Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people were members of the British Army Band Colchester on 31 December 2023; and if he will make an estimate of the number of members it will have on 31 December 2024.

There were 44 band members in British Army Band Colchester on 31 December 2023.

It is estimated that there will be 23 members on 31 December 2024. The wider workforce will be rationalised across the Royal Corps of Army Music to maximise resources for State Ceremonial outputs and operational priorities. British Army Band Colchester will focus primarily on delivering Defence Engagement activity and providing smaller, more agile ensembles.