Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure UK defence readiness is not compromised by incidents related to climate change.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has previously provided, and continues to provide, civil authorities with military support across the UK under military aid to civil authorities (MACA). Defence maintains a cadre of military personnel and capabilities which can be used in the wider Government response to emergencies including, but not limited to, those related to climate change.

The MOD ensures that Defence personnel are suitably trained and equipped to respond to a wide variety of potential incidents. This includes incidents in the UK but also Defence support to Humanitarian and Disaster Relief activities globally. Defence planning staffs are well-versed, trained and practised in the principles of planning to ensure Defence can continue to meet its specific strategic objectives.