Found: The associated legislative changes are included in the Armed Forces Bill 2026. 4.

Found: Jeremy Pocklington: This is obviously going through the Armed Forces Bill that is currently going through

Found: Th e Committee also considered a note by the Legal Adviser regarding the Armed Forces Bill (CC/LS/26

Found: As part of the Armed Forces Bill 2026, we are amending the Reserve Forces Act (RFA 96), which makes

Found: The upcoming Armed Forces Bill and Defence Readiness Bill could offer opportunities to improve mobilisation

Found: Through the Armed Forces Bill, the Ministry of Defence is amending the Reserve Forces Act (RFA 96),

Found: security and resilience Bill, the tackling state threats Bill, the national security Bill, the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Government Response to the Special Report by the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill 2026 Government

Found: Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill attendance statistics 2024-26 Attendance statistics

Found: complete ‘ping pong’ before the session’s end (see online bill record here). 21 These were the Armed Forces Bill

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress has he made in ensuring plans made under the Home Defence Programme meet Defence’s needs in the event of escalation to war, including mobilisation of Reserves and industry, and ensuring Defence has ready access to private-sector infrastructure for operations, underpinned by legislation as necessary, as outlined in Recommendation 28.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence is both updating its own Homeland Defence and transition to war plans through 2026 and playing a significant role in the wider cross-Government Home Defence Programme, in order to ensure all plans are aligned in meeting needs in the event of escalation to war.

As part of this, Defence is taking steps to strengthen our future readiness. Through the Armed Forces Bill 2026, Defence is seeking to increase its powers and flexibility to call out and/or recall former personnel at pace and scale in a potential crisis such as a transition to war. Similarly, Defence Readiness legislation is being developed in line with the Strategic Defence Review recommendations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress has he made in delivering recommendation 16.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Defence is already delivering a range of new and more flexible routes into service designed to widen participation, attract specialist talent and improve access to military careers. These include the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, the Defence Direct Entry Cyber pathway and the Zig Zag Careers Pathway, alongside wider recruitment reforms to reduce barriers to entry and improve the journey from application to service.

The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme provides a new, paid opportunity for young adults to experience military service, develop valuable life and employability skills, and gain first-hand insight into the work of the Armed Forces. Delivery is already underway, with Royal Navy participants currently in training and Army candidates progressing into Basic Training, whilst the Royal Air Force continues preparations for implementation later this year.

Alongside this, Defence has introduced new pathways to help address skills challenges in areas where there is strong competition from the civilian labour market. The Defence Direct Entry Cyber pathway provides a streamlined route for individuals with existing skills to enter the Armed Forces, while the Zig Zag Careers Pathway supports more flexible routes into service and helps Defence access specialist talent from a broader pool of experience and expertise.

Defence is also continuing to modernise its medical entry policies to ensure standards remain evidence-based, reflect advances in medical treatment and do not create unnecessary barriers to service. A comprehensive review of entry medical standards delivered over 100 policy amendments, supporting a more inclusive approach to recruitment and enabling more people who can safely and effectively serve in the Armed Forces to do so. Medical entry standards remain under continuous review and assessed against JSP 950 to ensure they reflect the latest evidence whilst maintaining the operational effectiveness required of the Armed Forces.

In addition, Defence is working to introduce greater flexibility of Service through reducing barriers between existing workforce types, including through measures contained within the Armed Forces Bill; this will increase the opportunities available for people to serve within the Armed Forces, whilst enabling Defence to best harness the significant skills of its Service Personnel.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to comply with the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 and the principles established by the Court of Appeal in Fogg and Ledgard v Secretary of State for Defence [2006] EWCA Civ 1270, to ensure that qualifying wartime merchant vessels operating in military service are capable of receiving recognition and protection comparable to that afforded to SS Storaa.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

Under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (PMRA), merchant vessels at the time of their loss, that were formally requestioned, utilised for armed forces purposes and operating under military command can be designated as either "Protected Places" or "Controlled Sites". Should the amendments to PMRA proposed in the Armed Forces Bill 2026, currently going through Parliament, be successful, merchant vessels in military service at the time of their loss located in UK territorial, and international waters will be automatically protected.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 90 of his Department’s Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on having the necessary plans, powers and personnel to achieve an effective and sustainable transition to war if required.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence keeps plans under regular review, and is updating its Homeland Defence and transition to war plans through 2026. These ensure we have the capabilities, powers and personnel at the right readiness levels to effectively transition to war if required.

