Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026 to Question 22823 on USA: Armed Forces, by when will he have a) identified and b) applied the lessons arising from the case involving Dr Steele.

Lessons arising from the case involving Dr Steele have already been identified and are being implemented. This is an ongoing process, and we will continue to identify and implement any further lessons, including in relation to the operation and implementation of jurisdictional arrangements under the Visiting Forces Act (1952).

The Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council has written to all Chief Constables in England and Wales to remind forces of their responsibilities under the Act. The Council is also working with a cross-law enforcement and government working group on the production of robust guidance for all forces to ensure the appropriate implementation of the legislation for cases in the future.