Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when will the British Army be provided with body armour designed to fit women.

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

The Ministry of Defence remains firmly committed to ensuring that our Service personnel are equipped with appropriate and sufficient protective equipment. As part of this commitment, we are delivering an update to body armour for UK personnel through the Tactical Ballistic Plates (TBP) project.

Anthropometric data was used in the design of TBP. Plates will be available in four sizes, to better fit a broader range of personnel, including women.

A comprehensive range of options will be assessed ahead of the TBP contract award, which is currently scheduled for December 2026. This evaluation will ensure that the new armour achieves the optimal balance between fit and the protection required for all our personnel. In-service dates will be confirmed once the contract has been awarded and the delivery schedule is finalised.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in developing an airborne electromagnetic attack capability running proven counter-C5ISRT software, including third-party software applications.

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

I welcome innovation across the Defence industrial sector. The Ministry of Defence is aware of the importance of the Electromagnetic battlespace and is pursuing a number of options, both in the near-term and in the research and development programme, to address military needs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department expects to spend on the (a) Future Combat Air System and (b) Global Combat Air Programme in the current financial year.

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

The current Financial Year (FY) is ongoing therefore, figures will be finalised within the Departmental Accounts once FY2025-26 has concluded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the scope is of the UK's participation in Project Convergence.

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

Project Convergence is a series of multinational experiments led by the United States Army Futures Command to test, integrate, and evaluate emerging technologies that enable faster, data driven decision making across domains.

The United Kingdom participates in Project Convergence as part of its long-standing cooperation with the United States Army on future force development, experimentation, and interoperability. The British Army’s participation ensures that it remains interoperable, digitally connected and prepared for the future demands of conflict.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies, published on 20 February 2026, when will the testing phase of the Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms initiative begin.

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

UK trials for the low-cost air defence effector under the LEAP initiative are currently planned for Autumn 2026; however, this is dependent on engagement with industry and the maturity of the solutions offered. This will be followed by multilateral trials with our European partners in 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether copies of the proposed Defence Investment Plan Bill will be available on the day it is presented to Parliament.

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

Major Government documents are usually published when they are presented to Parliament or shortly thereafter, with materials typically made available online and placed in the House of Commons Library unless sensitivity prevents this. Copies will be laid in parliament as appropriate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much has been spent on delivering the Global Combat Air Programme as of 25 February 2026.

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

Since its inception, the UK has invested over £2 billion already in Future Combat Air System/Global Combat Air Programme (FCAS/GCAP). This includes the associated Team Tempest research and development programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Hypersonic missiles development accelerated by new contract, published on 13 February 2026, whether he has a target date for the hypersonic missile being in service.

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

Through innovative procurement practices and rapid commercial mechanisms that harness the breadth of the UK's industrial and academic supply chain, the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Hypersonics programme intends to deliver a weapon demonstrator by 2030. With a mandate to "do differently", the programme deviates from traditional (CADMID) procurement sequencing and adopts early technology maturation, prototyping and system testing, This agile, spiral development approach aligned with Defence Industrial Strategy maintains MOD's existing gated approvals process. The programme is at the early Strategic Outline Case; the overall costs for the capability will mature, as will the in-service delivery date.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Hypersonic missiles development accelerated by new contract, published on 13 February 2026, what the estimated cost is of delivering the hypersonic missile programme.

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

Through innovative procurement practices and rapid commercial mechanisms that harness the breadth of the UK's industrial and academic supply chain, the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Hypersonics programme intends to deliver a weapon demonstrator by 2030. With a mandate to "do differently", the programme deviates from traditional (CADMID) procurement sequencing and adopts early technology maturation, prototyping and system testing, This agile, spiral development approach aligned with Defence Industrial Strategy maintains MOD's existing gated approvals process. The programme is at the early Strategic Outline Case; the overall costs for the capability will mature, as will the in-service delivery date.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Hypersonic missiles development accelerated by new contract, published on 13 February 2026, whether he plans to procure a hypersonic missile in this Parliament.

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

Through innovative procurement practices and rapid commercial mechanisms that harness the breadth of the UK's industrial and academic supply chain, the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Hypersonics programme intends to deliver a weapon demonstrator by 2030. With a mandate to "do differently", the programme deviates from traditional (CADMID) procurement sequencing and adopts early technology maturation, prototyping and system testing, This agile, spiral development approach aligned with Defence Industrial Strategy maintains MOD's existing gated approvals process. The programme is at the early Strategic Outline Case; the overall costs for the capability will mature, as will the in-service delivery date.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide information on the (a) number and (b) type of cold weather clothing in use with the Royal Air Force in the (i) current financial year and (ii) in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

All personnel are provided with appropriate clothing and personal equipment during pre-deployment preparation.

However, information regarding the amount and type of cold weather clothing is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the number of generators in use with the Royal Air Force in each remaining year of the current Parliament.

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

The Royal Air Force currently has no plans to increase the number of generators in use. Any that are unserviceable or require updating will be replaced as necessary.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many generators are in use with the Royal Air Force in (a) 2025-2026 financial year and (b) in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

The information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will calculate defence sales by UK companies to the Irish Republic in each year for which records are available.

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

Data on UK defence exports is published annually by UK Defence and Security Exports (UK DSE), now National Armaments Directorate (NAD). They present export figures only at regional level, with no disaggregated data available for Ireland specifically.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the Independent Legal Advocacy support programme pilot will only provide advice to those over 18; and whether a separate legal advocacy support programme will be created for Service Personnel under 18.

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

The Independent Legal Advocacy Support pilot will operate for 12 months from Spring 2026. It will provide advice to any complainant aged 18 or over, whether a Service person or a civilian, where the alleged perpetrator is a Service person subject to Service law or a civilian subject to Service discipline, and where the case could fall within the jurisdiction of the Service Justice System.

The age threshold reflects the scope of the Service Justice System and the types of cases it is likely to handle. As the pilot is evaluated, we will assess whether there is evidence of a need to widen the scope of the specialist legal advocacy support. If such a need is identified, it will be considered as part of the ongoing evaluation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK service personnel have been stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya in a (a) permanent and (b) temporary capacity in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

As at October 2025 (latest available figure) there were 200 UK Regular¹ Armed Forces Service personnel permanently stationed² at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK³).