Defence is also taking steps to strengthen our future readiness. Through the Armed Forces Bill 2026, Defence is seeking to increase its powers and flexibility to call out and/or recall former personnel at pace and scale in a potential crisis such as a transition to war. Similarly, Defence Readiness legislation is being developed in line with the Strategic Defence Review recommendations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 12 of the Strategic Defence review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress his Department has made on ensuring the armed forces can endure a long campaign.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Since publication of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government has taken significant steps to strengthen the Armed Forces’ ability to endure a long campaign. Through the Defence Investment Plan, we are investing £298 billion over the next four years in personnel, stockpiles, infrastructure, digital systems, munitions and force protection to rebuild warfighting readiness and improve the Armed Forces’ capacity to sustain operations.

We are also modernising equipment and strengthening the Strategic Reserve through the Armed Forces Bill 2026. Together, these measures will increase operational resilience, enhancing the Armed Forces’ ability to sustain military capability during prolonged operations and meet future security challenges.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential benefits of establishing a housing association for defence housing, in particular the ability of housing associations to (1) borrow up to 50 per cent of their assets from the private sector outside of the public sector borrowing requirement, and (2) access Homes England grants for new housing developments.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Housing Strategy review team assessed a range of organisational and delivery models to identify the approach best able to improve outcomes for Service Personnel and their families, deliver value for money, and support the long-term renewal of the Defence housing estate.

The assessment, which is summarised in the published Defence Housing Strategy, found that transferring Defence housing to a housing association would be most likely to delay improvements, increase costs, reduce operational effectiveness and undermine Crown tenancy arrangements. Additionally, expert financial advice indicated that borrowing through the private sector, outside the public sector borrowing limits, was not a feasible funding route.

The Defence Housing Strategy recommended establishing the Defence Housing Service as a professional, arms-length organisation focused on the specific needs of Service Personnel and their families and that the direct partnership with the military to support this can only be achieved within a public body. The Government supported this recommendation and is progressing legislation to create the Defence Housing Service through the Armed Forces Bill.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department requires Government departments to assess the potential impact of new policies on veterans at the policy development stage.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

This government is fully committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and who have served. In November 2025, the Government published a new cross-government Veterans Strategy working with devolved governments and across society to set a new narrative around the remarkable men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.

During Armed Forces week (June 2025), the Prime Minister announced that military personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved are to have their unique circumstances legally protected by central and devolved governments for the first time under plans to extend the Covenant Legal Duty to more policy areas and across the UK, through the Armed Forces Bill 2026. The Bill is now progressing through the House of Lords and must achieve Royal Assent by December 2026.

The Covenant Duty will extend to UK Government departments and the Devolved Governments as well as local public bodies currently within scope. They will all be required to have due regard to the Covenant principles in their decision and policy making. The Duty will be extended from three policy areas to encompass childcare, education and training, employment, health and social care, housing, social security benefits, personal taxation, criminal justice, transport, pensions, immigration and citizenship, and armed forces compensation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the £15 billion increase in defence spending on (a) military housing and accommodation and (b) the Government's veterans strategy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Investment Plan confirms the commitment to £9.2 billion funding to deliver the recommendations of the Defence Housing Strategy and allows the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to press forward with the establishment of a new dedicated Defence Housing Service through the Armed Forces Bill.

The MOD will publish its detailed business case and comprehensive delivery timeline for the Defence Housing Strategy over the next 12 months, in direct alignment with the National Audit Office recommendations. Work has already commenced on the 14,000 homes requiring substantial refurbishment, which were set out in the Strategy. We have already made significant improvements on over 1,250 military homes, with another 2,000 to be improved this financial year.

