Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 26 on page 63 of his Department's Defence Investment Plan, published 30 June 2026, if he will set out the the steps being taken to continue to reform acquisition and contracting practices to support warfighting readiness, industrial resilience and economic growth.

Defence is continuing to reform acquisition and contracting practices to support warfighting readiness, industrial resilience and economic growth. These reforms include:

• a portfolio-driven approach to acquisition, strengthening category management and improving strategic engagement with suppliers;

• streamlining investment approvals, increasing delegation and removing organisational barriers to enable faster decision-making and delivery;

• improving value for money and strengthening resilience in supply chains; and

• providing clearer demand signals to industry to support a more productive and innovative defence sector.

These measures aim to ensure the Armed Forces receive the capabilities they need more rapidly.