Notes/Caveats

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.
2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.
3. BATUK has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).
4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Table 1. Number of UK Regular¹ Armed Forces Service Personnel stationed² at BATUK³ 2016 – 2025.

Source: Analysis(Tri Service)

Notes/Caveats

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.
2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.
3. BATUK has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).
4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Table 2. Number of unique UK Armed Forces Service Personnel³ Deployed² to BATUK⁷ in each of the last 10 Financial Years^5,6,8

Source: Analysis (Tri Service)

Notes/Caveats

1. Deployment data are derived from the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) `Move and Track` system. Due to ongoing validation of data from JPA, figures provided are provisional and subject to change. Figures have been derived from the October 2025 deployment extract.
2. Deployment data are derived from the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) `Move and Track` system. Due to ongoing validation of data from JPA, figures provided are provisional and subject to change. Figures have been derived from the October 2025 deployment extract.
3. ‘UK Forces Service Personnel’ comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve, and Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS).
4. Service personnel data is derived from the JPA system, which is a combination of mandatory and non-mandatory fields populated by unit administrators and voluntary fields that Armed Forces personnel can choose to complete based on their perceptions.
5. The Date of Deployment is the 'deployed date in' as recorded on JPA 'Move and Track' system. This is the date personnel deployed into the respective count.
6. Please note: the total does not include repeat tours within the same calendar year so each individual is only recorded once per financial year. If personnel began a deployment in multiple financial years, then they would be reported in each financial year they were deployed in. Hence, figures can not be combined to give an overall number of unique personnel deployed over this whole period.
7. BATUK has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).
8. The Financial Year for Defence Statistics purposes starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March.
9. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK service personnel are permanently stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya.

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

As at October 2025 (latest available figure) there were 200 UK Regular¹ Armed Forces Service personnel permanently stationed² at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK³).

Notes/Caveats

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.
2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.
3. BATUK has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).
4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Table 1. Number of UK Regular¹ Armed Forces Service Personnel stationed² at BATUK³ 2016 – 2025.

Source: Analysis(Tri Service)

Notes/Caveats

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.
2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.
3. BATUK has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).
4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Table 2. Number of unique UK Armed Forces Service Personnel³ Deployed² to BATUK⁷ in each of the last 10 Financial Years^5,6,8

Source: Analysis (Tri Service)

Notes/Caveats

1. Deployment data are derived from the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) `Move and Track` system. Due to ongoing validation of data from JPA, figures provided are provisional and subject to change. Figures have been derived from the October 2025 deployment extract.
2. Deployment data are derived from the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) `Move and Track` system. Due to ongoing validation of data from JPA, figures provided are provisional and subject to change. Figures have been derived from the October 2025 deployment extract.
3. ‘UK Forces Service Personnel’ comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve, and Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS).
4. Service personnel data is derived from the JPA system, which is a combination of mandatory and non-mandatory fields populated by unit administrators and voluntary fields that Armed Forces personnel can choose to complete based on their perceptions.
5. The Date of Deployment is the 'deployed date in' as recorded on JPA 'Move and Track' system. This is the date personnel deployed into the respective count.
6. Please note: the total does not include repeat tours within the same calendar year so each individual is only recorded once per financial year. If personnel began a deployment in multiple financial years, then they would be reported in each financial year they were deployed in. Hence, figures can not be combined to give an overall number of unique personnel deployed over this whole period.
7. BATUK has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).
8. The Financial Year for Defence Statistics purposes starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March.
9. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Kenya in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

The number of live firing exercises, by financial year (FY), are below:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the terms of reference are for the Ministerial-led review of the Ajax Programme.

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

As you will be aware, 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.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) his Department and (b) the arms length bodies sponsored by his Department are compliant with the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025].

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

The Government has set out its expectation that all duty bearers, including Departments and arm’s-length bodies, follow the law as clarified by the Supreme Court ruling and seek specialist legal advice where necessary.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has submitted a draft Code of Practice on services, public functions and associations to Ministers, and we are reviewing it with the care it deserves. This will provide further guidance to duty bearers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many injuries have been sustained by servicewomen from body armour in the past 10 years.

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

Medical records do not attribute injuries to specific items of equipment, and therefore the Ministry of Defence is unable to provide the information requested.

The Ministry of Defence remains firmly committed to ensuring that our service personnel are equipped with appropriate and sufficient protective equipment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to reduce the quantity of military equipment used at the British Army Training Unit Kenya in this Parliament.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the British Army Training Unit Kenya.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the military equipment currently stationed at the British Army Training Unit Kenya.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the British Army Training Unit Kenya.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106742 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, whether the use of RAF CSAT aircraft includes use of military helicopters.

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

The hon. Member will recall that when this Government took office, we cancelled the VIP helicopter contract that had attracted so much criticism in previous years when used by the previous Government.

The current RAF Command Support Air Transport fleet consists of two RAF Envoy IV fixed wing aircraft. The fleet is used for the rapid and efficient transport of small numbers of high priority passengers or freight to deliver critical diplomatic engagement and/or military output. These aircraft offer a flexibility of response unachievable by other means and avoids the use of larger, more expensive, and less discreet aircraft. The Cabinet Office has responsibility for organising Ministerial helicopter transport. There are no military helicopters in the Command Support Air Transport fleet.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department will seek to recoup costs from the Irish government for UK security assets during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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

The UK and Ireland work closely together on shared security challenges, but the UK does not provide defence cover for Ireland, nor does it deploy security assets to protect Irish subsea infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence has not received any requests from Ireland for security support during their presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Matters relating to Ireland's defence posture and expenditure rest with the Irish authorities, and any enquiries on those issues should be directed to them.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any changes have been made to the job specifications for the Armed Forces Commissioner since 1 January 2026.

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

No changes have been made to the job specification for the Armed Forces Commissioner.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what fees have been remitted to the UK from the Irish government for the use of UK (a) military (b) naval (c) security assets to safeguard Irish interests in each year for which records exist.