The Defence Investment Plan includes £1.4 billion over the next four years for Single Living Accommodation. We have begun an independent review of Single Living Accommodation that will report later this year. The results of the review will inform how we spend the £1.4 billion.

The investment will help deliver initiatives to ensure that every veteran is celebrated for their service, empowered to realise their full potential, and provided with support by Defence, Government and Society, beyond their time in uniform.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of improvements to service family accommodation on the wellbeing, retention, and satisfaction of armed forces personnel and their families.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence remains committed to improving the lived experience of Service personnel and their families, including through the Defence Housing Strategy announced in November 2025, the Single Living Accommodation and Overseas Estate Review launched in January 2026, and the provisions in the Armed Forces Bill to establish a new Defence Housing Service.

The most recent Continuous Attitude Survey showed satisfaction with housing is up as is morale.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Defence Housing Strategy: A £9bn ‘generational renewal' for forces family housing and 100,000 new homes on MOD land to drive growth, published on 2 November 2025, how many of the 40,000 military homes will be (a) modernised, (b) refurbished or (c) rebuilt in the (i) current and (ii) next Parliament.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence will publish its detailed business case and comprehensive delivery timeline for the £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy over the next 12 months, in direct alignment with the National Audit Office (NAO) recommendations.

Work has already commenced on the 14,000 homes requiring substantial refurbishment, which were set out in the Strategy. We have already made significant improvements on over 1,250 military homes, with another 2,000 to be improved this financial year.

The Armed Forces Bill includes provisions to create a Defence Housing Service to support this work and that bill is proceeding through Parliament currently. We remain committed to spending £9 billion on defence house refitting or rebuilding 9 in 10 defence homes in the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Defence Housing Strategy: A £9bn ‘generational renewal' for forces family housing and 100,000 new homes on MOD land to drive growth, published on 2 November 2025, how many of the 14,000 military homes will be (a) refurbished or (b) replaced in the (i) current and (ii) next Parliament.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence will publish its detailed business case and comprehensive delivery timeline for the £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy over the next 12 months, in direct alignment with the National Audit Office (NAO) recommendations.

Work has already commenced on the 14,000 homes requiring substantial refurbishment, which were set out in the Strategy. We have already made significant improvements on over 1,250 military homes, with another 2,000 to be improved this financial year.

The Armed Forces Bill includes provisions to create a Defence Housing Service to support this work and that bill is proceeding through Parliament currently. We remain committed to spending £9 billion on defence house refitting or rebuilding 9 in 10 defence homes in the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many houses will no longer be (a) rebuilt and (b) refurbished as a result of his Department's decision to delay spending on defence housing to the next Parliament.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence will publish its detailed business case and comprehensive delivery timeline for the £9 billion Defence Housing Strategy over the next 12 months, in direct alignment with the National Audit Office (NAO) recommendations.

Work has already commenced on the 14,000 homes requiring substantial refurbishment, which were set out in the Strategy. We have already made significant improvements on over 1,250 military homes, with another 2,000 to be improved this financial year.

The Armed Forces Bill includes provisions to create a Defence Housing Service to support this work and that bill is proceeding through Parliament currently. We remain committed to spending £9 billion on defence house refitting or rebuilding 9 in 10 defence homes in the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to publish a detailed timetable for the refurbishment, redevelopment and rebuilding of Service Family Accommodation properties acquired through the repurchase agreement with Annington Property Ltd.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Under the Defence Housing Service, the Department will report annually to Parliament on how Defence family homes perform against the Decent Homes Standard and any additional standards set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The Defence Housing Strategy sets out the vision for a generational renewal of Defence family homes. Nine in ten homes will be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt, backed by a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Armed Forces Bill will establish the new Defence Housing Service as the vehicle to improve the supply and quality of Defence family homes, putting the needs of Forces and their families first, to support defence communities.

