Ministry of Defence

We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

John Healey
Secretary of State for Defence

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Defence)

Conservative
James Cartlidge (Con - South Suffolk)
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence

Scottish National Party
Dave Doogan (SNP - Angus and Perthshire Glens)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Defence)

Liberal Democrat
James MacCleary (LD - Lewes)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Baroness Goldie (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Earl of Minto (Con - Excepted Hereditary)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Ministers of State
Lord Coaker (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Al Carns (Lab - Birmingham Selly Oak)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Luke Pollard (LAB - Plymouth Sutton and Devonport)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Louise Sandher-Jones (Lab - North East Derbyshire)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Thursday 12th March 2026
Select Committee Inquiry
Wednesday 28th January 2026
Defence in the High North

The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …

Written Answers
Friday 13th March 2026
China: Guided Weapons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Chinese …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 12th March 2026
Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2026
This Order amends the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983 (“the Scheme”), which makes provision for the payment of pensions and …
Bills
Thursday 15th January 2026
Armed Forces Bill 2024-26
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed …
Dept. Publications
Friday 13th March 2026
17:23

Ministry of Defence Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Feb. 02
Oral Questions
Jan. 12
Urgent Questions
Mar. 04
Westminster Hall
Feb. 24
Adjournment Debate
View All Ministry of Defence Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Introduced: 6th November 2024

A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd September 2025 and was enacted into law.

Ministry of Defence - Secondary Legislation

This Order amends the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983 (“the Scheme”), which makes provision for the payment of pensions and allowances to, or in respect of, civilians who were killed or injured during the 1939-1945 World War.
This Order amends the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/517)(“the Principal Order”), which provides for benefits to be payable to, or in respect of a person by reason of injury, illness or death caused wholly or partly, by service in the regular or reserve armed forces.
View All Ministry of Defence Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Petitions with most signatures
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7,526 Signatures
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4,956 Signatures
(46 in the last 7 days)
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4,138 Signatures
(4,047 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
414 Signatures
(2 in the last 7 days)
Ministry of Defence has not participated in any petition debates
View All Ministry of Defence Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Defence Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Defence Committee
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Portrait
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour - Slough)
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Derek Twigg Portrait
Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Fred Thomas Portrait
Fred Thomas (Labour - Plymouth Moor View)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Michelle Scrogham Portrait
Michelle Scrogham (Labour - Barrow and Furness)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Jesse Norman Portrait
Jesse Norman (Conservative - Hereford and South Herefordshire)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Emma Lewell Portrait
Emma Lewell (Labour - South Shields)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Lincoln Jopp Portrait
Lincoln Jopp (Conservative - Spelthorne)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Alex Baker Portrait
Alex Baker (Labour - Aldershot)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Calvin Bailey Portrait
Calvin Bailey (Labour - Leyton and Wanstead)
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Ian Roome Portrait
Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat - North Devon)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Mike Martin Portrait
Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat - Tunbridge Wells)
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Defence Committee - Oral evidence
MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25
17 Mar 2026, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Jeremy Pocklington CB - Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Defence
Air Marshal Tim Jones CBE - Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Force Development) at Ministry of Defence
Rupert Pearce - National Armaments Director at Ministry of Defence
Aneen Blackmore - Director General Finance at Ministry of Defence