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

The UK and Ireland work closely together on shared security challenges, but the UK does not provide defence cover for Ireland, nor does it deploy security assets to protect Irish subsea infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence has not received any requests from Ireland for security support during their presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Matters relating to Ireland's defence posture and expenditure rest with the Irish authorities, and any enquiries on those issues should be directed to them.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether arrangements exist for refunding the cost of UK security assets used to protect Irish subsea infrastructure from Russian attack.

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

The UK and Ireland work closely together on shared security challenges, but the UK does not provide defence cover for Ireland, nor does it deploy security assets to protect Irish subsea infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence has not received any requests from Ireland for security support during their presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Matters relating to Ireland's defence posture and expenditure rest with the Irish authorities, and any enquiries on those issues should be directed to them.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the Irish Defence Forces have undertaken training in the UK in each year for which records are available and what arrangements exist for cost recovery.

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

Since 2017, a total of 158 members of the Irish Defence Forces have undertaken training on UK Ministry of Dfence-run courses. All costs have been fully funded by Ireland, including course fees and associated expenses.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of the Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative.

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

The LEAP initiative is another firm signal of European collective commitments, delivering a united front of deterrence against Russia. LEAP will embrace groundbreaking industry innovation to exploit rapidly evolving technology at pace to deliver capabilities to counter threats posed now and in the future.

The first focus of LEAP is on a new surface-to-air weapon – lightweight, affordable, and designed to counter mass drone and missile threats. Our innovative approach could see the defined effector designs manufactured from 2027. The aspiration is that LEAP will grow into other key low-cost and autonomous areas in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with representatives from India on the development of the engine for their new Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

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

The Ministry of Defence continues to engage at all levels to support and advance the UK’s bid for the Engine Development Programme for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Deepening the UK-India relationship on defence capability is a Prime Minister priority, as outlined by the recently published Defence Industrial Roadmap.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 February 2026 to Question 108465 on Ammunition: Factories, when the construction of the planned new munitions factories is expected to (a) begin and (b) be completed.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 February to Question 108465.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the delivery timeline for the (a) 61 M270 MLRS launchers and (b) eight Repair and Recovery vehicles.

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

The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in upgrading the M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems to A2 standard.

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

The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the current size of the Royal Artillery’s M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems fleet.

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

The Ministry of Defence has an operational fleet of 21 M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, comprising launcher and repair and recovery vehicle variants.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many M270 launchers have been procured from Norway.

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

The UK has acquired 11 M270A0 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers from Norway.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision of the (a) US Marines to retain the M27 rifle and (b) US Army’s adoption of the M7 on the ability of UK forces to operate with US forces.

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

The UK and US share evidence on research and experimentation on the development of small arms. Enhancing interoperability with Allies remains an important consideration in any procurement of capability that the Department undertakes. This includes the British Army’s Project GRAYBURN which will deliver the replacement of the L85 rifle. The project is considering different calibres as part of wider interoperability considerations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in exploring the potential of using Australian Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technologies for the UK.

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

As part of the Ministry of Defence’s capability delivery process the UK is exploring possibilities, including better understanding of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with our allied partners. A series of targeted risk-reduction activities has been agreed with the Australian Government. Any future decisions will be made in accordance with Departmental processes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on developing cooperation with Australia on directed‑energy weapons.

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

As part of the UK's ambition to accelerate the development and deployment of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) we are engaging with key allies who share our mutual aims in this field. For reasons of national security, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specifics of this cooperation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in procuring a) GMLRS and b) ER-GMLRS munitions.

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

Replenishment of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) stockpile is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in Quarter two 2026.

The procurement of Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106742 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, how many tasks there have been from RAF CSAT aircraft since July 2024.

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

It has been the practice of successive administrations not to publish granular information relating to the official movements of Ministers and those accompanying them within the United Kingdom.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2025 to Question 66297 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, how many flights that includes.

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

The response to Question 66297 related to a total of 11 taskings.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made with General Dynamics to identify issues and solutions to ensure the effective operation of the Ajax Vehicle Fleet.

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

The Department continues to work closely with General Dynamics on the Ajax Programme. Investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure that all information and evidence is considered. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments as I have done since the issue arose on Exercise TITAN STORM.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what timelines is his Department following with General Dynamics to ensure the effective operation of the Ajax Vehicle Fleet.

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

The Department continues to work closely with General Dynamics on the Ajax Programme. Investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure that all information and evidence is considered. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments as I have done since the issue arose on Exercise TITAN STORM.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he and (b) any of his ministerial colleagues have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since (i) 5 July 2024 and (ii) August 2025.

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

Neither the Secretary of State nor any other Defence Ministers met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius between 5 July 2024 and August 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support applicants to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy affected by the data leak of February 2022.

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

The previous Government established the Afghanistan Response Route (ARR) for individuals affected by the February 2022 data incident considered to be at highest risk as a result of the incident.

Under the scheme around 900 ARR principals are in Britain or in transit, with 3,600 family members.

As the Defence Secretary outlined in his statement, on 15 July 2025, the Ministry of Defence took action to notify as many of those affected as possible by the incident using the most recent contact details held by the department and provided security advice. An online self-checker tool and an Information Service Centre (ISC), which included 24/7 telephone and email support for all affected individuals, were also stood up to assist people in finding out whether they were affected by the data incident. The ISC continued for a number of months and was gradually wound down, in accordance with demand. It was closed in October 2025, but the online self-checker tool remains available on gov.uk.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Palantir on the award of a contract by his Department in December 2025.

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

As the Secretary of State has publicly said, Peter Mandelson had no influence or involvement in the Defence Enterprise Agreement with Palantir.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many draft versions of the Defence Investment Plan have been produced by his Department.

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

We are working flat out to finalise the Defence Investment Plan and it will be published as soon as possible.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the provision of cold weather clothing for the Royal Air Force in each remaining year of the current Parliament.

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

We will equip Royal Air Force personnel with the cold weather clothing required to work in cold conditions on exercise or in conflict.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussed his Government's Chagos Islands Treaty with his United States counterpart since 18 February 2026.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence speaks regularly with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on a wide range of issues, including Diego Garcia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support the family members of applicants to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy that remain in Afghanistan and were affected by the data leak of February 2022.