We are already making rapid improvements to drive positive changes for Service families. As set out earlier this year, we will be refurbishing 2,000 homes across the UK in the next 12 months alone, building on 1,250 of the worst condition properties already brought up to standard under the Consumer Charter last year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on ensuring that no veteran is disadvantaged as a result of military service.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to support our Armed Forces community. The promise is to ensure that those who serve and have served, along with their families and the bereaved, are treated fairly.

In June 2025, the Prime Minister unveiled new plans ensuring that, for the first time, every government department will be required to give ‘due regard’ to the Armed Forces Covenant when shaping policies and making decisions, taking into account the distinct experiences and needs of the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Bill, through which this change is being made, continues its passage through Parliament. Having passed through its committee stage, it is currently moving through the House of Commons.

In addition, VALOUR is a £50 Million funded programme, which will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. VALOUR Recognised Centres will facilitate access to multiple services for veterans, and will connect local, regional, and national services. A network of VALOUR Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination, enabling data-driven policy and service development. Finally, a VALOUR HQ, within the Ministry of Defence, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether clause 2 of the Armed Forces Bill includes a Foundation Strategic Authority within the definition of a local authority in section 343AZB(3) of the Armed Forces Act 2006.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Clause two of the Armed Forces Bill includes unitary authorities and Foundation Strategic Authorities in England within the definition of a Local Authority in section 343AZB(3) of the Armed Forces Act 2006. This is because each one is legally classified as either a county council, a district council, a combined authority, or a combined county authority, all of which are listed in section 343AZB(3).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether clause 2 of the Armed Forces Bill includes a unitary authority within the definition of a local authority in section 343AZB(3) of the Armed Forces Act 2006.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Clause two of the Armed Forces Bill includes unitary authorities and Foundation Strategic Authorities in England within the definition of a Local Authority in section 343AZB(3) of the Armed Forces Act 2006. This is because each one is legally classified as either a county council, a district council, a combined authority, or a combined county authority, all of which are listed in section 343AZB(3).

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the context of the Armed Forces Bill extending the Armed Forces Covenant duty to include social care, how the Department will ensure that the needs of the armed forces community are recognised and embedded within future social care guidance, workforce training and professional standards.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Department of Health and Social Care fully supports the commitment to extend the Armed Forces Covenant duty to include social care. We are dedicated to working closely with the Ministry of Defence and local authorities to ensure the Covenant’s principles are effectively implemented to meet the specific care needs of service personnel, veterans, and their families, including considering where any further guidance might be required.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the cost of bringing all service family accommodation up to the Decent Homes Standard; and by what date he expects that work to be completed.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The Secretary of State commissioned an independent Defence Housing Review, which informed the publication of the Defence Housing Strategy on 3 November 2025. The Strategy sets out 67 Recommendations for a long-term vision for the improvement of Service Family Accommodation, all of which were accepted by the Government in full, and backed by a publicly announced record £9 billion investment over ten years, and under which around 90% of military homes will be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt.

The MOD is already delivering on its mission to transform Armed Forces housing, completing a raft of commitments made to Service families. This includes upgrades to 1,250 homes in the last 12 months, with a further 2,000 more planned this financial year.

The Armed Forces Bill will establish the new Defence Housing Service as the vehicle to improve the supply and quality of Defence family homes under the Defence Housing Strategy, putting the needs of Forces and their families first, to support defence communities.

Work to improve the estate is being delivered through the ten-year programme set out in Strategy. The Department is in the early stages of this programme and, given the variation in the age and condition of the estate, the scope and cost of works required to bring all homes up to the Decent Homes Standard will differ across properties.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement on the establishment of the Defence Housing Service, what estimate he has made of the number of homes currently below the Decent Homes Standard; and whether he plans to publish annual performance targets for the new organisation.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

As of 1 June 2026, 1,153 military homes (2.42%) were assessed as falling below the Decent Homes Standard.