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Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
The Integrated Security, Defence and Foreign Policy Review The Security of 5G SDSR 2015 and the Army inquiry Russia: implications for UK defence and security inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2015–16 inquiry BBC Monitoring inquiry Defence Acquisition and Procurement inquiry Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill inquiry Naval Procurement: Type 26 and Type 45 inquiry NATO Warsaw summit and Chilcot Report Work of the Department 2017 inquiry F-35 Procurement inquiry North Korea inquiry Indispensable allies: US, NATO and UK Defence relations inquiry Defence Acquisition and Procurement inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17 inquiry Locally Employed Civilians inquiry The effects of BAE restructuring on UK Defence inquiry National Security Capability Review inquiry The Royal Marines and UK amphibious capability inquiry The Government’s Brexit position paper: Foreign policy, defence and development: a future partnership paper inquiry Military exercises and the duty of care: follow up inquiry Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2016 inquiry UK National Shipbuilding Strategy inquiry The indispensable ally? US, NATO and UK Defence relations inquiry Locally employed interpreters inquiry Trident missile testing inquiry Investigations into fatalities involving British military personnel inquiry SDSR 2015 and the RAF inquiry Defence industrial policy: procurement and prosperity inquiry Military Exercises and the Duty of Care: Further Follow-Up inquiry Evidence from the new Defence Secretary inquiry UK Defence and the Strait of Hormuz inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Reports and Accounts 2018-19 inquiry Procurement Update inquiry Domestic Threat of Drones inquiry UK Defence and the Far East inquiry Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2018 inquiry Work of the Service Complaints Ombudsman inquiry UK Response to Hybrid Threats inquiry INF Treaty withdrawal inquiry Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2017-18 inquiry Departmental Priorities – Post-NATO Summit inquiry Work of Defence Equipment and Support inquiry Work of the Chief of Defence Staff inquiry Mental Health and the Armed Forces, Part Two: The Provision of Care inquiry Future anti-ship missile system inquiry Statute of limitations – veterans protection inquiry UK Military Operations in Mosul and Raqqa inquiry Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Procurement inquiry Modernising Defence Programme inquiry Departmental priorities inquiry Armed forces and veterans mental health inquiry Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2017 inquiry Global Islamist Terrorism inquiry MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 Work of the Chief of the Defence Staff MoD Supplementary Estimates 2012-13 Operations in Afghanistan Strategic Defence and Security Review & the National Security Strategy The Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 1: Military Casualties Operations in Libya Developing Threats to Electronic Infrastructure The Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 2: Accommodation Defence Implications of Possible Scottish Independence Impact on UK Defence of the proposed merger of BAE systems and EADS MoD Main Estimates 2013-14 Towards the next Defence and Security Review: Part One Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Educating Service Personnel Children Armed Forces Covenant in Action? Part 4: Service Personnel Education Defence Acquisition Defence and cyber-security UK Armed Forces Personnel and Legal Framework for Future Operations Future Army 2020 Future Maritime Surveillance Lariam inquiry Publication of the SDSR UK military operations in Syria and Iraq inquiry Shifting the Goalposts? Defence Expenditure and the 2% pledge Flexible Response? An SDSR checklist of potential threats Towards the next defence and security review: Part Three Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 The situation in Iraq and Syria Decision-making in Defence Policy Future Force 2020 Armed Forces (Services Complaints and Financial Assistance) Bill MoD Main Estimates 2014-15 Inquiry Defence Growth Partnership Ministry of Defence Mid Year Report Towards the next Defence and Security Review: Part Two: NATO Afghanistan - Camp Bastion Attack Defence Materiel Strategy Afghanistan The Armed Forces Covenant in Action Part 5: Military Casualties Pre-appointment hearing: Service Complaints Commissioner Defence contribution to the UK’s pandemic response Progress in delivering the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability Foreign Involvement in the Defence Supply Chain The Integrated Review – Threats, Capabilities and Concepts Defence and Climate Change National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh Armed Forces Readiness Future Aviation Capabilities Defence in the Grey Zone Women in the Armed Forces: Follow-Up The UK contribution to European Security The Armed Forces Covenant AUKUS Afghan Data Breach and Resettlement Schemes Defence in the High North NATO, US and UK Defence Relations National security and investment Beyond endurance? Military exercises and the duty of care Defence in the Arctic MoD support for former and serving personnel subject to judicial processes Defence in the Arctic (Sub-Committee) Armed Forces Covenant Annual Report 2018 Defence industrial policy: procurement and prosperity Departmental Priorities – Post-NATO Summit Domestic Threat of Drones Evidence from the new Defence Secretary Global Islamist Terrorism INF Treaty withdrawal UK Military Operations in Mosul and Raqqa Future anti-ship missile system Statute of limitations – veterans protection Mental Health and the Armed Forces, Part Two: The Provision of Care Work of Defence Equipment and Support Ministry of Defence Annual Reports and Accounts 2018-19 European Defence Industrial Development Programme Modernising Defence Programme Military Exercises and the Duty of Care: Further Follow-Up Procurement Update Work of the Service Complaints Ombudsman UK Defence and the Far East UK Defence and the Strait of Hormuz UK Response to Hybrid Threats Work of the Chief of Defence Staff

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's definition is of a strategic supplier; and what criteria his Department uses to designate strategic suppliers.

A Ministry of Defence strategic supplier is a supplier whose goods or services are critical to the delivery of Defence objectives, and where a more structured and senior level of engagement is required to manage risk, performance and value for money.

