Feb. 06 2026
Source Page: UK firms pitch future technologies in first ever defence 'Dragons' Den' eventAsked by: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat - Lewes)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to parts 1 and 2 of the Service Justice System Review, published on 29 March 2018 and 29 March 2019, if he will amend the Armed Forces Bill to exclude rape and sexual assault with penetration from Court Martial jurisdiction except when the consent of the Attorney General is given.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
There are no plans to amend the Armed Forces Bill in the way proposed. There have been significant improvements to investigations, prosecutions and victim support in the Service Justice System since the Lyons Review and the House of Commons’ Defence Committee’s previous recommendation. The Defence Serious Crime Command is implementing national standards set by the College of Policing through the Professionalising Investigations Programme and the National Operating Model under Operation Soteria, in line with National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing guidance. This ensures that investigations into rape and serious sexual offences are victim-centred, suspect-focused, and consistent with nationally recognised policing standards. The Victim Witness Care Unit provides independent, trauma-informed and end-to-end support. Reports by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate independently verify the progress made.
Sir Brian Leveson’s July 2025 Independent Review of the Criminal Courts stated that “criminal justice is in crisis” with cases being listed as far ahead as 2029, while the Court Martial has no backlogs and cases progress without delay. In the civilian system 19% of victims withdraw from adult-rape-flagged proceedings in the Crown Court; in the Court Martial none withdrew in 2024.
Whilst conviction rates cannot be reliably compared, published data does not support claims that the conviction rate is higher in the Crown Court. The conviction rate for adult-rape-flagged cases in the Court Martial, excluding guilty pleas, is 51% from 2022 to 2024 compared to 36% in the Crown Court.
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to question 107527 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, for what reason the first 100 Ajax-vehicles are not in service with any unit.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The majority of the first 100 Ajax vehicles were withdrawn from units in 2024, with the final vehicle withdrawn from 6 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 2025. These vehicles are currently located in Merthyr Tydfil, Llanelli, and the Bicester Holding Area, where they are awaiting planned upgrades to meet the requirements for the current Capability Drop level before being delivered into service.
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to question 107527 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what the status is of the first 100 Ajax-vehicles.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The majority of the first 100 Ajax vehicles were withdrawn from units in 2024, with the final vehicle withdrawn from 6 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 2025. These vehicles are currently located in Merthyr Tydfil, Llanelli, and the Bicester Holding Area, where they are awaiting planned upgrades to meet the requirements for the current Capability Drop level before being delivered into service.
Asked by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the re-classification of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a Non-Standard Occupation Group has been completed.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Discussions are ongoing to define and implement Non-Standard Occupational Group status for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Defence remains focused on delivering a resilient and sustainable workforce for the future and recognising the unique contribution of its seafarers to the defence of this nation.
Asked by: Andy MacNae (Labour - Rossendale and Darwen)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on establishing a National Cyber Force HQ in Lancashire.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Plans to establish the National Cyber Force (NCF) HQ in Samlesbury are progressing as scheduled. For security reasons, we do not disclose details regarding operational status, precise locations, or specific aspects of our sites.
The NCF continues to support the development of cyber security expertise in the region, including through its long‑standing involvement in initiatives such as the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, the North‑West Cyber Corridor, and through bursary and direct‑entry schemes.