Under the Defence Housing Service, the Department will report annually to Parliament on how Defence family homes perform against the Decent Homes Standard and any additional standards set by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. These arrangements are provided for in the Armed Forces Bill, under which the Secretary of State for Defence will specify the relevant housing standards, the Defence Housing Service will be required to comply with them, and an annual report will be laid before Parliament.

The Armed Forces Bill will establish the new Defence Housing Service, which will bring greater focus and coherence to the improvement of family accommodation by placing the needs of Service Personnel and their families at the centre of delivery.

The MOD is already delivering on its mission to transform Armed Forces housing, completing a raft of commitments made to Service families. This includes upgrades to 1,250 homes in the last 12 months, with a further 2,000 more planned this financial year.

Through the Defence Housing Strategy, the Department is delivering a step change in the quality and standard of military housing. This includes a ten-year renewal programme under which around 90% of military homes will be modernised or upgraded, with approximately 14,000 homes to be rebuilt, replaced or substantially refurbished.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of land war readiness of (a) regular and (b) reserve troops across the armed forces.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK Armed Forces, with the British Army at its core, maintains land forces designed to operate both independently and as part of NATO. The Army’s regular forces are maintained at graduated readiness able to deploy on operations in the UK and overseas. The Reserve forces provide essential depth, specialist skills, and scalability, with ongoing enhancements to their readiness and integration ensuring they remain a vital component of our overall capability.

Through the Strategic Defence Review, we are investing significantly in modernising equipment, improving sustainment, and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, including autonomous systems, to increase force lethality and endurance. The Armed Forces Bill 2026 contains measures that enhance the Strategic Reserve by, for example, increasing the maximum age limit for recall, enabling the use of experienced volunteer reservists when required, and giving the Secretary of State for Defence power to authorise recall for warlike operations that are being prepared or conducted.

The Government has accepted the Strategic Defence Review’s recommendation to introduce a Defence Readiness Bill. Engagement with Government departments and industry partners is ongoing to develop this legislation, which will deliver meaningful change and strengthen the readiness and resilience of our Armed Forces.

While the scale and duration of independent land campaigns are influenced by operational priorities and resource allocation, the UK Armed Forces are committed to maintaining and enhancing a balanced, integrated, and resilient land capability that meets the demands of current and future security challenges.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the level of ability of the armed forces to sustain an independent land campaign.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK Armed Forces, with the British Army at its core, maintains land forces designed to operate both independently and as part of NATO. The Army’s regular forces are maintained at graduated readiness able to deploy on operations in the UK and overseas. The Reserve forces provide essential depth, specialist skills, and scalability, with ongoing enhancements to their readiness and integration ensuring they remain a vital component of our overall capability.

Through the Strategic Defence Review, we are investing significantly in modernising equipment, improving sustainment, and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, including autonomous systems, to increase force lethality and endurance. The Armed Forces Bill 2026 contains measures that enhance the Strategic Reserve by, for example, increasing the maximum age limit for recall, enabling the use of experienced volunteer reservists when required, and giving the Secretary of State for Defence power to authorise recall for warlike operations that are being prepared or conducted.

The Government has accepted the Strategic Defence Review’s recommendation to introduce a Defence Readiness Bill. Engagement with Government departments and industry partners is ongoing to develop this legislation, which will deliver meaningful change and strengthen the readiness and resilience of our Armed Forces.

While the scale and duration of independent land campaigns are influenced by operational priorities and resource allocation, the UK Armed Forces are committed to maintaining and enhancing a balanced, integrated, and resilient land capability that meets the demands of current and future security challenges.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the proportion of military accommodation in Sir John Moore Barracks and Worthy down that does not meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence remains committed to providing Service personnel and their families with high-quality, modern and well-maintained accommodation.

As of 15 June 2026, there are 415 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties serving Sir John Moore Barracks and Worthy Down in Winchester. Of those, four properties (0.96%) have been assessed as falling below the Decent Homes Standard. All four properties are unoccupied (void).

The Armed Forces Bill will establish the new Defence Housing Service as the vehicle to improve the supply and quality of Defence family homes under the Defence Housing Strategy, putting the needs of Forces and their families first, to support defence communities.