Strategic suppliers are identified through a structured supplier segmentation process, aligned with cross‑Government Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) best‑practice criteria. These criteria include considerations relating to risk, the scale and scope of engagement with the supplier, contract duration, the opportunity to deliver additional value, and strategic alignment. Spend is considered as one factor among several and is not, in itself, determinative.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for this policies of the absence of a mechanised infantry combat vehicle in British Army equipment plans.

Boxer is set to become the new British Mechanised Infantry Vehicle, an eight-by-eight-wheeled, all-terrain, armoured transport vehicle, designed for rapid deployment, high mobility, and modularity.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of war stocks held by the British Army to replace damaged or destroyed equipment in a high-intensity conflict.

The Army has undertaken a broad assessment of the capabilities and enablers required for a UK Strategic Reserve Corps (SRC), inclusive of a division, to operate as a credible war‑fighting formation. This assessment is aligned with Defence planning assumptions and NATO standards and is kept under regular review.

The assessment also recognises the importance of the entire system to enable divisional operations at scale and tempo, as well as sufficient stocks of munitions, spares, and fuel. These requirements are considered alongside the need for integration with allies, interoperability, and the ability to operate in contested and degraded environments.

For reasons of operational security, the Department does not release detailed assessments of specific stock levels.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the equipment that would be required to enable a UK Army division to operate as a war-fighting formation.

The Army has undertaken a broad assessment of the capabilities and enablers required for a UK Strategic Reserve Corps (SRC), inclusive of a division, to operate as a credible war‑fighting formation. This assessment is aligned with Defence planning assumptions and NATO standards and is kept under regular review.

The assessment also recognises the importance of the entire system to enable divisional operations at scale and tempo, as well as sufficient stocks of munitions, spares, and fuel. These requirements are considered alongside the need for integration with allies, interoperability, and the ability to operate in contested and degraded environments.

For reasons of operational security, the Department does not release detailed assessments of specific stock levels.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of cancelling the Ajax programme on planned British Army equipment numbers.

As advised within my Written Ministerial Statement dated 22 January 2026, the future of the Ajax platform is being considered as part of the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The DIP will set out investment priorities across Defence, to ensure we can deliver the capabilities required to meet the threats we face today and in the future.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps has he taken to revise the Army fielding plan for the Ajax family of vehicles in order to reflect delays caused by the ministerial-led review.

Investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure that all information and evidence is considered. The fielding plan will be updated once these investigations conclude. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments as I have done since the issue arose on Exercise Titan Storm.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2026 to question 115862 on China: Nuclear Weapons, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the a) diversification and b) modernisation of its nuclear arsenal.

The UK’s nuclear policy, most recently outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, remains unchanged. China is undertaking a significant programme of nuclear expansion and modernisation. The pace and scale of these developments, coupled with limited transparency about China’s doctrine, capabilities and decision‑making, is concerning. The UK continues to encourage China to engage substantively in strategic risk‑reduction and transparency measures.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will reassess the (a) combat readiness and (b) repair schedule of the Royal Navy's Type 45 Destroyers.

The MOD keeps Type 45 Destroyer readiness under continual review to meet operational tasking. Repair and maintenance schedules are managed through established programmes that ensure availability is maintained while delivering long‑term upgrades and improvements

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Enemy weapons detector in the hands of soldiers five years early, published on 14 February 2026, what is the in service date for SONUS.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to questions 117361 and 117362 on 9 March 2026 which remain extant.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February to Question 110439 on Defence: Expenditure, what the remaining 0.47% of GDP to be spent on defence in 2027-28 that will not be spent on the MOD budget will be spent on.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to him on 4 March 2026 in response to his Question 116532.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February to Question 110439 on Defence: Expenditure, if he will itemise what the UK will spend on defence in 2027-28 that will not be defined as MOD budget expenditure.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to him on 4 March 2026 in response to his Question 116532.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to publish a strategy on stockpiling one-way attack drones on UK territory.

In addition to the ongoing deployment of the Callen‑Lenz Nyan One‑Way Effector with UK Forces on Operation CABRIT, the Army, supported by Defence Equipment and Support and Defence Science Technology Laboratory, is reviewing long‑term stockpile options to ensure an appropriate balance between resilience, production capacity, the ability to upgrade at pace, and maintaining a predominantly UK/European supply chain.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to stockpile one way attack drones on UK territory.

