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.
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)
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The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK service personnel are permanently stationed at the British Army …
These Regulations are made under the Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52) and amend the Royal Air Force Terms of …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed …
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.
Bills currently before Parliament
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament
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
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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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
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Defence Committee: 24 Current Inquiries
Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)The Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal will combine defence and wider Government investment to support companies across a number of sub-sectors that are key for defence and align with Defence’s strategic priorities. The Deal will harness NI’s defence and dual-use strengths, driving innovation and increasing competitiveness. It is anticipated to attract significant private sector investment and support hundreds of jobs across Northern Ireland.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Tide-class tankers routinely support NATO, Joint Expeditionary Force partners, and other allied maritime operations while delivering the UK’s standing commitments worldwide.
The data the hon. Member requires is not held in the format requested. However, we estimate that there have been in excess of 300 replenishment at sea provided to international allies by Tide-class tankers from 2017 to date.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.
There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.
There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Palantir Enterprise Agreement was a Direct Award justified under the Procurement Act 2023. The Enterprise Agreement covers existing services and where there is a robust technical justification for using Palantir products and services for Defence outcomes. The decision to proceed by way of a Direct Award under Schedule 5, Paragraph 7 reflected the need to maintain continuity of critical Defence capabilities. All procurement procedures were followed with the publication of a Transparency Notice.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.
There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) operates robust and mandatory conflict of interest requirements for all data platform procurements, in line with the Procurement Act 2023 and MOD ethics and propriety policy. These require the identification, assessment and mitigation of any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, including those arising from external advisers, and apply equally to all suppliers. These arrangements are kept under review as part of ongoing procurement governance.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence has carried out appropriate due diligence and conflict-of-interest checks in line with statutory procurement, propriety and governance requirements.
Information relating to due diligence criteria, individual recusal decisions, and consideration of alternative suppliers forms part of the Department’s internal commercial and assurance processes. As such, it would not be appropriate to place this material in the Library. Relevant information about the Department’s processes has already been set out through published Transparency Notices and responses to Parliament.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
DEFCON 514 is not applicable to the Ajax contract with General Dynamics UK, however similar provisions are included.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary carries merchant navy legislation in compliance with the regulations stated in all applicable International Maritime Organisation legislation.
The application of national regulation to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is subject to regular review under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Ministry of Defence.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Secretary of State for Defence and other Defence Ministers engage routinely and regularly with a wide range of industry stakeholders through established forums, bilateral meetings, and routine commercial engagement on a broad number of topics.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Op COURAGE and RESTORE are both NHS initiatives; to date Op COURAGE has received 35,000 referrals, whilst over 1,000 veterans have used the Op RESTORE service.
VALOUR is a programme which will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. There are three components of VALOUR. 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 MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
As previously advised, the appointment followed an external competition and was approved by the Prime Minister.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works closely with commercial partners to deliver crucial defence outputs. Information regarding commercially managed ships in MOD service is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has assessed options for reservist pilots to bolster our F35 force and concluded that this model is not appropriate for the RAF at this time.
The investment in time and money to train a part-time pilot on F35 and keep them sufficiently trained and current to operate the aircraft is similar with that of a full-time pilot. At this stage of growth in the UK F35 Wing, the cost is not justified by the amount of service a part-time pilot could offer compared with a full time regular.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence is committed to achieving the target mission capable rate for the UK's F-35 fleet. To meet workforce requirements, the Department is increasing the number of aircraft engineers. In parallel, the UK is actively supporting the US-led F-35 Joint Programme Office in efforts to enhance the Global Support Solution, focusing on improving spares availability and overall performance. Additionally, further investments are being made in technical infrastructure at RAF Marham and other supporting enablers to boost fleet availability.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.
This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.
This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.
This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.
This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
There is ongoing work between Ministry of Defence (MOD), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the NHS to review system-wide capacity and shape and plan the UK’s approach to respond collectively as health services to meet the demands of warfighting.