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

The previous Government established the Afghanistan Response Route (ARR) for individuals affected by the February 2022 data incident considered to be at highest risk as a result of the incident.

Under the scheme around 900 ARR principals are in Britain or in transit, with 3,600 family members.

As the Defence Secretary outlined in his statement, on 15 July 2025, the Ministry of Defence took action to notify as many of those affected as possible by the incident using the most recent contact details held by the department and provided security advice. An online self-checker tool and an Information Service Centre (ISC), which included 24/7 telephone and email support for all affected individuals, were also stood up to assist people in finding out whether they were affected by the data incident. The ISC continued for a number of months and was gradually wound down, in accordance with demand. It was closed in October 2025, but the online self-checker tool remains available on gov.uk.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of body armour currently supplied to the British Army in deflecting projectiles in (a) men (b) women.

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

We are committed to ensuring that our forces are equipped with the best possible kit for the future, both men and women. We are ensuring that our Service personnel are equipped with appropriate and sufficient protective equipment. As part of this commitment, we are delivering an update to body armour for all UK personnel through the Tactical Ballistic Plates (TBP) project.

Assessments of the effectiveness of body armour are conducted as a key part of the selection process prior to any contract award. These assessments are carried out against a detailed set of performance criteria derived from a classified threat assessment, ensuring that the armour provides the required level of protection against relevant ballistic threats.

The in-service hard armour plates and soft armour filler are subject to regular inspection and testing to ensure their continued integrity and the protection levels they are designed to provide for all personnel.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times has (a) he and (b) his ministerial team met with the lead reviewers of the Strategic Defence Review since 2 June 2025.

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

The Strategic Defence Review sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorsed the Review's vision and accepted all 62 recommendations.

Although they have no formal role, we often engage with the lead reviewers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many armed forces personnel and their families are on waiting lists for service family accommodation in the UK.

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

No entitled Armed Forces personnel or their families are placed on a waiting list for Service Family Accommodation in the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

Project FLYTRAP (formerly Project VANAHEIM) is a joint UK/US/Australian Army initiative focused on countering small uncrewed aerial systems.

The project aims to accelerate the British Army’s ability to address this threat through operational experimentation, system integration, and evidence-based capability development. It is evaluating a range of sensors, effectors, networks and tactics in realistic field conditions to inform doctrine and support future capability decisions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has a preparedness plan for RAF ships to provide support to Anguilla in the case of natural disasters.

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

The Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that preparedness plans are in place in the case of a natural disaster impacting the Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, including Anguilla.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the UK contribution to NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 1.

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

The Standing Naval Forces are under the control of NATO Allied Maritime Command which responds to Allied Command Operations. This multinational, integrated force is continuously available for tasking, ranging from NATO missions to exercise participation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department plans to spend with SMEs in (a) 2026 and (b) 2027.

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

Defence is an engine for growth, and small businesses are the backbone of UK defence, bringing the innovation, agility and fresh thinking that our Armed Forces need to stay ahead of evolving threats.

As announced by the Prime Minister and Secretary of State of Defence last year, this Government is committed to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including an ambitious but achievable target to increase our spend with SMEs by £2.5 billion by 2028. The department's forthcoming SME Action Plan will lay out what steps we will be taking during 2026 and 2027 to achieve this uplift by 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his proposed timeline is for publishing a terms of reference for the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is the next step in turning the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) into action. 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.

We will publish it as soon as we can, but our aim is to ensure decisions in the DIP are robust and support the development of both current and future capabilities, helping to drive the transformation of our Armed Forces described in the Strategic Defence Review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Type 31 Frigates will have Mk.41 VLS incorporated during construction and prior to launch.

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

We intend to fit the Type 31 frigate with the Mark 41 vertical launch system. Working closely with the US Navy, we are progressing the next steps of the Mk41 procurement, including assessment of all installation and integration options. At this stage, as I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand, it would be inappropriate to provide any further information whilst this commercially sensitive work is ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Type 31 Frigates will have Mk.41 VLS added during the Capability Insertion Period.

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

We intend to fit the Type 31 frigate with the Mark 41 vertical launch system. Working closely with the US Navy, we are progressing the next steps of the Mk41 procurement, including assessment of all installation and integration options. At this stage, as I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand, it would be inappropriate to provide any further information whilst this commercially sensitive work is ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of (a) the projected market price per litre of conventional aviation turbine fuel (Jet A-1) in each year from 2025 to 2040 and (b) the marginal cost difference per litre between conventional aviation turbine fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel in each of those years.

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

The Royal Air Force in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence Directorate Analytics are able to provide an estimated cost of the price per litre of both Conventional Aviation Turbine and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in each year from 2025-2040, and the marginal cost difference between them. However, the data in the below table is subject to change dependent on market fluctuation of fuel costs.

The below forecasts are in United States Dollars (USD) per litre and will be subjected to currency conversion, which is changeable. Oil is generally bought and sold on the market in USD.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

Officials from The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the SDR, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The MOD is actively supporting this work, particularly playing a key role within the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme. This is clear from the recent comments by the Chief of the Defence Staff at the Munich Security Conference. This work is supported at official level, through the Directorate for Defence Security Policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies, published on 20 February 2026, whether he has a target number for the number of UK companies that will be involved in the (a) Low-Cost Effectors & Platforms initiative and (b) new surface-to-air missile.

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

The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is now entering the international industrial selection phase. UK workshare and company involvement will be dependent on the chosen solutions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies, published on 20 February 2026, how many UK companies will be involved in the Low-Cost Effectors & Platforms initiative.

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

The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is now entering the international industrial selection phase. UK workshare and company involvement will be dependent on the chosen solutions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any UK military facilities have been used for the testing and training of the Watchkeeper X drone.

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

No UK military facilities have been used for the testing and training of Watchkeeper X.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies, published on 20 February 2026, how many UK companies will be involved in the manufacture of the new surface-to-air weapon.

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

The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is now entering the international industrial selection phase. UK workshare and company involvement will be dependent on the chosen solutions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies, published on 20 February 2026, what is the estimated total cost to the UK of delivering the new surface-to-air weapon.