Work to improve the estate is being delivered through the ten-year programme set out in Strategy. The Department is in the early stages of this programme and, given the variation in the age and condition of the estate, the scope and cost of works required to bring all homes up to the Decent Homes Standard will differ across properties.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of family accommodation for defence personnel.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

As of 1 June 2026, 96.2% of Service Family Accommodation properties meet or exceed the Decent Homes Standard.

The Department is delivering a step change in the quality and management of military housing through implementing the recommendations of the Defence Housing Strategy. The Strategy sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes; 90% of military homes will be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt, through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Defence Housing Service is the vehicle to drive this transformation and is currently be legislated for in the Armed Forces Bill.

We are already getting on with the job by refurbishing another 2,000 homes across the UK in the next 12 months alone, building on the 1,250 worst condition properties already brought up to standard under the Consumer Charter last year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Armed Forces Minister has been given access to the content of the Defence Investment Plan.

Answered by Al Carns

As I confirmed to the House on 2 June 2026 during the debate on the Armed Forces Bill, I have seen the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has considered using the Armed Forces Bill to clarify the legal status of maritime wrecks connected to the United Kingdom’s war effort which are not currently afforded protection comparable to military maritime graves.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The sinking of merchant vessels during the world wars, represents a tragic loss of life that we must all strive to remember and reflect upon. It is right that we honour and recognise this sacrifice and strive to ensure the grave sites of those who have been lost receive appropriate protection. While the specific scope and purpose of the Armed Forces Bill preclude such an extension to merchant wrecks, we will continue to ensure underwater cultural heritage receives the highest levels of protection available in accordance with international law and best practice.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether former reservists subject to recall under the Armed Forces Bill will apply retrospectively to Reservists who served before the bill passed.

Answered by Al Carns

Former reservists who left before the Armed Forces Bill 2026 was passed will not be subject to recall retrospectively. However, those who have left service may choose to opt in to recall liability if they wish. Those personnel who are currently serving will also have the opportunity to opt-out.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has considered using the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to clarify the legal status of maritime wrecks connected to the United Kingdom’s war effort which are not currently afforded protection comparable to military maritime graves.

Answered by Al Carns

The Protection of Military Remains Act (1986) is being strengthened via the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to automatically provide ‘Protected Place’ status to shipwrecks that were under Admiralty orders at the time of their sinking. This will ensure compliant shipwrecks are treated as maritime military graves, prohibiting the removal of artefacts and ensuring these sites are left undisturbed. Maritime wrecks which were not under Admiralty orders at the time of their loss cannot be addressed via the Armed Forces Bill 2026, as it would be outside the Bill’s core constitutional purpose.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has considered using the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to clarify the legal status of maritime wrecks connected to the United Kingdom’s war effort which are not currently afforded protection comparable to military maritime graves.

Answered by Al Carns

The Protection of Military Remains Act (1986) is being strengthened via the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to automatically provide ‘Protected Place’ status to shipwrecks that were under Admiralty orders at the time of their sinking. This will ensure compliant shipwrecks are treated as maritime military graves, prohibiting the removal of artefacts and ensuring these sites are left undisturbed. Maritime wrecks which were not under Admiralty orders at the time of their loss cannot be addressed via the Armed Forces Bill 2026, as it would be outside the Bill’s core constitutional purpose.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current entry requirements for the armed forces reserve; and whether his Department plans to review entry requirements for the armed forces reserves.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continually assesses the entry requirements for Reserve recruitment and is actively streamlining joining processes, along with many other aspects of the Reserves, to ensure they support national resilience.

This Government has taken several actions to set conditions of growth and utility of the Reserves workforce such as the Pan Defence Skills Framework, the Armed Forces Recruitment Service and the ZigZag career pilot. Through the Armed Forces Bill 2026, Reserves measures seek to significantly expand the UK's Strategic Reserve and modernise mobilisation.

