Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what welfare, health and family‑support provisions are available to submariners completing exceptionally long patrols.

Submariners undertake some of the most demanding duties in Defence and the Department recognises the unique demands placed upon them and their families.

A range of support measures are provided to submariners while on patrol and once they return home, including access to comprehensive medical care, pre- and post‑deployment health checks, comprehensive mental health support, alongside chaplaincy access and secure arrangements for receiving messages from family while deployed.

Families are supported through Royal Navy welfare organisations, including Royal Navy Family and People Support, which provides 24-hour support to Service personnel and their families. All arrangements remain under constant review and further information can be found at: Royal Navy Support