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

The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is entering the concept demonstration phase. The total cost to the UK of delivering the new surface-to-air weapon system will be dependent on the chosen solution and quantities procured.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason Question 113434 on UNCLOS and the Chagos Islands, tabled on 12 February for answer on 25 February 2026, has not been answered; and when he plans to answer it.

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

I responded to the right hon. Member on 4 March 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment his Department has made of the merits of issuing a National Defence Medal to military personnel to recognise their service to their country.

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

This Government continues to hold those who serve, and who have served, in our Armed Forces, in the highest esteem.

The question of whether a National Defence Medal should be introduced has previously been considered at length. The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee) made its recommendation not to proceed with such a medal following the Independent Military Medals Review in 2012, which is publicly available at Military medals review: report by Sir John Holmes - GOV.UK. Any further review of this issue would be for the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee to consider, and to make appropriate recommendations to its parent HD Committee, not the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many live firing exercises have taken place at the Land Regional Hub Oman in each of the last ten financial years.

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

The Land Regional Hub Oman has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO) providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. The Land Training Area: Ras Madrakah Training Area, is part of GHO’s capabilities. The following table provides the number of live firing exercises conducted on Ras Madrakah Training Area, in each of the last 10 financial years.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to reduce the quantity of military equipment used at the Land Regional Hub Germany in any of the remaining years of the current Parliament.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the Land Regional Hub Germany.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what military equipment is stationed at the Land Regional Hub Oman.

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

The Land Regional Hub Oman has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO) providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK service personnel have been stationed at the Land Regional Hub Germany in each of the last 10 financial years in a (a) permanent and (b) temporary capacity.

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

All of the data provided in this response is as at 31 October 2025 as this is the latest data available.

There are currently 310 Regular Service personnel stationed at the ‘Land Regional Hub’ in Germany.

The numbers of Regular service personnel stationed permanently at the ‘Land Regional Hub’ in Germany in each of the last 10 financial years is provided in the table below:

The numbers of service personnel deployed temporarily at the ‘Land Regional Hub’ in Germany in each of the last 10 financial years is provided in the table below:

Notes

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.

2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.

3. 'Land Regional Hub' Germany has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA). Land Regional Hub has been defined as sites in Germany administered by the UK. This primarily includes sites in Paderborn and Moenchengladbach.

4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

5. [c] - less than 5

6. Deployment data are derived from the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) `Move and Track` system. Due to ongoing validation of data from JPA, figures provided are provisional and subject to change. Figures have been derived from the January 2026 deployment extract.

7. Deployed personnel are Military personnel who are deployed on Operations. The Move and Track database records all personnel who enter a deployment theatre for over 24hrs. Each individual has a new record for each change in deployed unit, location, operation or date.

8. ‘UK Forces Service Personnel’ comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve, and Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS).

9. Service personnel data is derived from the JPA system, which is a combination of mandatory and non-mandatory fields populated by unit administrators and voluntary fields that Armed Forces personnel can choose to complete based on their perceptions.

1. The Date of Deployment is the 'deployed date in' as recorded on JPA 'Move and Track' system. This is the date personnel deployed into the respective count.

1. Please note: the total does not include repeat tours within the same calendar year so each individual is only recorded once per financial year. If personnel began a deployment in multiple financial years, then they would be reported in each financial year they were deployed in. Hence, figures can not be combined to give an overall number of unique personnel deployed over this whole period.

2. The Financial Year for Defence Statistics purposes starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK service personnel are permanently stationed at the Land Regional Hub Germany.

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

All of the data provided in this response is as at 31 October 2025 as this is the latest data available.

There are currently 310 Regular Service personnel stationed at the ‘Land Regional Hub’ in Germany.

The numbers of Regular service personnel stationed permanently at the ‘Land Regional Hub’ in Germany in each of the last 10 financial years is provided in the table below:

The numbers of service personnel deployed temporarily at the ‘Land Regional Hub’ in Germany in each of the last 10 financial years is provided in the table below:

Notes

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.

2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.

3. 'Land Regional Hub' Germany has been derived from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA). Land Regional Hub has been defined as sites in Germany administered by the UK. This primarily includes sites in Paderborn and Moenchengladbach.

4. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

5. [c] - less than 5

6. Deployment data are derived from the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) `Move and Track` system. Due to ongoing validation of data from JPA, figures provided are provisional and subject to change. Figures have been derived from the January 2026 deployment extract.

7. Deployed personnel are Military personnel who are deployed on Operations. The Move and Track database records all personnel who enter a deployment theatre for over 24hrs. Each individual has a new record for each change in deployed unit, location, operation or date.

8. ‘UK Forces Service Personnel’ comprises UK Regular Forces, Gurkhas, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Volunteer Reserve, Serving Regular Reserve, Sponsored Reserve, and Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS).

9. Service personnel data is derived from the JPA system, which is a combination of mandatory and non-mandatory fields populated by unit administrators and voluntary fields that Armed Forces personnel can choose to complete based on their perceptions.

1. The Date of Deployment is the 'deployed date in' as recorded on JPA 'Move and Track' system. This is the date personnel deployed into the respective count.

1. Please note: the total does not include repeat tours within the same calendar year so each individual is only recorded once per financial year. If personnel began a deployment in multiple financial years, then they would be reported in each financial year they were deployed in. Hence, figures can not be combined to give an overall number of unique personnel deployed over this whole period.

2. The Financial Year for Defence Statistics purposes starts on 1 April and ends on 31 March.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many live firing exercises have taken place at the Land Regional Hub Germany in each of the 10 previous financial years.

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

Live Firing exercises that took place at the Land Regional Hub Germany over the last ten years are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. The number of Live Firing exercises that all took place on the Sennelager Training area in each of the last 10 year are as follows:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the military equipment currently stationed at the Land Regional Hub Germany.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the Land Regional Hub Germany.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Mauritian Government on the potential impact of Treaty of Pelindaba on the operation of nuclear weapons on the Diego Garcia military base.

