Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to (a) maintain and (b) improve amphibious assault capabilities.

The Commando Force modernisation programme is delivering a fundamental change to the UK's amphibious capabilities. The programme will be delivered in two investment increments, called OPERATE and FIGHT. OPERATE will deliver a transformation of 3 Commando Brigade's operational capability on land while FIGHT will deliver the additional capabilities required to conduct ship-to-shore operations in a contested maritime environment.

On current plans, the Landing Platform Docks, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, will retire from service by the end of 2034. As part of the transformation of our Commando Forces, options for future amphibious capability are being developed in the form of the Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS).

The Secretary of State has also commissioned a plan on how the Royal Marines excellent work and capabilities can be bolstered and enhanced to protect Britain from a world that has grown more dangerous. An update to the House will be provided in due course.