Ministry of Defence

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to question 24227 on the 8 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-08-28/24772

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to question 22962 on the 8 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-08-28/22962

The Defence Safety Authority (DSA) Charter, signed 15 May 2023, remains extant. As described in the Charter document itself, it is scheduled for review at least every five years and the Secretary of State also retains the ability to amend the Charter at any time.

There is no official definition of the term British nuclear test veteran. Existing processes, including the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, are considered sufficient for determining qualifying service for the relevant purpose. We have, however, taken a significant step in broadening recognition through the medal scheme by extending eligibility to all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as those deployed from the UK to support the monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests.

To date, nearly 6,000 veterans, or their next of kin where the veteran is deceased, have received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service. For further information on the criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-test-medal-eligibility-criteria

There is no official definition of the term British nuclear test veteran. Existing processes, including the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, are considered sufficient for determining qualifying service for the relevant purpose. We have, however, taken a significant step in broadening recognition through the medal scheme by extending eligibility to all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, as well as those deployed from the UK to support the monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests.

To date, nearly 6,000 veterans, or their next of kin where the veteran is deceased, have received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service. For further information on the criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-test-medal-eligibility-criteria

The loss relates to the Dreadnought programme and covers payment for unproductive hours incurred by the contractor.

I refer the hon. Menber to the answer given to question 21689 on the 8 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-08-28/21689

The Government is taking forward the commitments set out in the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Investment Plan to strengthen the United Kingdom's sovereign munitions and energetics manufacturing capability. This includes investment of £6 billion in munitions during this Parliament, including £1.5 billion to support an "always on" munitions production pipeline and the commitment to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The SDR munitions investment programme is intended to increase domestic production capacity, improve supply chain resilience and support the replenishment of munitions stockpiles. Delivery will be phased, with construction of the new facilities expected to be underway by 2030, with capability coming into service as individual projects mature.

The Nuclear Test Medal is awarded to recognise service connected with the United Kingdom's nuclear testing programme between 1952 and 1967 and those personnel who took part in subsequent operations to monitor atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by other nations. The criteria have been expanded to now include all UK personnel who directly supported American atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1950s and 1960s, and UK personnel who were deployed from the UK in support of monitoring of French and Chinese atmospheric tests. Nearly 6,000 veterans (or awarded posthumously to the next of kin of eligible individuals) have received their Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of their service.

To qualify, individuals must have served at designated operational locations during the relevant periods, including participation in the UK nuclear test programme, support to US atmospheric nuclear tests under Operations BAGPIPES and DOMINIC, or deployment from the UK to monitor French and Chinese atmospheric nuclear tests. Eligibility is assessed against the published criteria, which specify the qualifying operations, locations, roles and periods of service required for the award.

Equiniti Paymaster and Sopra Steria Ltd (UK) are private companies independent of Government. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contracted Sopra Steria Ltd since May 2020 to provide pension administration services. Equiniti Paymaster delivers payment services as a subcontractor to Sopra Steria and has no direct contract with the MOD.

The immediate priority for the MOD, Sopra Steria and Equiniti Paymaster is to identify affected cases, correct pension entitlements, and ensure members receive accurate information about their individual circumstances. Support is provided throughout, including tailored repayment plans and personalised financial and welfare assistance from Veterans Services. Where applicable, pension members may request an overpayment write-off from the MOD in accordance with HM Treasury's Managing Public Money guidelines, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money.

Affected members have been notified in phases, with timing dependent on the nature and complexity of each case as reviews and assessments were completed. Most cases have been addressed, though some complex cases remain under review to confirm entitlement accuracy.

The delay in notifying affected pension members after initial identification of the issue was cause by the need to assess the full extent of the error, accurately identify all the affected individuals, and validate cases before corrective action could commence. His Majesty's Government recognises that errors in pension payments may cause uncertainty for individuals and regrets any concern resulting from delayed notifications. Measures have been strengthened to improve oversight and prevent recurrence.

The MOD's contractual arrangements with Sopra Steria include provisions relating to liabilities, insurance and risk management, with contractor performance managed through established commercial and governance processes. Investigations into the causes of errors are ongoing to establish root causes and whether any contractual obligations have been breached. These findings will guide any contractual remedies.