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

As the hon. Gentleman will recall from me repeatedly saying in the Commons, and again from his time as a Defence Minister, it is longstanding UK policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location. The UK and Mauritius enjoy a strong bilateral relationship, but the Secretary of State has not met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons to protect NATO skies, published on 20 February 2026, how much money has been allocated by his Department for the Low-Cost Effectors and Platforms initiative.

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

The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is entering the concept demonstration phase.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he expects to receive any further proposals for the Defence Investment Plan from the (a) Chief of the Air Staff, (b) Chief of the General Staff and (c) First Sea Lord.

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

We are working flat out to complete the Defence Investment Plan and it will be published as soon as possible. As part of this process, senior military leaders, including the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the General Staff and the First Sea Lord, are fully engaged in defence planning.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussed any draft versions of the Defence Investment Plan with the (a) Chief of the Air Staff, (b) Chief of the General Staff and (c) First Sea Lord.

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

We are working flat out to complete the Defence Investment Plan and it will be published as soon as possible. As part of this process, senior military leaders, including the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the General Staff and the First Sea Lord, are fully engaged in defence planning.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has received final proposals for the Defence Investment Plan from the (a) Chief of the Air Staff, (b) Chief of the General Staff and (c) First Sea Lord.

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

We are working flat out to complete the Defence Investment Plan and it will be published as soon as possible. As part of this process, senior military leaders, including the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the General Staff and the First Sea Lord, are fully engaged in defence planning.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to issue updated guidance to clarify the circumstances under which domestic military training operations, such as Operation Interflex, may qualify for medallic recognition.

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

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM.

UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews.

There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any draft versions of the Defence Investment Plan have been approved by the (a) Chief of the Air Staff, (b) Chief of the General Staff or (c) First Sea Lord.

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

We are working flat out to complete the Defence Investment Plan and it will be published as soon as possible. As part of this process, senior military leaders, including the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of the General Staff and the First Sea Lord, are fully engaged in defence planning.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has any current contracts with Anthropic.

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

The Department does not hold any contracts with Anthropic.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of prolonged deployment away from home locations on military and civilian personnel serving on Operation Interflex; and whether this will be considered in future medallic recognition decisions.

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

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM.

UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews.

There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the criteria for awarding the Wider Service Medal permit the inclusion of operations conducted on UK territory.

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

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM.

UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews.

There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has recently reviewed the eligibility of personnel supporting Operation Interflex for the Wider Service Medal.

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

Eligibility for the Wider Service Medal (WSM) in relation to Operation INTERFLEX was last reviewed by the Operational Recognition Board (ORB) on 20 November 2025. The Board recognises the challenges of prolonged separation for personnel serving on Operation INTERFLEX and Defence continues to support those affected. While this was considered during recent deliberations, prolonged separation alone does not qualify personnel for the WSM.

UK-based military operations, including Operation INTERFLEX, are eligible for WSM consideration if accompanied by a compelling Operational Impact Statement (OIS). Although several OISs have been submitted, none have yet met the criteria for eligibility. Nevertheless, UK-based activities that deliver significant operational effect may be considered in future reviews.

There are no plans to update WSM eligibility guidance at this time. The current criteria already provide flexibility for UK-based operations to be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the ORB remains open to recommending the WSM for such operations in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate has he made of the total cost of issuing operational tour bonuses in each remaining financial year of the current Parliament.

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

Operational Allowance (OA) is a location‑driven allowance that recognises increased and enduring danger in Specified Operational Locations (SOLs). The number of Service Personnel in receipt of OA reflects the number of Service Personnel deployed to SOLs.

SOL status is kept under regular review and is considered by the Permanent Joint Headquarters’ (PJHQ) Operational Records Board on a six‑monthly basis. As operational activity varies according to Defence commitments, entitlement to OA fluctuates accordingly.

It is not possible to forecast how many individuals will receive OA in future financial years, nor the cost. Forecasting would require assumptions about the scale, location, and duration of future operational activity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many individuals does he expect to receive an operational tour bonus in each remaining financial year of the current Parliament.

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

Operational Allowance (OA) is a location‑driven allowance that recognises increased and enduring danger in Specified Operational Locations (SOLs). The number of Service Personnel in receipt of OA reflects the number of Service Personnel deployed to SOLs.

SOL status is kept under regular review and is considered by the Permanent Joint Headquarters’ (PJHQ) Operational Records Board on a six‑monthly basis. As operational activity varies according to Defence commitments, entitlement to OA fluctuates accordingly.

It is not possible to forecast how many individuals will receive OA in future financial years, nor the cost. Forecasting would require assumptions about the scale, location, and duration of future operational activity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for the Armed Forces in the Urgent Question on 5 January 2026, which military cohorts (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have met with to discuss the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill since 5 July 2024.

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

The Government has engaged closely with a wide range of military stakeholders in relation to the Troubles Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill effectively supports veterans. This has involved meeting with veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces whose service took place across different time periods, including during Op BANNER, and across a wide range of regiments. This has included myself, and other Ministerial colleagues across Government meeting with members of the Associations on several occasions.

It may be helpful to further quantify that since 5 July 2024, in my previous, and current Ministerial role, I have conducted over 70 veterans’ engagements, where I spoke with hundreds of veterans, from all Services and cohorts, from a wide range of different associations, about a number of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for the Armed Forces in the Urgent Question on 5 January 2026, which associations (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have met with to discuss the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill since 5 July 2024.

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

The Government has engaged closely with a wide range of military stakeholders in relation to the Troubles Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill effectively supports veterans. This has involved meeting with veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces whose service took place across different time periods, including during Op BANNER, and across a wide range of regiments. This has included myself, and other Ministerial colleagues across Government meeting with members of the Associations on several occasions.

It may be helpful to further quantify that since 5 July 2024, in my previous, and current Ministerial role, I have conducted over 70 veterans’ engagements, where I spoke with hundreds of veterans, from all Services and cohorts, from a wide range of different associations, about a number of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for the Armed Forces in response to the question from the hon. Member for South Suffolk during the Urgent Question on Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention of 5 January 2026, Official Report, column 63, if he will provide a list of the veterans groups that (a) he and (b) Ministers have met to discuss the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill since 5 July 2024.