In addition to the ongoing deployment of the Callen‑Lenz Nyan One‑Way Effector with UK Forces on Operation CABRIT, the Army, supported by Defence Equipment and Support and Defence Science Technology Laboratory, is reviewing long‑term stockpile options to ensure an appropriate balance between resilience, production capacity, the ability to upgrade at pace, and maintaining a predominantly UK/European supply chain.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February to Question 112837 on Navy: North Atlantic Ocean, whether the £14 million referred to is separate to the £10 million of pre-concept funding announced.

I can confirm that the £10 million is included in the £14 million pre-concept funding that has been announced.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Billion-pound helicopter deal secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit and unlocks up to £15 billion in UK exports, published on 2 March 2026, whether he plans to procure any further new medium-lift helicopters beyond the 23 announced.

The Army does not currently plan to procure any additional medium lift helicopters beyond the 23 already announced.

As with all major capabilities, the size of the medium lift fleet will be kept under review to ensure it remains aligned with Defence planning assumptions and operational need.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential of the Patria TRACKX armoured vehicle as a replacement for Viking.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I laid in the house on 9 September 2025 to Question 74736, which remains extant.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Chinese DF-17 (Dongfeng-17) solid-fuelled medium-range ballistic missile fitted with the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle on the safety of British forces.

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on states’ specific capabilities or how we would respond to them, as doing so could provide an operational advantage to those who may seek to harm the UK.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in (a) France and (b) New Zealand on EEZ enforcement in the Pitcairn Islands.

The Ministry of Defence regularly discusses regional security, including the security of our Overseas Territories, such as the Pitcairn Islands, with key regional partners including New Zealand and France.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the House will be given an opportunity to debate and vote on UK support for US operations in Iran.

The Prime Minister has provided an update to Parliament through an oral statement on 2 March 2026.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia (a) are being used and (b) will be used in the future by the United States for military operations against Iran; and whether operations from these bases are involved in offensive strikes.

As announced by the Prime Minister on 1 March 2026, the Government agreed to a US request to use British bases for specific and limited defensive purposes.

The agreement allowing the US to use UK miliary bases is for specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what legal advice he has received on the compatibility of allowing US use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia with the United Nations Charter, including Articles 2(4) and 51.

A summary of the Government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026. This can be found at the followed address: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/summary-of-the-uk-government-legal-position-the-legality-of-defensive-action-in-respect-of-iranian-regional-attacks.

Since this has been published, the Government has notified the United Nations Security Council of relevant actions taken under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many British Army Stormers are deployed to Saudi Arabia under Operation Crossways.

Operation CROSSWAYS provides military support to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, primarily focused on training and tailored military advice to the Saudi armed forces. For operational security reasons, we do not comment publicly on exact details around deployments.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the Type 45 Destroyers that (a) have completed, (b) are undergoing and (c) are yet to commence the Power Improvement Project power upgrade.

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) on 11 December 2025, in response to Question 96770 about the Type 45 Destroyer's Power Improvement Project.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK military bases in the Middle East were subjected to attack from Iranian missiles between Saturday 28 February and Saturday 7 March 2026; and how many personnel were (a) severely injured and (b) killed.

A drone strike on RAF Akrotiri resulted in no injuries or deaths. There have been no other strikes against UK military bases in the region.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to ensure that air to air re-fuelling movements are not discovered on insecure aviation messaging systems.

We continually assess and utilise the appropriate means of communication to maintain operational security.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will state the length of HMS Dragon's deployment to Cyprus.

As the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026 - the Chief of the Defence Staff reviewed the proposal to deploy HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean on the 3 March 2026 and the Secretary of State signed it off the same day. Before coming to this decision, discussions were held on this and other topics, with both officials and Ministerial colleagues. HMS Dragon departed from Portsmouth on 10 March 2026 and for operational security reasons, we will not comment on the duration of her deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Dragon will be deployed to Cyprus.

As the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026 - the Chief of the Defence Staff reviewed the proposal to deploy HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean on the 3 March 2026 and the Secretary of State signed it off the same day. Before coming to this decision, discussions were held on this and other topics, with both officials and Ministerial colleagues. HMS Dragon departed from Portsmouth on 10 March 2026 and for operational security reasons, we will not comment on the duration of her deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the decision was made to deploy HMS Dragon to Cyprus.

