Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the (a) future of AUKUS Pillar 2 cooperation and (b) potential UK participation in US-led advanced defence technology projects.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Secretary of State for Defence has used his recent opportunities for dialogue with his US counterpart to emphasise the importance, now more than ever, of our deep ties and collaboration on security and defence.
The UK continues to cooperate closely with the US within AUKUS Pillar 2, as well as bilaterally to develop advanced capabilities and increase interoperability between our forces.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps with his (a) Australian and (b) US counterparts on the integration of quantum computing technologies under the AUKUS framework.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Quantum technologies remain one of the six areas of advanced capability collaboration being progressed as part of AUKUS Pillar Two. The Secretary of State for Defence alongside his AUKUS counterparts continues to support the development and integration of quantum technologies for positioning, navigation, and timing in military capabilities.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help strengthen maritime security in the Caribbean region in (a) collaboration with British Overseas Territories and (b) other ways.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
A Royal Naval ship maintains a persistent presence in the Caribbean where it contributes to regional security through the conduct of counter-illicit trafficking operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as necessary during the Caribbean hurricane season, and wider defence engagement. Defence also provides direct assistance to the Overseas Territory Defence Regiments through the provision of equipment and training, including maritime capacity building.
Defence maintains close relationships with independent states throughout the region and works in partnership with Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United States to align and conduct joint activity.
The Ministry of Defence works closely with the Foreighn Commonwealth and Development Office as part of a cross-HMG approach to the UK’s Overseas Territories.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve mental health support for active military personnel.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces personnel. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services.
For Armed Forces personnel requiring dedicated mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. The majority of patients who seek mental health care are managed by their GP; however, some with more complex needs will receive treatment from specialist mental health care services.
The DMS is reshaping mental health provision to reduce waiting lists, improve timelines for patient recovery and refocus on earlier intervention. There will be a single point of access for specialist mental health networks allowing quicker access to initial assessment and earlier allocation to the right treatment pathway. DMS is increasing access to resources and online therapy to improve the care offered by GPs.
Several non-medical interventions across Defence complement medical services, including key MOD initiatives such as the Defence Senior Leaders Mental Fitness and Resilience course (SLMFR), HeadFIT and the Annual Mental Fitness Brief (AMFB). Additionally, each of the single Services provide through career mental health and stress management training.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with his Republic of Ireland counterpart on military cooperation on the island of Ireland.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Secretary of State for Defence wrote to the new Tánaiste following his appointment in January 2025, congratulating him on his appointment, and the Chief of Defence Staff visited Ireland on 12 and 13 February, where he met the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and Secretary General of the Department of Defence.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Royal Navy’s land-attack missile capability.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Royal Navy has a potent land attack capability, equipped to strike from above, on, and beneath the water. This includes Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles launched from the Astute Class Submarines, Paveway IV precision guided bombs carried by the F-35B aircraft and the Naval Strike Missile, which is being fitted to surface ships.
The Strategic Defence Review, announced in July 2024, will comprehensively evaluate all aspects of defence, including the Royal Navy's land attack capability.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help tackle illegal narcotic trade within the Caribbean Sea.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
A Royal Navy ship is persistently deployed to the Caribbean. In conjunction with the US, this ship conducts counter illicit trafficking operations to directly intercept drug smugglers. In addition, a Royal Naval officer provides UK liaison to the US Joint Inter Agency Task Force (South) in Florida to ensure that we collaborate to best effect with allies.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to ensure the continued presence of Royal Navy assets in the Middle East maritime theatre.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard the UK’s national security interests and operational requirements. We remain committed to working with our partners across the region. The Strategic Defence Review, due to be published in the Spring, will set out Defence’s strategic priorities and context for subsequent resource allocation, including informing the global distribution of Royal Navy assets.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to improve retention of officers in the (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and (c) Royal Air Force.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. We are modernising and refining our policies and processes to attract, and then retain the best possible talent, highlighting that Defence is a modern, forward-facing employer which offers a valuable and rewarding career. Our aim is to attract and recruit more, as well as maximise the number of applicants that successfully enter and remain in Armed Forces employment.
The retention measures we have introduced and in development are aimed at the widest possible audience where possible, whether that be Officer or Enlisted ranks, unless directed towards protecting specific operational capabilities. As part of this inclusive approach to retention we have already awarded the largest Armed Forces pay increase in 22 years, providing appropriate financial recognition to all personnel and additionally supporting the retention of key skills.
The Ministry of Defence and Ministers recognise the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation, and more retention-positive measures have been introduced. As part of this we have protected the integrity of the Continuity of Education Allowance; the Secretary of State for Defence directed that the cap on current rates be lifted to support the means of mitigating the disruption to Service children’s education, caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home. The recent repurchase of the SFA estate from Annington Homes will enable the Ministry of Defence the freedom to embark on a substantive programme of redevelopment and improvement of our housing estate to provide quality homes for Service Families.
Furthermore, we have extended Wraparound Childcare to families serving overseas which will potentially save up to £3,400 annually for Service families.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will increase funding to the UK Maritime Component Command based at the Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Future funding decisions are subject to the ongoing Spending Review, and the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review.