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

The Government has engaged closely with a wide range of military stakeholders in relation to the Troubles Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill effectively supports veterans. This has involved meeting with veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces whose service took place across different time periods, including during Op BANNER, and across a wide range of regiments. This has included myself, and other Ministerial colleagues across Government meeting with members of the Associations on several occasions.

It may be helpful to further quantify that since 5 July 2024, in my previous, and current Ministerial role, I have conducted over 70 veterans’ engagements, where I spoke with hundreds of veterans, from all Services and cohorts, from a wide range of different associations, about a number of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many applications to join the (a) Army, (b) Royal Air Force and (c) Royal Navy were rejected due to medical reasons since 5 July 2024.

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

The following table provides the number of applications rejected with the reason ‘Medical’ from 5 July 2024 to 31 January 2026.

Total applications rejected for medical reasons between 5 July 2024 to 31 January 2026¹

[1] All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 in line with disclosure control policy. Figures ending in 5 are rounded to the nearest 20 to avoid bias.

These figures represent the number of applications rejected and not the number of people rejected; one applicant can apply (and be rejected) multiple times. The figures show the number of rejected applications in the specified time period regardless of when the application was received.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any elements of No. 2 Force Protection Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing deployed to the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekalia during the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.

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

No.2 Force Protection Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing was deployed to the Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri before the drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 104231 on Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

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

The Government has engaged closely with a wide range of military stakeholders in relation to the Troubles Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill effectively supports veterans. This has involved meeting with veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces whose service took place across different time periods, including during Op BANNER, and across a wide range of regiments. This has included myself, and other Ministerial colleagues across Government meeting with members of the Associations on several occasions.

It may be helpful to further quantify that since 5 July 2024, in my previous, and current Ministerial role, I have conducted over 70 veterans’ engagements, where I spoke with hundreds of veterans, from all Services and cohorts, from a wide range of different associations, about a number of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 104230 on Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

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

The Government has engaged closely with a wide range of military stakeholders in relation to the Troubles Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill effectively supports veterans. This has involved meeting with veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces whose service took place across different time periods, including during Op BANNER, and across a wide range of regiments. This has included myself, and other Ministerial colleagues across Government meeting with members of the Associations on several occasions.

It may be helpful to further quantify that since 5 July 2024, in my previous, and current Ministerial role, I have conducted over 70 veterans’ engagements, where I spoke with hundreds of veterans, from all Services and cohorts, from a wide range of different associations, about a number of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 103365 on Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

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

The Government has engaged closely with a wide range of military stakeholders in relation to the Troubles Bill to ensure that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill effectively supports veterans. This has involved meeting with veterans and current serving members of the Armed Forces whose service took place across different time periods, including during Op BANNER, and across a wide range of regiments. This has included myself, and other Ministerial colleagues across Government meeting with members of the Associations on several occasions.

It may be helpful to further quantify that since 5 July 2024, in my previous, and current Ministerial role, I have conducted over 70 veterans’ engagements, where I spoke with hundreds of veterans, from all Services and cohorts, from a wide range of different associations, about a number of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the next NATO threat and capability review will take place.

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

The next full capability review will occur within NATO’s current four-year NDPP cycle, which runs until 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to take steps to help ensure that soldiers will not be prosecuted for following orders in future conflicts.

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

The Government is unstinting in its admiration and gratitude for our Armed Forces. We expect the highest standards of our Service personnel and they serve with great distinction. We rightly hold them to account when they fall short.

We are committed to supporting our people who act reasonably and in good faith in the course of their duties. Legal advice and welfare support are available to all serving and former members of the Armed Forces, where they face criminal allegations that relate to their service.

Found: AFB0038] The Armed Forces Bill provides Parliament with an opportunity correct this anomaly then the MOD

Found: policy development for other businesses, charities and working with various Government Departments (MoD

Found: Systems related to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are not included in this data set.

Found: structures pre-date this ownership and were constructed at public expense, including former Ministry of Defence

Found: HM Treasury introduced Resource Accounting and Budgeting for government departments, the Ministry of Defence

Found: Grade DWP Annual Salary (Min) MoD Annual Salary (Min) MoJ Annual Salary (Min) HMRC Annual Salary

Found: .  Limiting PFAS in consumer products and public procurement, including textiles, uniforms and MoD

Found: As I said in the Chamber on Monday, we have given the MOD access to the special reserve to be able

Found: are used when there has been a death or serious injury—that may not be the precise terminology—on MOD

Found: Various Departments of Government own and manage quite big swathes of land, such as the MOD, DFT and

Found: Technology, His Majesty’s Treasury, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence

Found: Those particular negotiations are led by our colleagues in the MOD.

Found: General Finance, MoD; Jim Carter, Director General of Defence Commercial, MoD; and Simon Dobinson,

Found: Defence Housing Strategy Review team, Ministry of Defence, Army Families Federation, RAF Families Federation

Found: It is one for the Ministry of Defence to argue—or to answer back on.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Officials from the Department of Health and Social Care regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence, and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on national defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing the Government, the private sector, and the public to play their part in strengthening the United Kingdom’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Department of Health and Social Care is actively supporting this work. The Emergency Preparedness and Health Protection Directorate works across the Department, the health system, and wider partners to strengthen our response on health security, which includes defence and officials having regular meetings with their defence counterparts.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is actively supporting this work, with the Director for Energy Security and Resilience engaging closely with domestic and international partners, to monitor threats to energy infrastructure in the UK and abroad, share situational awareness, and identify trends that may have implications for national security.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The MOD is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

This will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Scotland Office is actively supporting this by working closely with the MOD, as well as on the development of a Defence Growth Deal in Scotland and wider engagement with industry, local authorities and academia to support jobs, investment, and skills development in Scotland’s defence sector.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The department is actively supporting this work and regularly attends Cross-Whitehall fora on national resilience. The work is supported at official level through the Project Delivery and Major Events, and Media and International directorates, and the Permanent Secretary’s Office.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Officials from the Northern Ireland Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and the public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Northern Ireland Office is actively supporting this work across a number of directorates including discussions with defence industry representatives, businesses and academia to better understand the contribution of the defence sector in Northern Ireland. This work is led by the Director for Security, International and NI Politics, and the Director for Growth, Public Service Transformation and NI Fiscal Sustainability.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Officials from HM Treasury work closely with other departments across Government – including the Ministry of Defence – to support the delivery of the vision outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

Cabinet Office Officials regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence. This allows the Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those above and below the threshold of an armed attack.

