100 and 300 UUVs and deployed them to globally-deployed frontline Royal Naval units to survey the seabed and detect sea mines. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are already transforming operational capability, acting as force multipliers for our sailors and a catalyst for military and commercial innovation. The Royal Navy has an ambition to accelerate, scale and develop these systems by harnessing UK industry and the thriving Science and Technology sector to produce world-leading capabilities.
The Royal Navy has been operating a range of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to detect sea mines since 2005. In the past three years, we have increased our pool of Remus 100 and 300 UUVs and deployed them to globally-deployed frontline Royal Naval units to survey the seabed and detect sea mines. Uncrewed and autonomous systems are already transforming operational capability, acting as force multipliers for our sailors and a catalyst for military and commercial innovation. The Royal Navy has an ambition to accelerate, scale and develop these systems by harnessing UK industry and the thriving Science and Technology sector to produce world-leading capabilities.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.
The requested information is not held. The time lost due to incursions on Ministry of Defence Ranges, is not recorded.