Equiniti Paymaster and Sopra Steria Ltd (UK) are private companies independent of Government. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contracted Sopra Steria Ltd since May 2020 to provide pension administration services. Equiniti Paymaster delivers payment services as a subcontractor to Sopra Steria and has no direct contract with the MOD.

The immediate priority for the MOD, Sopra Steria and Equiniti Paymaster is to identify affected cases, correct pension entitlements, and ensure members receive accurate information about their individual circumstances. Support is provided throughout, including tailored repayment plans and personalised financial and welfare assistance from Veterans Services. Where applicable, pension members may request an overpayment write-off from the MOD in accordance with HM Treasury's Managing Public Money guidelines, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money.

Affected members have been notified in phases, with timing dependent on the nature and complexity of each case as reviews and assessments were completed. Most cases have been addressed, though some complex cases remain under review to confirm entitlement accuracy.

The delay in notifying affected pension members after initial identification of the issue was cause by the need to assess the full extent of the error, accurately identify all the affected individuals, and validate cases before corrective action could commence. His Majesty's Government recognises that errors in pension payments may cause uncertainty for individuals and regrets any concern resulting from delayed notifications. Measures have been strengthened to improve oversight and prevent recurrence.

The MOD's contractual arrangements with Sopra Steria include provisions relating to liabilities, insurance and risk management, with contractor performance managed through established commercial and governance processes. Investigations into the causes of errors are ongoing to establish root causes and whether any contractual obligations have been breached. These findings will guide any contractual remedies.

Equiniti Paymaster and Sopra Steria Ltd (UK) are private companies independent of Government. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contracted Sopra Steria Ltd since May 2020 to provide pension administration services. Equiniti Paymaster delivers payment services as a subcontractor to Sopra Steria and has no direct contract with the MOD.

The immediate priority for the MOD, Sopra Steria and Equiniti Paymaster is to identify affected cases, correct pension entitlements, and ensure members receive accurate information about their individual circumstances. Support is provided throughout, including tailored repayment plans and personalised financial and welfare assistance from Veterans Services. Where applicable, pension members may request an overpayment write-off from the MOD in accordance with HM Treasury's Managing Public Money guidelines, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-public-money.

Affected members have been notified in phases, with timing dependent on the nature and complexity of each case as reviews and assessments were completed. Most cases have been addressed, though some complex cases remain under review to confirm entitlement accuracy.

The delay in notifying affected pension members after initial identification of the issue was cause by the need to assess the full extent of the error, accurately identify all the affected individuals, and validate cases before corrective action could commence. His Majesty's Government recognises that errors in pension payments may cause uncertainty for individuals and regrets any concern resulting from delayed notifications. Measures have been strengthened to improve oversight and prevent recurrence.

The MOD's contractual arrangements with Sopra Steria include provisions relating to liabilities, insurance and risk management, with contractor performance managed through established commercial and governance processes. Investigations into the causes of errors are ongoing to establish root causes and whether any contractual obligations have been breached. These findings will guide any contractual remedies.

Microsoft products and services provide core productivity, collaboration, cyber security and infrastructure capabilities across Defence and are critical to the operation of enterprise and operational ICT services. The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) use of Microsoft reflects long-standing operational, security and interoperability requirements. Microsoft technologies are widely used across Government and by NATO allies, supporting collaboration and interoperability. The MOD keeps its reliance on strategic technology suppliers under regular review and is pursuing a multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategy to strengthen resilience.

We do not comment on specific Defence capabilities, including whether such capabilities are deployed in space, nor on future operational plans where doing so would risk undermining national security. We do however recognise that space is important to military operations and is becoming more congested, contested, and competitive. The Government is committed to collaborating with allies and partners to promote internationally agreed norms, avoid unintentional escalation and conflict, and ensure that space remains open, safe, and sustainable.

In addition, the UK's national security depends on freedom of action in space, including the ability to protect UK and allied space assets. As set out in the UK Space Strategy and Defence Investment Plan, the Government is investing in capabilities to strengthen resilience and support the protection of UK interests in space, while continuing to operate responsibly and in accordance with international law.