The Strategic Defence Review has set a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and it will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. We are committed to the Strategic Defence Review recommendation to increase the number of Active Reserves to increase by 20% when funding allows.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to (a) recognise and (b) protect vessels carrying British personnel and civilians and lost to hostile action in a way that is comparable to military maritime graves; if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of using the Armed Forces Bill 2026 to do this; if she will consider extending a framework consistent with international principles on underwater cultural heritage to Government-owned wrecks in international waters; and whether the wreck of the SS Tilawa will be considered for designation as a protected heritage site.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The sinking of the SS Tilawa, and many other merchant vessels during the world wars, represents a tragic loss of life that we must all strive to remember and reflect upon. It is right that we honour and recognise this sacrifice and strive to ensure the grave sites of those who have been lost receive appropriate protection. While the specific scope and purpose of the Armed Forces Bill preclude such an extension to merchant wrecks, we will continue to ensure underwater cultural heritage receives the highest levels of protection available in accordance with international law and best practice.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to table the Defence Readiness Bill.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There are readiness measures in the Armed Forces Bill and work is underway across Government on the Defence Readiness Bill. We are working towards later this Parliament subject to usual processes.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of police funding to respond to incidents involving the misuse of unmanned drones in residential areas in Surrey Heath constituency.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office coordinates the government’s counter-drone policy. We lead work to understand potential risks posed by the misuse of drones and emerging technologies to ensure we have the right capabilities, personnel, training and powers to address these risks.

In 2019, the Home Office supported the creation of the National Police Chiefs' Council Counter-Drones Unit to provide strategic leadership to policing on counter-drones capabilities; how and when the police use their powers and capabilities is an operational matter. The Home Office maintains the importance of operational independence and does not routinely comment on operational decision making or individual force funding decisions. However, the Home Office does work closely with the police to ensure that they provide the appropriate information and training to local forces who may need to respond to reports of the possible misuse of drones.

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act, National Security Act, and upcoming Armed Forces Bill provide police and others with powers to respond to drone misuse. We consistently look for opportunities to update legislation and ensure that police have the powers they need.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current enforcement powers available to police to respond to reports of unmanned drones operating near residential properties.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office coordinates the government’s counter-drone policy. We lead work to understand potential risks posed by the misuse of drones and emerging technologies to ensure we have the right capabilities, personnel, training and powers to address these risks.

In 2019, the Home Office supported the creation of the National Police Chiefs' Council Counter-Drones Unit to provide strategic leadership to policing on counter-drones capabilities; how and when the police use their powers and capabilities is an operational matter. The Home Office maintains the importance of operational independence and does not routinely comment on operational decision making or individual force funding decisions. However, the Home Office does work closely with the police to ensure that they provide the appropriate information and training to local forces who may need to respond to reports of the possible misuse of drones.

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act, National Security Act, and upcoming Armed Forces Bill provide police and others with powers to respond to drone misuse. We consistently look for opportunities to update legislation and ensure that police have the powers they need.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve the ability of police forces to (a) identify and (b) locate operators of unmanned drones suspected of misuse.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office coordinates the government’s counter-drone policy. We lead work to understand potential risks posed by the misuse of drones and emerging technologies to ensure we have the right capabilities, personnel, training and powers to address these risks.

In 2019, the Home Office supported the creation of the National Police Chiefs' Council Counter-Drones Unit to provide strategic leadership to policing on counter-drones capabilities; how and when the police use their powers and capabilities is an operational matter. The Home Office maintains the importance of operational independence and does not routinely comment on operational decision making or individual force funding decisions. However, the Home Office does work closely with the police to ensure that they provide the appropriate information and training to local forces who may need to respond to reports of the possible misuse of drones.

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act, National Security Act, and upcoming Armed Forces Bill provide police and others with powers to respond to drone misuse. We consistently look for opportunities to update legislation and ensure that police have the powers they need.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department provides to police forces on responding to reports of unmanned drones posing a potential risk to residential security.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office coordinates the government’s counter-drone policy. We lead work to understand potential risks posed by the misuse of drones and emerging technologies to ensure we have the right capabilities, personnel, training and powers to address these risks.

