Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 62 of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress he has made in scrapping burdensome authorisation processes to avoid costly stop-start project management.

Following the Strategic Defence Review the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is implementing Recommendation 62 to simplify and standardise commercial processes and accelerate procurement. This approach includes consideration of a new Scaled Delivery segment for repeatable, lower-complexity procurements using standardised requirements, streamlined approvals and pre-approved routes to market.

The MOD is also developing an Accelerated Commercial Pathway for infrastructure procurements and alongside this, we are strengthening category management. We are also expanding routes to market to better reflect project requirements, market capability and delivery risk, including improving opportunities for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

In addition, we are increasing the use of collaborative delivery models including alliancing, strategic supplier partnerships and target cost contracts. This will encourage early contractor involvement, improve programme certainty and ensure risk and reward are shared appropriately between Government and industry whilst streamlining the process.