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
Select Committee Docs
Friday 20th March 2026
10:01
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 20th March 2026
Defence: Procurement
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the difference …
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 20th March 2026
13:46

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. 04
Westminster Hall
Feb. 24
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).

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Petitions with most signatures
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7,544 Signatures
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5,009 Signatures
(55 in the last 7 days)
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4,983 Signatures
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2,027 Signatures
(None 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
One-off session on the impact of the delay to the Defence Investment Plan on industry
24 Mar 2026, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Samira Braund - Defence Director at ADS
Arnab Dutt OBE - Policy Champion for Procurement and Social Value at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Andrew Kinniburgh - Director-General at Make UK Defence
Mr Fred Sugden - Associate Director, Defence and National Security at techUK
At 11:30am: Oral evidence
Dominic Armstrong - Head of policy and communications at Community Union
Bob King - National Secretary Defence at Prospect
Steve McGuinness - Executive Council Member for Aerospace and Shipbuilding at Unite the Union

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
Pre-appointment hearing for the Armed Forces Commissioner
25 Mar 2026, 9:30 a.m.
At 9:45am: Oral evidence
TBA

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

11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which F-35B squadron will deploy on Operation Firecrest.

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 119565 provided on 18 March 2026.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to deploy RFA Lyme Bay to the Middle East.

RFA Lyme Bay has departed Gibraltar in order to assist in maritime tasks in the Eastern Mediterranean if necessary.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to deploy service personnel to the Middle East in a peacekeeping capacity.

We will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment for reasons of operational security.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when was the Chief of the Defence Staff first notified on the availability of a Type 45 Destroyer to deploy to Cyprus.

We constantly review deployments of Royal Navy assets in line with securing the interests of the UK and our allies. As the Chief of the Defence Staff said on the BBC on Saturday 7 March, he looked at the proposals for HMS Dragon being deployed to the Middle East on Tuesday 3 March, and the Defence Secretary signed them off immediately the same day.

Since January we have moved significant military assets into the region, ahead of the first US-Israeli strikes, including radar systems, air defence, and F-35 jets. Those preparations made a real difference and mean that we have conducted defensive military operations from day one.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he had discussions with the Chief of the Defence Staff on deploying a Type 45 Destroyer to Cyprus prior to 3 March 2026.

We constantly review deployments of Royal Navy assets in line with securing the interests of the UK and our allies. As the Chief of the Defence Staff said on the BBC on Saturday 7 March, he looked at the proposals for HMS Dragon being deployed to the Middle East on Tuesday 3 March, and the Defence Secretary signed them off immediately the same day.

Since January we have moved significant military assets into the region, ahead of the first US-Israeli strikes, including radar systems, air defence, and F-35 jets. Those preparations made a real difference and mean that we have conducted defensive military operations from day one.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised any changes to the deployment of British service personnel in the High North since 28 February 2026.

We do not comment on specific deployments for reasons of safeguarding operational security.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the decision point for the deployment of RFA Lyme Bay to the Eastern Mediterranean.

RFA Lyme Bay has sailed from Gibraltar, available for maritime tasks in the region should they be required.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March to Question 115508 on Strategic Defence Review, how many workshops have taken place involving MOD, DHSC and UK health services as of 10 March 2026.

Between February 2025 and 10 March 2026, there have been four multi-day workshops involving the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Health and Social Care and UK health services to explore the UK’s ability to deal with casualties across a range of scenarios up to and including warfighting.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, whether the 0.47% of GDP spent not included in the table will be outlined in a formal Government document.

The UK's performance against the NATO spending targets will continue to be reported directly to NATO in the usual way. There are no plans to change this long-standing process.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of adopting the Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle for the UK Armed Forces.

Work to consider the future sniper rifle for UK Armed Forces is currently in a pre-concept project, and as such formal consideration of systems and specifications has not yet taken place.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any civil servants hired by his Department were recruited over another person on the basis of a protected characteristic in each of the last three years.