The Cabinet Office is actively leading and coordinating this work through the Home Defence Programme owned by the COBR Director and COBR Directorate, with oversight by the Deputy National Security Advisor (DNSA) for Intelligence, Defence and Security.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

Officials from the Ministry of Justice regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Ministry of Justice is actively supporting this work and regularly fields senior officials from across the Department, including the Permanent Secretary, to cross-government meetings on a range of issues, including national security, resilience and defence.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry during the Urgent Question on Ministry of Defence: Palantir Contracts of 10 February 2026, Official Report, column 691, whether the publication of files relating to Peter Mandelson will include reference to his visit to Palantir headquarters in Washington DC on 27 February 2025.

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

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Senior officials from the Resilience and Recovery Directorate in MHCLG regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

MHCLG is actively supporting this work, including liaising with Local Resilience Forums.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

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

Officials from the Home Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Officials from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

Defra is actively supporting this work, with the National and Economic Security Team within the department’s Ministerial Growth and Resilience Directorate leading the coordination of contributions to discussions, including CNI responsibilities for Food and Water supply resilience.

Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, how many meetings officials from their Department have attended on the national conversation on defence and security; which directorate in their Department is responsible for the departmental contribution to that national conversation; and what the job title is of the official responsible.

Answered by Jo Stevens - Secretary of State for Wales

Officials from the Wales Office regularly attend meetings to discuss matters of national security, defence and resilience as well as the associated public communications required to deliver these lines of efforts. The conversation on National Defence was a recommendation in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which the Government accepted. The Ministry of Defence is the lead department for delivering the SDR, with support from the Cabinet Office, and particularly from the National Security Secretariat.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year, cross-departmental effort designed to deliver on the whole-of-society approach to national security and defence allowing Government, the private sector and public to play their part in strengthening the UK’s resilience to any potential future shocks. This work addresses the risks and threats the UK faces, including those below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 92 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, how many (a) public engagements and (b) private meetings Ministers in their Department have undertaken related to the national conversation on defence and security.

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

Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience, and associated public communications.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme has begun this work by starting to familiarise the public with their role in national security and resilience, and is supporting associated communications led by the Ministry of Defence on reserves. Effective public information and advice on emergency preparedness, available through the Prepare website (https://www.gov.uk/prepare), is central to our whole-of-society approach — when people know what immediate action they should take during an emergency, they strengthen our national resilience.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 88 of the UK Government Resilience Action Plan, how many meetings Ministers have attended related to the Home Defence Programme.

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

Ministers have regular discussions with officials, external experts and ministerial colleagues on a range of issues, including national security, defence and resilience.

The Home Defence Programme was established in August 2024 to build the UK’s resilience to any potential escalation to conflict. It is an evolving and enduring programme of work which provides defence, security and resilience planning, focused on aligning military and civil effort in the event of a period of crisis and international hostilities affecting the UK. It is informed by and reflects the recommendations from government strategies, including the Strategic Defence Review, National Security Strategy and Resilience Action Plan.

The Cabinet Office coordinates the Home Defence Programme, working closely with the MoD and other departments.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what preparations they have made to ensure there is a sufficient workforce of prosthetists and orthotists to meet the anticipated demand for prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation in the event of a conflict situation.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department of Health and Social Care, the National Health Service, and the Ministry of Defence continue to ensure health services, including prosthetic and orthotic services, can respond effectively to meet the demands of conflict situations through regularly reviewing system-wide capacity.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s commitment to longer term workforce planning through the 10 Year Workforce Plan will also ensure that the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what strategic workforce planning is in place to ensure that prosthetic and orthotic services are resilient to both national security demands and systemic pressures on the healthcare workforce.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department of Health and Social Care, the National Health Service, and the Ministry of Defence continue to ensure health services, including prosthetic and orthotic services, can respond effectively to meet the demands of conflict situations through regularly reviewing system-wide capacity.

The Department of Health and Social Care’s commitment to longer term workforce planning through the 10 Year Workforce Plan will also ensure that the NHS has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 29 August 2025 to Question 73095, whether her Department has complemented a New Burden Assessment regarding the potential financial impact of extending the Armed Forces Covenant Duty on its Departmental responsibilities.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

New burdens assessments are required when a department’s actions meet the government definition of a new burden, ensuring that the financial impact on local authorities is estimated for at least the first three years and fully funded by the relevant department.

The Ministry of Defence will lead on developing a new burdens assessment in relation to the new Legal Duty extending the Armed Forces Covenant.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether officials in his Department had discussions with MOD officials on the suitability of Capita to run government contracts prior to the award of the Civil Service pensions contract.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office awarded the contract to administer the Civil Service Pension Scheme to Capita in November 2023 under the previous government. The then Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Jeremy Quin MP, had overall responsibility for Civil Service workforce matters at the time and confirmed that the Cabinet Office should proceed to award the contract to Capita. This was further subject to the Cabinet Office’s controls process for which the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart MP, had oversight.

The contract awarded in November 2023 followed a standardised rigorous procurement process with an open and transparent evaluation process, centred on the core criteria of quality, cost, and social value.

The Cabinet Office did not approach any other government department as part of the procurement exercise, past performance is covered in the selection stage of the procurement and, as no concerns were raised at this stage, Capita progressed through to the next stage.

While Capita is not currently covering the costs associated with the deployment of the surge team, they remain responsible for any additional expenses incurred, such as the use of contractors. Furthermore, any further service failures by Capita will attract financial penalties, which will reduce the overall cost of the contract.

The contract includes key performance indicators that, if not met, include financial penalties. These have already been applied in respect of Capita’s performance in December.

The Cabinet Office will continue to use all available commercial levers to hold Capita to account and ensure they deliver the contractual service levels.

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