Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment this Department has made of trends in the level of recruitment and retention levels across the armed forces in the latest reporting period.

The figures in the latest reporting period highlight that for the first time since early 2021, Armed Forces intake is now greater than outflow. In the 12 months preceding 1 October 2025 there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12-month period. At the same time there was a decrease of 8% in people leaving the Armed Forces. In addition to this, the Armed Forces continue to see increased numbers of applications. These trends are very welcome, but we recognise that there is still more to do.

We are committed to improving recruitment and retention through a range of targets, initiatives and measures and we are making a positive impact.