The Ministry of Defence does not recruit candidates on the basis of protected characteristics. All appointments are made on merit, in line with the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. Compliance with these principles is overseen by the independent Civil Service Commission. Civil Service recruitment is governed by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which requires that all appointments to the Civil Service are made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has examined options for cooperation with France on the M51.4 submarine‑launched missile.

The UK and France work closely together on a range of nuclear research and technology matters, including as part of the 2010 Teutates Treaty. Our deepening co-operation under the 2025 Northwood Declaration includes nuclear policy, capabilities and operations.

The UK will continue to rely on its Trident II D5 submarine launched ballistic missiles, which we procure from the United States, significantly reducing the cost of our nuclear deterrent capability. The Trident missile system remains the most reliable weapons system in the world and the government has absolute confidence that the UK’s deterrent remains effective, dependable, and formidable.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the difference in time horizons between venture capital of three to four years, and defence procurement cycles that exceed a decade, on private investment in the domestic defence sector.

Venture capital is only a sub-section of the capital available to support defence and our transition to warfighting readiness; venture capital is most suited to innovative, high-growth potential companies, not the large defence programmes with the longest timelines and procurement cycles.

Through Procurement Segmentation, as announced in the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy, we are establishing a ‘rapid commercial exploitation’ segment and distinct acquisition pathways which will enable a time-to-contract of three-months for innovative technologies, more closely aligning the timelines between investors and defence.

This will drive the investability and bankability of the defence sector, in parallel to the support offered by the newly established UK Defence Innovation and wider public financial institutions (for example, the British Business Bank).

The Defence Finance and Investment Strategy, to be published in Spring, will provide a comprehensive view of the measures to increase the available capital to improve warfighting readiness while also driving growth.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in delivering Atlantic Net.

The Royal Navy (RN) will be deploying new undersea warfare technology as part of Atlantic Net, a new initiative that will see the RN rapidly field and iterate undersea warfare technology in collaboration with a Commercial Mission Partner or Partners. The initial commercial competition closed in late Nov 25 with follow on technical assessment undertaken during Dec 25, this process down-selected from 26 compliant consortia to five.

The RN has worked collaboratively with these five consortia over the past three months, investing £5.6 million to rapidly develop and evidence these capabilities further before the Atlantic Net Commercial Mission Partner will be selected and scaled, pending approval in the Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the answer of 1 September 2025 to Question HL9555 on Chagos Islands: Defence, what the percentage split is between the two Departments.

The payments split associated with the UK-Mauritius agreement on the Chagos Archipelago between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ministry of Defence will be published in the usual way alongside other Departmental spend in the annual accounts.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the number of staff dedicated to preparing the Defence Investment Plan over the last twelve months.

The Defence Investment Plan has been supported by a flexible cross‑Defence team, with personnel allocated at the right level to reflect the complexity of the work and ensure progress to publication.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the cost envelope for the Defence Investment Plan will be based on his Department's (a) Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit, (b) Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit and (c) Total Departmental Expenditure Limit settlement.

The Defence Investment Plan will be a comprehensive plan to deliver the vision set out in the Strategic Defence Review. It will cover the full scope of the defence against the Department's respective CDEL and RDEL settlements.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the impact assessment conducted on the closure of ATR Winchester.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 March 2026 to Question 116321, which remains extant.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the requirement to replace the minehunting capability of HMS Middleton in the Arabian Gulf.

We inherited a plan from the previous government for a drawdown of crewed minehunting capabilities.

The Royal Navy remains committed to sustaining mine countermeasures capability in the Arabian Gulf. The UK is transitioning to modern autonomous minehunting systems under the Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme, and operational requirements in the region are kept under constant review.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of serving British soldiers are classified as medically fit for immediate deployment; and how this compares to NATO readiness benchmarks.

The vast majority of our Service Personnel - around 90% - are deployable at any point, with most of the remaining members of our Armed Forces employed in wider military roles.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the level of deployability of HMS Duncan prior to completion of its Power Improvement Project upgrade.