As the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026 - the Chief of the Defence Staff reviewed the proposal to deploy HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean on the 3 March 2026 and the Secretary of State signed it off the same day. Before coming to this decision, discussions were held on this and other topics, with both officials and Ministerial colleagues. HMS Dragon departed from Portsmouth on 10 March 2026 and for operational security reasons, we will not comment on the duration of her deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date did he first discuss the deployment of HMS Dragon to Cyprus.

As the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026 - the Chief of the Defence Staff reviewed the proposal to deploy HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean on the 3 March 2026 and the Secretary of State signed it off the same day. Before coming to this decision, discussions were held on this and other topics, with both officials and Ministerial colleagues. HMS Dragon departed from Portsmouth on 10 March 2026 and for operational security reasons, we will not comment on the duration of her deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he held any discussions with (a) officials from his Department or (b) his ministerial colleagues on the deployment of HMS Dragon before 3 March 2026.

As the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026 - the Chief of the Defence Staff reviewed the proposal to deploy HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean on the 3 March 2026 and the Secretary of State signed it off the same day. Before coming to this decision, discussions were held on this and other topics, with both officials and Ministerial colleagues. HMS Dragon departed from Portsmouth on 10 March 2026 and for operational security reasons, we will not comment on the duration of her deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy made a formal offer for the preposition of a Type 45 Destroyer between 1 January 2026 and 2 February 2026.

We constantly review deployments of Royal Navy assets in line with securing the interests of the UK and our allies. No formal offer was made by the Royal Navy to deploy a Type 45 Destroyer ahead of HMS Dragon’s deployment at the first available moment on 10 March 2026.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what protection RAF Akrotiri has against Iranian Medium Range Ballistic Missiles, in the context of the move of the US Navy USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Red Sea on 5 March.

In addition to the equipment and capabilities stationed at RAF Akrotiri, the Ministry of Defence have added 400 additional personnel, increased air defence radar and missiles since January. We have deployed F-35 and Typhoon aircraft, three Wildcat helicopters and a Merlin helicopter. HMS Dragon has now departed from the UK, where, as the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026, it will join US air defence destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the attack drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on Monday 2 March (local time) was initially reported to have struck the runway by the Foreign Secretary, rather than the building that it did strike.

In any situation that is developing as rapidly as the situation in the Middle East, new information will become available at short notice to update initial impressions. As we have said consistently, assessment of incidents will always be an ongoing process.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what warning RAF Akrotiri was given by (a) the United States, (b) Israel or (c) other allies of the approach of the four attack drones on Sunday 1 March.

It is a longstanding position that the Ministry of Defence does not comment on specific intelligence, or information from third party nations, for security reasons.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his department updated the Leonardo contract for new medium helicopters (NMH) in line with inflation.

Tenderers were required to hold their price for the duration of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) procurement process, and there has been no change to the contract price from the received tender.

As I noted in my Written Statement to the House of 3 March 2026, this contract will supply our military with 23 modern helicopters, built in the UK, directly sustaining 3,300 British jobs at Leonardo Yeovil, and enables the potential for over £15 billion of export opportunities over the next decade.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
27th Feb 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Ministry of Defence has declined to lay before Parliament a draft statutory code submitted by an arm's-length body between January 2015 and December 2025, where that code has not been subject to litigation.

The information is not held by the Ministry of Defence.

No Ministry of Defence arm’s length bodies hold statutory responsibilities that require them to produce statutory codes for laying before Parliament.

Lord Coaker
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of air-to-air refuelling capability on future force development planning.

Air to air refuelling remains a key capability within the Air Mobility Force and increases the endurance, range, payload and flexibility of all capable receiver aircraft. This capability remains important to not only the RAF, but also for our NATO allies. The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of air to air refuelling in defending the Euro Atlantic, and work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force. This will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has identified a future requirement for air-to-air boom refuelling capability for the Royal Air Force.

Air to air refuelling remains a key capability within the Air Mobility Force and increases the endurance, range, payload and flexibility of all capable receiver aircraft. This capability remains important to not only the RAF, but also for our NATO allies. The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of air to air refuelling in defending the Euro Atlantic, and work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force. This will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which warship was nominated as the Fleet Ready Escort on 1 March 2026.

