Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Cabinet Office and the Joint Intelligence Committee on incorporating the findings of the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security into country and regional risk planning.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Nature Security Assessment is a cross-government assessment, and the response must be cross-government too, as the risks cut across food security, supply chains, economic stability, international development, security and resilience. We recognise the importance of taking a whole-of-government perspective on climate and nature security, and are working together to strengthen our capabilities on analysis, foresight and strategic policy response.

We have launched the Government's first Taskforce on the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss, bringing together security, military and academic experts to help Government identify priority risks, strengthen cross-government coordination and turn evidence into practical action.

We are also addressing nature-related risks at source through our International Climate Finance (ICF) programme. The UK's ICF4 Strategy places nature at its core, investing in the protection and restoration of forests, oceans, freshwater and other critical ecosystems that support global stability, resilience and prosperity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether officials have had discussions with counterparts in (a) Brazil, (b) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (c) Canada and (d) South East Asian states regarding the six ecosystem regions identified as critical to UK national security in the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Assessment has informed our programming and engagement with international partners on ecosystem degradation and nature loss, given their growing implications for economic prosperity, resilience and security. In Brazil, the assessment is helping shape our strategy at Post and our engagement with Brazil. This includes dialogue on the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for which the UK will invest £400 million, as announced on 3rd September: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-boost-for-climate-action-and-forest-protection

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, whether officials have had discussions with Russia-adjacent and Canadian counterparts regarding the resilience of boreal forests.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Assessment has informed our programming and engagement with international partners on ecosystem degradation and nature loss, given their growing implications for economic prosperity, resilience and security. In Brazil, the assessment is helping shape our strategy at Post and our engagement with Brazil. This includes dialogue on the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for which the UK will invest £400 million, as announced on 3rd September: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-boost-for-climate-action-and-forest-protection

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, whether officials have had discussions with the Government of Brazil on the resilience of the Amazon rainforest.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Assessment has informed our programming and engagement with international partners on ecosystem degradation and nature loss, given their growing implications for economic prosperity, resilience and security. In Brazil, the assessment is helping shape our strategy at Post and our engagement with Brazil. This includes dialogue on the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for which the UK will invest £400 million, as announced on 3rd September: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-boost-for-climate-action-and-forest-protection

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what forum exists to coordinate the Government's response to the cascading national security risks identified in the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, including (a) migration, (b) serious and organised crime, and (c) state threats arising from ecosystem collapse.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government's response is being taken forward through the respective departments' responsibilities. Additionally, the Government has established the Taskforce on the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss, bringing together leading security, military and academic experts to help Government identify priority risks, strengthen cross-government coordination and turn evidence into practical action. The Taskforce will provide independent challenge and recommendations to ensure climate and nature risks are considered more systematically across national security and resilience planning.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the status of the national security assessment is on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security within the National Security Risk Assessment framework.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Nature Security Assessment is a forward-looking assessment that is designed to support preparedness and resilience planning. It helps our understanding of the nature-related risks across the country. It sits within the framework of risks set out in the government’s National Risk Register and Chronic Risk Analysis. The National Risk Register focuses on the UK’s most serious acute risks, and the Chronic Risk Analysis are medium to long term risks and includes biodiversity loss. They are separate and complementary publications, and all assessments and analyses aid resilience planning.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which departments and agencies were consulted in the preparation of the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Nature Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security was published 20 January 2026. It is a cross-government strategic assessment, developed by analysts and subject matter experts across Government. The Assessment was not produced by a single department, it brings together scientific evidence, policy analysis and national security expertise to inform long-term resilience and security planning.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what role the Joint Intelligence Committee played in the production of the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Nature Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security is a cross-government strategic assessment, developed by analysts and subject matter experts across Government. It was not produced by a single department and brings together scientific evidence, policy analysis and national security expertise to inform long-term resilience and security planning.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of the UK's official development assistance is directed towards ecosystem protection and restoration in the six critical ecosystem regions identified in the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Tackling nature loss is a core priority for UK International Climate Finance (ICF). In the ICF3 period (2021/22- 2025/26) we delivered £3.4 billion for nature across a range of critical geographies, out of a total of £12.8 billion ICF spend.

Over the next three years, the UK is allocating around £6 billion of our aid budget as ICF, and we will also deliver an additional £6.7 billion of UK backed climate and nature positive public finance. Through ICF 4 we will continue to prioritise protecting our vital natural ecosystems like oceans and forests and supporting governments and financial institutions to integrate nature into their economic decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the risk of simultaneous production collapse across two or more global breadbasket regions.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government closely monitors risks to UK and global food security, including the possibility of simultaneous shocks affecting major food-producing regions. The National Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security, published earlier this year, noted that collapse of production in two or more breadbasket regions could significantly increase global food prices and affect the UK's ability to import food.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' work with industry and across Government to monitor risks to global food production, markets and UK food security. We also work with governments and international agencies to strengthen food security risk analysis, early warning and effective response in vulnerable countries. Through this work we are helping to build a more resilient global food system, including through investment in climate-resilient agriculture and crops that can better withstand future shocks.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the UK's exposure to a simultaneous collapse of production in two or more global breadbasket regions.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

In the National security assessment on Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security published earlier this year, it says “collapse of production in two or more breadbasket regions would almost certainly significantly drive up global food prices, potentially limiting the UK’s ability to import food, impacting household food security and restricting diets”.

Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise both domestically and internationally. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the estimated average annual running cost is of a Type 31 frigate.

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

The Type 31 frigates are not yet in service. The future support solution for the class is currently being developed and remains subject to commercially sensitive considerations, it would be inappropriate to provide an estimate of the average annual running cost at this stage.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Cadet Force Adult Volunteers there were in each of the last five years.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The information requested is available in the Department's published statistics, accessible at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-index

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to retain Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 19511 on 2 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-16/19511

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to recruit additional Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 19511 on 2 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-16/19511

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the vulnerability of UK food production to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, through (a) depleted soils, (b) loss of pollinators, and (c) drought and flood conditions.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Nature Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security was published 20 January 2026. It is a cross-government strategic assessment, developed by analysts and subject matter experts across Government. The Assessment was not produced by a single department, it brings together scientific evidence, policy analysis and national security expertise to inform long-term resilience and security planning.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support the Government is providing for coral reef protection in the UK, with reference to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK is home to cold-water corals domestically and significant tropical reefs in its Overseas Territories.

In England, our deep-water coral habitats, situated within The Canyons Marine Conservation Zone, are protected by the Marine Management Organisation’s byelaw restricting bottom-trawling.

We also work closely with our Overseas Territories through the Coral Conservation in the Overseas Territories Working Group to support resilience-based reef management, collaboration and implementation of national reef action plans.

The nature security assessment on biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security identified coral reefs in SE Asia as one of 6 ecosystems of strategic importance for the UK. The UK is the largest donor to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, a blended finance instrument that mobilises action to protect, restore and safeguard coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them including in SE Asia.

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 the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, whether the UK is providing support to South East Asian states for coral reef and mangrove protection.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK’s Blue Planet Fund supports partners in South East Asia to protect their corals reefs and mangroves by providing funding for locally-led solutions, technical assistance, and to catalyse additional finance. The UK is the largest donor to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, a blended finance instrument that mobilises action to protect, restore and safeguard coral reefs and the communities that depend on them. Our bilateral programme, Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transitions (COAST), works closely with partners in Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam. The UK has also signed the Mangrove Breakthrough and the High-Level Climate-Resilient Coral Reef Commitment.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what support the Government is providing for boreal-like forest protection in the UK, with reference to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK Forestry Standard and regulatory frameworks for forestry that apply in all UK administrations ensure that sustainable forest management is practised in all woodlands, with detailed requirements for the protection of biodiversity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of caretaker staffing levels to maintain reservist estate buildings.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Army has assessed caretaker staffing requirements through the Army Caretaker Review, which considered the ongoing requirement for civilian caretaker roles across the Reserve and University Officers Training Corps estate.

The review found that sites could be maintained through alternative arrangements, including facilities management contracts and security systems.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regards the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse as a critical contribution to understanding emerging security risks. MOD is integrating its findings into strategic planning, intelligence assessments, and preparedness activities, consistent with the Strategic Defence Review. The Department continues to work closely with government partners and academia to ensure that military planning reflects the complex challenges posed by environmental degradation and ecosystem collapse, thereby supporting UK national security and resilience.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to commission an assessment of the military implications of ecosystem collapse in the six critical ecosystem regions identified by the Joint Intelligence Committee.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively integrating the findings of the Joint Intelligence Committee’s assessment on global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse into its strategic planning and intelligence work.

While MOD has not separately commissioned a dedicated military implications assessment focused solely on the six critical ecosystem regions, it is working closely with cross-government partners and internal analysis teams to understand and anticipate the security risks arising from ecosystem degradation globally. These considerations are embedded within the broader Strategic Defence Review and ongoing resilience planning, such as the UK’s National Adaptation Programme, to ensure military preparedness for emerging environmental challenges.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential risk of interstate conflict and military escalation arising from competition for arable land, water and critical minerals, as set out in the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises that competition for scarce resources poses a significant risk to regional and global stability. The MOD works closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the Met Office, Defra, the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre, and internal analysis teams to monitor and assess these risks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Ministry of Defence's climate change and sustainability strategy has been updated to incorporate the findings of the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

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

The MOD's Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach (CCSSA) published in 2021 established a framework for integrating environmental risks into defence planning, infrastructure and operations. In August 2025, the Department endorsed a new internal Energy and Environment Strategic Direction which builds on progress achieved under the CCSSA and which supports policy development in relation to national security assessments of climate change and biodiversity loss and contributions to cross-government initiatives such as the UK's National Adaptation Programme.

These steps support Defence’s move towards warfighting readiness, increased productivity, and responsible environmental action.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which Government departments and agencies contributed to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Nature Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security was published 20 January 2026. It is a cross-government strategic assessment, developed by analysts and subject matter experts across Government. The Assessment was not produced by a single department, it brings together scientific evidence, policy analysis and national security expertise to inform long-term resilience and security planning.

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