The Royal Navy manages the availability and readiness of its ships on a rolling basis, ensuring that vessels are deployed only when they are safe, capable, and endorsed for tasking.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what air-to-air counter-drone engagement training is currently provided to a) Typhoon and b) F-35B pilots.

Using both live flying and realistic synthetic training simulation, Typhoon and F-35B Lightning aircrew continuously train for countering and defeating the full spectrum of airborne threats including drones.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
3rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2025 to Question 75027 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, how much of the cost was spent on catering.

The total cost of catering on CSAT fights between 5 July 2024 and 4 July 2025 was £91,714.15.

In Question 75027 which the hon. member refers to, the date range was incorrect. It should have stated 5 July 2024 to 4 July 2025.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what investigations are underway into the safety case for Ajax and the decision-making process that led to Initial Operating Capability being signed off.

As the hon. Member will be aware, investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure all information and evidence is considered. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments, as I have done since the issue arose n Exercise Titan Storm.

I released a written Ministerial Statement in the House on 22 January 2026 in which I provided an update to Parliament on the British Army’s Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) and the findings of the Ministerial review which has now concluded. It would not be appropriate to release any further specific details than those contained in my previous statement.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the timetable expected for a full safety report into Ajax family vehicles.

As the hon. Member will be aware, investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure all information and evidence is considered. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments, as I have done since the issue arose n Exercise Titan Storm.

I released a written Ministerial Statement in the House on 22 January 2026 in which I provided an update to Parliament on the British Army’s Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) and the findings of the Ministerial review which has now concluded. It would not be appropriate to release any further specific details than those contained in my previous statement.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
2nd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether contractual mechanisms exist to recover costs if Ajax is cancelled; and what is the estimated financial exposure to the MoD.

Investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, but the Ajax contract does contain mechanisms to ensure General Dynamics rectify any failure to meet requirements or obligations, as well as provisions for terminating the contract if there is a material breach of their obligations. This would allow the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to recover costs. The value of the Ajax contract is already published. It would undermine the MOD's position by exposing its view on the level of costs it feels would be claimed in the event of a termination event of this nature.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide an update on the commercial sale of the former RFA vessels (a) Wave Knight and (b) Wave Ruler.

A Sale Agreement for RFA WAVE RULER and RFA WAVE KNIGHT was signed in January 2026; Inocea Shipholding Ltd (ISL) has purchased the former RFA vessels and will be reactivating them for service.

I am unable to release further detail of the Sale Agreement at this time.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Capita in managing the recruitment process for army reservists.

Applications to join the Army Reserve have reached their highest level in five years, with more than 5,000 active candidates currently in the pipeline.

However, further work is required to strengthen the progression of applicants into trained Reservists. Improving this progression rate is a priority and continues to be the subject of detailed engagement between the Army Reserve and Capita.

Regular engagement is undertaken between the Department and Capita and all parties remain committed to identifying, agreeing, and implementing measures that will deliver sustained and measurable improvements across the Reserve recruiting pipeline. Additional enhancements are anticipated during Recruiting Year 2026-27, ahead of the establishment of the Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS) in 2027-28.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Capita on their management of the recruitment process for army reservists.

Applications to join the Army Reserve have reached their highest level in five years, with more than 5,000 active candidates currently in the pipeline.

However, further work is required to strengthen the progression of applicants into trained Reservists. Improving this progression rate is a priority and continues to be the subject of detailed engagement between the Army Reserve and Capita.

Regular engagement is undertaken between the Department and Capita and all parties remain committed to identifying, agreeing, and implementing measures that will deliver sustained and measurable improvements across the Reserve recruiting pipeline. Additional enhancements are anticipated during Recruiting Year 2026-27, ahead of the establishment of the Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS) in 2027-28.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026 to question 106075, what progress he has made on providing a full response.

An answer will be provided shortly.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for approving MHC Block 2 of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles.

The Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme is being delivered in incremental blocks to ensure capability can be introduced and enhanced at pace. First of class Block 1 systems are entering service and undergoing operational evaluation. Approval of the Full Business Case for Block 2 is on track to achieve a Minimum Deployable Capability by the end of 2030.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the level of risk posed by the YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile to Royal Navy ships.