In 2019, the Home Office supported the creation of the National Police Chiefs' Council Counter-Drones Unit to provide strategic leadership to policing on counter-drones capabilities; how and when the police use their powers and capabilities is an operational matter. The Home Office maintains the importance of operational independence and does not routinely comment on operational decision making or individual force funding decisions. However, the Home Office does work closely with the police to ensure that they provide the appropriate information and training to local forces who may need to respond to reports of the possible misuse of drones.

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act, National Security Act, and upcoming Armed Forces Bill provide police and others with powers to respond to drone misuse. We consistently look for opportunities to update legislation and ensure that police have the powers they need.

Found: Increasing the readiness of the Reserves In January 2026 the government introduced the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Future legislative changes The Armed Forces Bill 2026-27 would make changes to the reserve forces

Found: Armed Forces Bill: HL Bill 36 of 2026–27

84th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Tilawa

Amend the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 through the Armed Forces Bill to apply SS Storaa Court of Appeal ruling, protect qualifying wartime merchant vessels such as SS Tilawa as maritime war graves, improve transparency & whistleblower protections, & establish a permanent national memorial

Found: Amend the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 through the Armed Forces Bill to apply SS Storaa Court

Found: further 2,000 during 2026. 3.11 Before the MoD can fully implement the strategy, it requires the Armed Forces Bill

Found:

Found: A Defence Housing Service, which is being created as part of the Armed Forces Bill, will lead the programme

Found: Bills currently in Parliament which have the potential to reform assimilated law: • The Armed Forces Bill

Found: Armed Forces Bill 2026 Memorandum

Found: Armed Forces Bill 2026 Memorandum

Found: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, saving forces' families up to £6,000 a year.29 Through the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, saving forces' families up to £6,000 a year.29 Through the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Provisions in the Armed Forces Bill will strengthen the capability, responsiveness and sustainability

Found: Provisions in the Armed Forces Bill will strengthen the capability, responsiveness and sustainability

Found: The Defence Housing Service is being established in law through the Armed Forces Bill and will be responsible

Found: told of the VAPCs value and was keen for more geographical focus and to add VAPCs to the Armed Forces Bill

Found: , and it is the MOD’s intent to have the necessary legislation to enact this change in the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Access) Act 2025 • Great British Energy Act 2025 • Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 • Armed Forces Bill

Found: provisions for a Defence Readiness Bill to improve national preparedness and implementing the Armed Forces Bill

Found: increased powers for the Victims’ Commissioner (Ministry of Justice) • implementing the Armed Forces Bill

Found: ....................................................................................112 2 Armed Forces Bill

Found: ................................................................................... 112 3 Armed Forces Bill

Found: ................................................................................. 112 2 Armed Forces Bill

Found: My Ministers will recognise this service with an Armed Forces Bill that improves the service justice

Found: My Ministers will recognise this service with an Armed Forces Bill that improves the service justice

Found: The Armed Forces Bill, which will have its Second Reading in Parliament later today, delivers on the

Found: Legislation As noble Lords will be aware, the Armed Forces Bill 2026 is currently progressing through

Found: Letter dated 09/09/2026 from Lord Coaker to Baroness Goldie regarding the Armed Forces Bill committee

Found: involving US Air Force officer Jacob Wulfson, as discussed during the Second Reading of the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Further, the Armed Forces Bill extends the Armed Forces Covenant legal duty across a range of areas

Found: Ministry of Defence response to the special report by the Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill 2026

Found: , and it is the MOD’s intent to have the necessary legislation to enact this change in the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Supplementary Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Armed Forces Bill 1st Report, 2026

Found: Armed Forces Bill supplementary LCM Letter from Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans to the

Found: Armed Forces Bill supplementary LCM Letter from the Deputy Convener to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice

Found: Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Armed Forces Bill Letter to the Convener of the Criminal Justice

Found: date in the Seventh Senedd, Legislative Consent Memoranda have been laid in relation to the Armed Forces Bill

Found: Government is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and the intentions within the Armed Forces Bill