The Fleet Ready Escort is undertaken by a Royal Navy warship held at high readiness to respond to tasking as required. For operational security reasons, the Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose the specific vessel nominated for this role on a given date.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the latest estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 February 2026 to Question 108597.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-27/108597

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
24th Feb 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his department is taking to effectively deliver Ministry of Defence procurement programmes designated with a Red rating for its Delivery Confidence Assessment during financial year 2024/5.

Performance of defence major programmes is subject to regular review. This enables the timely application of appropriate interventions to support a return to increased delivery confidence. An assessment of Red does not mean that the programme is undeliverable, but that there are management interventions required as a priority in order to increase the likelihood of being able to deliver to approved time, performance and cost.

Under our Defence Reforms the National Armaments Director holds all the levers of procurement, enabling the necessary interventions to be applied in support of programmes assessed as Red. In addition, implementation of the Defence Industrial Strategy will continue to remove many of the drivers for reduced levels in delivery confidence.

We inherited an equipment programme where the vast majority of programmes were over-budget and delayed. Through the work we are doing as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy and Defence Investment Plan, we are seeking to get on top of this backlog and we are making progress.

Luke Pollard
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list enforcement and detention incidents involving Cuban vessels in each of the last five years.

Available Royal Navy operational records show no enforcement or detention incidents involving Cuban‑flagged vessels in the past five years.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks, of 1 March 2026, whether it is the policy position of HM Government that UK Government could have given permission to permit the use of the US Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands for the United States to launch its pre-emptive strikes on Iran.

The United States' operational use of Diego Garcia is governed by an Exchange of Notes between the UK and the USA.

The potential use of any UK base or base on UK sovereign territory by foreign military forces for operational purposes is closely considered to ensure that we are content with their proposed activities taking place on/from those bases.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential risks of Iran's (a) diesel-electric submarine fleet, (b) mini-submarines and (c) underwater unmanned autonomous vehicles on (i) the Royal Navy and (ii) UK commercial shipping.

The Ministry of Defence routinely monitors and assesses the capabilities and activities of the Iranian Armed Forces, including its naval assets.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 114218 on Veterans: Mental Health Services, how will services become a VALOUR Recognised Centre and what will the eligibility criteria be.

VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them.

VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRC) will enable veterans, and in due course the wider Armed Forces Community, to access in-person guidance and support. Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026. They are currently being assessed, and successful bids will be announced in due course.

The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA). Further detail on the fund’s criteria is published on the AFCFT website.

A network of VALOUR Field Officers (VFOs) will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development. The first phase of recruitment for VFOs is currently underway.

VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs. The HQ team is currently being established within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 114218 on Veterans: Mental Health Services, by when will he establish a) a VALOUR HQ and b) a network of VALOUR Field Officers.

VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them.

VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRC) will enable veterans, and in due course the wider Armed Forces Community, to access in-person guidance and support. Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026. They are currently being assessed, and successful bids will be announced in due course.

The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA). Further detail on the fund’s criteria is published on the AFCFT website.

A network of VALOUR Field Officers (VFOs) will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development. The first phase of recruitment for VFOs is currently underway.

VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs. The HQ team is currently being established within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Louise Sandher-Jones
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his department has made of the potential security implications for British citizens in Cyprus as a result of the delay in sending HMS Dragon to the region.

The Department continually assesses a wide range of potential threats to the UK and its citizens, including hostile activity by state actors. We do not comment on specific intelligence for security reasons.

The deployment of HMS Dragon is in addition to the considerable amount of capability positioned into RAF Akrotiri since January, including hundreds of Armed Forces personnel, radar, air defence missiles and F35s to defend our bases, people and interests.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK being directly attacked by Iran on the security of the North of Scotland.

The Department continually assesses a wide range of potential threats to the UK, including hostile activity by state actors. Whilst we do not comment on specific intelligence for security reasons, the UK maintains robust, multi layered defences designed to protect the whole of the country, including the North of Scotland.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
5th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his department has made of the potential security implications for UK residents after allowing United States forces to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for strikes on Iranian missile sites.

The Department continually assesses a wide range of potential threats to the UK, including hostile activity by state actors. Whilst we do not comment on specific intelligence for security reasons, the UK maintains robust, multi layered defences designed to protect the whole of the UK.

Al Carns
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)