As part of its routine responsibilities, the Royal Navy carries out comprehensive analyses of potential threats to its operations and assets. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has considered replacing the mark 1 30mm cannon on the Type 45 with the DS30M mark 2.

The Ministry of Defence keeps the capabilities of all Royal Navy platforms under regular review to ensure they remain aligned with operational requirements. The Type 45 Destroyers are equipped with a range of layered defensive systems that continue to meet current operational needs.

Any future consideration of alternative weapon systems would be assessed against cost, capability need, platform integration requirements, crew impacts, and overall value for money in the context of the developing Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Skycutter on the procurement of the Shrike 10 Fiber FPV drone.

The Department has no records of formal engagement with Skycutter on the procurement of the Shrike 10 Fiber FPV drone.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the cumulative impact of delays to Challenger 3, Boxer, RCH155 and the Protected Mobility fleet on the British Army’s war‑fighting ability.

The ability to conduct high-end warfighting remains the core of the British Army, including being able to deploy a lethal warfighting Division that is fit for the modern battlefield.

The Department conducts an annual Capability Audit to assess our ability to meet Defence commitments and policy objectives. This process considers the impact of any changes or delays across all major programmes.

While detailed assessments cannot be shared for operational security reasons, we continue to monitor these programmes closely and manage any associated risks.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of converting Type 31 frigates into air‑defence or land‑attack variants through installation of Mk41 Vertical Launch Systems.

The Type 31 frigate has been designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind, including provision within its baseline design to accommodate a range of future capability enhancements as required.

As part of routine capability planning, the Ministry of Defence keeps potential upgrades to all Royal Navy platforms under regular review.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the disposal plans for a) HMS Chiddingford and b) HMS Middleton.

There are currently no disposal plans for the Hunt Class Mine Countermeasures Vessels, HMS Chiddingfold and HMS Middleton. The last Hunt Class ship is due to leave service in 2031.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to prevent being drawn into offensive military action against Iran.

The UK did not participate in the initial strikes carried out by Israel and the USA. It is the longstanding British Government position that the best way forward for the region and the world is a negotiated settlement with Iran, where they give up their nuclear ambitions. Despite this, Iran has attacked British personnel and bases, civilians, and countries that did not participate in the initial strikes.

All activity so far conducted by the UK has been for defensive purposes; however, the best way to end the threat posed by Iran’s reckless and indiscriminate attacks is to destroy the missiles and launchers at source. That is why the Prime Minister agreed to a US request for permission to use British bases to conduct defensive operations to take out Iranian missiles before they are fired at our people and our allies.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made towards equipping UK armed forces with nuclear weapon capability additional to the submarine continuous at-sea deterrent.

The United Kingdom will purchase 12 F-35A aircraft and join NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear mission. This is not a decision to acquire a second sovereign delivery system, and the nuclear weapons allocated to the NATO DCA mission are United States nuclear weapons which remain under US custody and control.

The UK will continue to rely on its four nuclear deterrent submarines. A submarine based deterrent system has served the UK well for decades, providing the assured second-strike capability that is the foundation of the UK’s national security, and we expect a submarine-based approach will continue to offer a high level of capability.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of President Macron's announcement that he intends to make France's nuclear capability available to its European allies.

At the 2025 UK-France Summit, and through the Northwood Declaration, His Majesty’s Government agreed concrete steps to further strengthen the United Kingdom’s nuclear co-operation with France. Both nations are resolved to deter threats against Europe. The UK's nuclear deterrent remains declared to the defence of NATO, and our collaboration with France strengthens our existing commitments to our Allies. We welcome the proposals set out by President Macron to co-operate more closely with Allies on nuclear issues.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that original equipment manufacturers pay their supply‑chain suppliers within 30 days; what reporting and transparency requirements apply to foreign prime contractors in respect of their payment practices; and what guidance his Department issues to original equipment manufacturers that seek to delay payments to suppliers in order to manage cash flow for overseas parent companies.

