Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2025 to Question 62994 on Defence: Expenditure, whether expenditure on (a) transport and (b) broadband networks are within the scope of spending on critical infrastructure.

As set out in the Government's answer of 1 July to Question 62994 on Defence: Expenditure, the Government defines defence and national security spending in line with NATO's definition. NATO's definition of defence and security related expenditure includes areas such as strengthening the defence industrial base and our energy security, enhancing civil preparedness and resilience, and countering hybrid treats.