Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria his Department uses to determine decisions on levels of Armed Forces personnel staffing.

The Ministry of Defence regularly assesses the levels of personnel staffing and force structure across the Armed Forces. Through an adaptive approach, personnel numbers and force design are determined to ensure Defence remains threat-led and the Armed Forces remain ready to deter and defend the nation should they be called upon to do so.

In line with the agile planning and delivery mechanisms developed following the Integrated Review and reaffirmed by the Integrated Review Refresh, Defence will continue to review our capabilities and readiness levels accordingly.