The Ministry of Defence conducts regular spot checks on all contracts in scope of PPN 021: Payment Spot Checks in Public Sub-Contracts to ensure compliance with the 30-day payment term across the supply chain. The results of these checks are published online, and appropriate action would be taken against suppliers failing to meet the payment requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.

All suppliers and their subcontractors are encouraged, through tender documentation, to commit to good payment practices by registering with the Fair Payment Code. This demonstrates their commitment to timely and fair payment practices.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the adequacy of 2 Force Protection Wing’s ORCUS counter-UAS equipment on preventing drone attacks on RAF Akrotiri.

While ORCUS+ is not optimised to defeat One-Way Attack UAS, it offers an enhanced ability to detect, track and identify, increasing a kinetic system’s ability to defeat but no system can be 100% effective. This is why our defences in the Eastern Mediterranean now include Typhon and F-35 jets, air defence and counter-drone units, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and a further 400 air defence personnel are currently deployed to protect British lives and interests.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the risk the DF-21D missile poses to Royal Navy aircraft carriers.

As part of its routine responsibilities, the Ministry of Defence conducts assessments of the military capabilities of other states. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of how the battlefield experience and technological innovations developed by Ukrainian defence forces and industry could inform the United Kingdom’s own defence capabilities and operational readiness.

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses how Ukrainian battlefield innovation can inform the UK's own capabilities. The conflict has shown the need to accelerate the learn-adapt cycle, with concepts moving from design to battlefield use within weeks.

The UK is seeking to identify lessons driven by rapid collection and analysis of frontline data. Forward technical expertise and open dialogue with operators will allow industry to innovate and scale production more quickly.

There is acknowledgement of the importance of integrating UAS with traditional fires rather than seeing them as replacements. Ukraine's experience also highlights that operational surprise remains achievable through robust operational security and deception; the need for resilient Integrated Air and Missile Defence built on multiple effectors; and the imperative to train for contested and degraded electromagnetic environments.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure the defence sector can learn from Ukraine’s operational experience in countering drones, missile threats and electronic warfare.

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses how Ukrainian battlefield innovation can inform the UK's own capabilities. The conflict has shown the need to accelerate the learn-adapt cycle, with concepts moving from design to battlefield use within weeks.

The UK is seeking to identify lessons driven by rapid collection and analysis of frontline data. Forward technical expertise and open dialogue with operators will allow industry to innovate and scale production more quickly.

There is acknowledgement of the importance of integrating UAS with traditional fires rather than seeing them as replacements. Ukraine's experience also highlights that operational surprise remains achievable through robust operational security and deception; the need for resilient Integrated Air and Missile Defence built on multiple effectors; and the imperative to train for contested and degraded electromagnetic environments.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the Exit Management Plan for the UK MoD Enterprise Agreement with Palantir Technologies UK Ltd.

Exit Management and Transition Plans contain sensitive information in relation to security, operational continuity, commercial, and supplier specific arrangements. These plans are developed and reviewed regularly to ensure the Department can ensure continuity of key defence capabilities in a controlled and orderly manner when the Contract concludes. Given the sensitive information included it would not be appropriate to publish.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy will contribute an Astute-class attack submarine on Operation Firecrest.

Detail on Operation Firecrest can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-to-north-atlantic-to-keep-uk-safe I am unable to comment further at this time to do so would compromise the security of our forces and effectiveness of operations. Further detail about Operation Firecrest will be provided in due course.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which T45 Daring-class ship is scheduled to deploy on Operation Firecrest as part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group.

Detail on Operation Firecrest can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-to-north-atlantic-to-keep-uk-safe I am unable to comment further at this time to do so would compromise the security of our forces and effectiveness of operations. Further detail about Operation Firecrest will be provided in due course.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
10th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Prince of Wales is scheduled to deploy on Operation Firecrest.

Detail on Operation Firecrest can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-to-north-atlantic-to-keep-uk-safe I am unable to comment further at this time to do so would compromise the security of our forces and effectiveness of operations. Further detail about Operation Firecrest will be provided in due course.

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