Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to support the expansion of cadet forces through (a) funding of infrastructure, (b) adult volunteer recruitment and retention, and (c) new cadet activities and qualifications.

The Government fully recognises the significant benefits that participation in the Cadet Forces brings to young people, communities and wider society. The Strategic Defence Review recommended a 30% increase in cadet numbers and, following the publication of Defence Investment Plan, we are now working to deliver this growth by 2035.

Detailed work is underway to determine how this expansion will be delivered and to identify the key enablers required to support sustainable growth across the Cadet Forces. While it is currently too early to confirm future funding allocations, we remain committed to investing in the Cadet Forces and improving opportunities for young people throughout the UK.

As part of planning for expansion, we are assessing the suitability, capacity and resilience of the existing cadet estate and infrastructure. This work will inform future decisions on how best to ensure cadet units have access to safe, modern and appropriate facilities capable of supporting increased cadet numbers and programme delivery.

Adult Volunteers are fundamental to the success of the Cadet Forces. We are reviewing and refining the offer available to our volunteers to ensure it remains attractive and sustainable. This includes analysis of volunteer feedback gathered through a recent extensive survey, which will help shape measures to improve recruitment and retention, and the overall volunteer experience as future growth is delivered.

The Cadet experience continues to evolve to help young people develop key skills and attributes for the future. Cadets already participate in a broad range of activities, including leadership, adventurous training, community engagement and STEM-related opportunities. Further work is planned to define skills baselines and improve the consistency of accreditation, qualifications and recognition across the cadet community.

Further detail on the long-term vision for the Cadet Forces will be set out in a new Cadets Action Plan, due to be launched during the first National Cadets Week in October. The Action Plan will focus on modernising the cadet experience, supporting adult volunteers and ensuring cadets and volunteers have the resources required to support future expansion.