The latest in a series of workshops involving MOD, DHSC and UK health services, was hosted by NHS England in February 2026 focused on the role of the NHS in major conflict, including the potential clinical challenge to health services of modern conflict and how UK health services work collectively to respond to the challenge of conflict at scale. The Strategic Defence Review recommendations and the creation of integrated crisis plans will continue to be progressed as part of the ongoing engagement between the MOD, DHSC and the NHS.
Further, the work with allies through the NATO Medical Action Plan is addressing priority challenges in workforce; mass casualty planning; patient evacuation; and medical logistics. We will look to address legislative and regulatory barriers to effective care.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal.
As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal.
As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
In line with NATO guidance, the UK has consistently counted spend across Government towards defence spending, provided it meets the definition.
Which additional Departments this will be from will be set out as part of the UK's return for 2027.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
All of the UK's declared defence spending is rigorously scrutinised to ensure it meets the definition set out by NATO.
In line with other NATO Allies, the full range of what the UK includes as defence spending is not publicised.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Alongside the FCDO and other Government Departments, we continue to monitor the security situation in the Caribbean and undertake regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
We continue to develop interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade, the 82nd Airborne Division and the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste. These links are strong and will continue to be demonstrated during 2026.
16 Air Assault Brigade will participate in the 82nd Airborne Division’s validation exercise for its Immediate Reaction Force role in March 2026; this is the culmination of a number of preparatory exercises throughout 2025-2026 which has seen tangible links developed between the two Headquarters. The US relationship is also reinforced annually as part of Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE, which are a series of exercises alongside NATO partners and has been confirmed through to 2027.
The relationship with 11e Brigade Parachutiste is focused around the Airborne Combined Joint Force which is formally recognised within the Lancaster House Treaty. This is a bi-annual alternating responsibility to command a combined brigade. This is achieved through a series of low-level bilateral exercises and culminates in a confirmatory exercise. Furthermore, there are exchange officers between the two brigades who maintain the relationship, offering parachuting and coordinate capability development opportunities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
There are no active training villages on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area. There were also none in use on 5 July 2024.
Please see the table below, which confirms how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the previous 10 financial years.
Year | Live Firing Exercises |
2016 | 3 |
2017 | 4 |
2018 | 3 |
2019 | 3 |
2020 | 0 |
2021 | 0 |
2022 | 2 |
2023 | 0 |
2024 | 0 |
2025 | 0 |
2026 | 0 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
There are no active training villages on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area. There were also none in use on 5 July 2024.
Please see the table below, which confirms how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the previous 10 financial years.
Year | Live Firing Exercises |
2016 | 3 |
2017 | 4 |
2018 | 3 |
2019 | 3 |
2020 | 0 |
2021 | 0 |
2022 | 2 |
2023 | 0 |
2024 | 0 |
2025 | 0 |
2026 | 0 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
There are no active training villages on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area. There were also none in use on 5 July 2024.
Please see the table below, which confirms how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the previous 10 financial years.
Year | Live Firing Exercises |
2016 | 3 |
2017 | 4 |
2018 | 3 |
2019 | 3 |
2020 | 0 |
2021 | 0 |
2022 | 2 |
2023 | 0 |
2024 | 0 |
2025 | 0 |
2026 | 0 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.
HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.
The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.
HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.
The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.
HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.
The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.
HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.
The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.
HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.
The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The UK is fully committed to NATO’s broader deterrence posture in the Baltic region, demonstrated through our significant contributions across air, maritime, and land domains. This includes our Forward Land Force commitment in Estonia, regular participation in NATO exercises, and involvement in maritime operations.
We continue to work closely with our NATO Allies to regularly review and assess how best to allocate resources to ensure the greatest possible deterrent effect and to uphold the security of the Alliance.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Within the Armed Forces there are two levels of parachute specialisation: Low Level Para and High Altitude Para.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)