Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the use of DM Crombie by Royal Navy ships to protect (i) the High North and (ii) North Sea subsurface cables.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased use of DM Crombie on transit time for Royal Navy ships patrolling the North Sea.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role DM Crombie plays in the defence and protection of (i) the High North and (ii) subsurface cables in the North Sea.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with allies in the High North on the threat posed by Russia’s arctic naval modernisation programme.

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

The Ministry of Defence keeps Russian military capabilities and investment under continuous review. We work closely with our NATO Allies to understand the implications of Russian military capability development for Alliance security. NATO is strengthening its deterrence and defence as a result of the increasing threat from Russia and will continue to adapt as necessary.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has carried out on the strategic importance of DM Crombie to the Royal Navy and UK allies.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) Royal Navy and (b) RFA ships will use the jetty at DM Crombie in each of the next five years.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to upgrade the main jetty at DM Crombie.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main jetty at DM Crombie.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the jetty at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions have taken place regarding adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase the use of DM Crombie by the Royal Navy.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main pier at DM Crombie.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the pier at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

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

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the threat to UK offshore energy assets from Russian military activities.

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

Russia poses a long-term, strategic threat to Euro-Atlantic security and the UK is taking measures to combat these threats with our Allies. The maritime domain is increasingly contested. Hostile states and non-state actors pose a growing threat to our critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence constantly monitors activity within UK waters and its Economic Exclusion Zone to counter and deter detected threats. British warships frequently patrol and shadow foreign vessels throughout the UK marine area, including through the North Sea and increased surveillance of offshore oil and gas installations. This includes the Atlantic Bastion concept – a plan to scale and accelerate new and existing capabilities to defend underwater infrastructure.

This is part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to deterring and defending against the range of threats we face.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department last conducted an exercise to explore the threat against UK offshore energy assets from Russian military activities.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) conducts regular planning and exercising of military responses to a multitude of threats, including those that impact the security of our critical maritime infrastructure. The MOD also works closely with other Government Departments to assess and respond to emerging threats to our offshore energy assets.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of naval protection for offshore energy installations in the UK Economic Zone.

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

The Ministry of Defence keeps the security of the UK's offshore energy installations and wider maritime critical national infrastructure under continuous review, working closely with other Government Departments, industry and international partners.

The Royal Navy contributes to this through persistent presence, surveillance and deterrence activity in UK waters. We will continue to strengthen our ability to identify, deter and respond to threats as the risk picture evolves, working with allies and industry, and through development of the Royal Navy's Atlantic Bastion transformation programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training his Department offers to operators of UK offshore energy assets on steps to take in the event of a threat from Russian military assets.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure.

The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what advice is given to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea on steps to take in the event of threat or intimidation from Russian military assets.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure.

The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.

British forces on the front line in Afghanistan