Asked by: Henry Tufnell (Labour - Mid and South Pembrokeshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what engagement his Department has had with a) recognised trade unions and b) affected staff regarding the potential impact of the proposals to remove caretaker posts from the Army Reserve and University Officers’ Training Corps estate.
Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)
The Army Caretaker Review remains ongoing and no final decisions have been made. Consultation on the proposed implementation plan is taking place with the recognised trade unions. Affected employees have been informed of the proposal and indicative timeline and will be updated following consultation.
Of the 123 caretakers currently in scope of the review, 89% occupy accommodation linked to their caretaker role. This data is correct as at 1 September 2026. The proposed timetable for vacating linked accommodation, including cases where employment may continue beyond 31 March 2027, remains subject to consultation and implementation planning.
The Department recognises the uncertainty and potential impact on affected caretakers and their families. Housing-related issues, including transitional arrangements and the proposed timetable for vacating tied accommodation, are being considered as part of implementation planning. Requests to remain in accommodation beyond the end of the role, under a different rental agreement, would be considered on a case-by-case basis by the property owner, taking account of Defence requirements, site security, estate plans and individual circumstances.
Affected employees will receive support through line management, Human Resources , trades union representatives and the Employee Assistance Programme. Army caretakers across the UK, will also be encouraged to engage early with local housing authorities and relevant independent advice services where they may need support to secure alternative accommodation.
Work is underway to identify suitable redeployment opportunities within Defence and the wider Civil Service. Redundancy would only be considered where suitable redeployment cannot be secured. Any financial assistance or compensation would be considered in line with the relevant Civil Service compensation scheme provisions and wider departmental policy.
Asked by: Henry Tufnell (Labour - Mid and South Pembrokeshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking through the Defence Investment Plan to support defence supply chains in Mid and South Pembrokeshire constituency.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Investment Plan commits £298 billion over the next four years, backing British industry and strengthening defence supply chains across the UK.
Additionally, in January we launched the Defence Office for Small Business Growth which means we will spend an additional £2.5 billion with SMEs by 2028. This is a 50% increase of direct spend with SMEs.
Asked by: Henry Tufnell (Labour - Mid and South Pembrokeshire)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the Defence Industrial Strategy 2025.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We are progressing the implementation plan for the Defence Industrial Strategy. I am happy to report to the House that I spoke with the Welsh Government about the roll out of a Defence Growth deal for Wales and how Wales will benefit from the £250 million fund allocated.