Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to review their decision to cut the number of armed forces personnel, in light of the conflict in Ukraine.

The 2021 Integrated Review recognised the unprecedented challenges posed by geopolitical shifts, including intensifying competition between states, a widening range of security threats, and rapid technological change. To that end, the Armed Forces will become more agile and designed for permanent and persistent global engagement.

The Government is committed to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces. This is underpinned by the decision to increase defence spending by over £24 billion over the next four years: the biggest investment in the UK’s Armed Forces since the end of the Cold War. We will continue to ensure we are threat-led and review our capabilities accordingly.

This commitment reinforces the UK’s position as the leading European NATO Ally and underlines our enduring commitment to the defence and security of Europe.