I refer the hon. Member to thanswer I gave on 8 September 2026 to Question 22886.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-08-28/22886

Defence recognises domestic abuse and sexual violence as serious harms that affect members of the Armed Forces community. Therefore, Defence is focused on delivering a coordinated response that supports those affected, prevents abuse from occurring, and holds perpetrators to account. MOD holds Coordinated Community Response (CCR) membership, which is regarded as best practice, with domestic abuse leads in the single Services undertaking CCR training. Defence values the contribution of chaplains, whose pastoral support and engagement with Service personnel and families complements the work of welfare and safeguarding services across the Armed Forces. Through its whole-force domestic abuse policy, Domestic Abuse Action Plan, and Violence Against Women and Girls taskforces, Defence is raising awareness, improving understanding, strengthening professional practice and support for those affected. It is through these frameworks we are informing the work of welfare-facing services, including chaplaincy and welfare teams, which form part of the wider support network available to Service personnel and families.

As set out in the SDR, DIS and DIP, we are developing the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy (DFIS), which is due to be published in Autumn 2026. The DFIS will address barriers to financing and investment in the sector – including supporting businesses access finance, in partnership with public financial institutions and private capital. To inform the DFIS, we have held working sessions on debanking and on Environmental, Social, and Governance considerations, working with regulators, industry, the financial sector and other Government departments.

Cameron Barracks is planned to return to Defence use this Autumn following the announcement by the Home Office in June 26 that they were no longer considering the site for asylum accommodation. As the site was never used for temporary accommodation, there is limited refurbishment and remediation works required.

Previous user groups and the military families whose service families accommodation is located at the barracks, were notified over the summer that the site is returning to Ministry of Defence (MOD) use. The MOD has continued to engage with local stakeholders throughout, although they would not normally notify the Highland Council about the routine use of Defence sites within their jurisdiction.

Cameron Barracks is planned to return to Defence use this Autumn following the announcement by the Home Office in June 26 that they were no longer considering the site for asylum accommodation. As the site was never used for temporary accommodation, there is limited refurbishment and remediation works required.

Previous user groups and the military families whose service families accommodation is located at the barracks, were notified over the summer that the site is returning to Ministry of Defence (MOD) use. The MOD has continued to engage with local stakeholders throughout, although they would not normally notify the Highland Council about the routine use of Defence sites within their jurisdiction.

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans and People (Calvin Bailey) in the House of Commons on 7 September 2026 to Question 20863, copied below, which set out the Government’s position on this matter. As that answer explained, this was not a centrally coordinated Army review and there were no centrally held terms of reference, single Army-wide timetable, or centrally produced final outcome or report. Therefore, there are no plans to publish the letter from the then Deputy Chief of the General Staff to Corps and Regimental Colonels.

"The then Deputy Chief of the General Staff directed Corps and Regimental Associations to conduct their own reviews of their affiliations with private members’ clubs, including whether any associated clubs have rules, policies or practices that may not align with Army values of equality and respect.

This was not a centrally coordinated Army review. Rather, Corps and Regimental Associations were asked to consider their own arrangements, reflecting the fact that such affiliations are informal, privately funded and managed at Association level. Where concerns were identified, Associations were requested to consider engaging with the relevant club to advocate for change, or to disassociate where appropriate.

As the reviews were for individual Corps and Regimental Associations to undertake, there are no centrally held terms of reference, no single Army-wide timetable for completion, and no centrally produced final outcome or report to publish. Ministers were not asked to approve a central review, and there is no plan to make a statement to Parliament on this matter."

Defence keeps all spending, including Army training, under review to ensure the highest priorities are pursued in the face of an ever-changing threat.

Defence continues to prioritise training that delivers the greatest operational effect, while protecting essential readiness, operational commitments, safety-critical activity and our NATO commitments.

The Army continues to meet its operational requirements while adapting training to reflect lessons identified from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Through the Defence Investment Plan, Defence is investing £2 billion over 15 years to transform British Army training.

In line with the figures for 2022-23 and 2023-24 previously published as part of the NAO’s report into the military support provided to Ukraine, the table below sets out the figures for 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The figures in the Department’s Annual Report and Account for 2025-26 include a further £191 million accountancy adjustment, which has been excluded for clarity.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) confirms previous commitments to provide £9.2 billion over the next decade to deliver the Defence Housing Strategy and a generational renewal of military family housing.

The DIP also detailed £2.7 billion spending on Service Family Accommodation in Financial Years (FY) 2026-27 to 2029-30

Funding for FY 2026-27 has been confirmed as £502 million. The funding profiles beyond FY 2026-27 will be agreed as part of the Departments financial planning process and will be further iterated through the annual Strategic Planning Cycle.

The Defence Academy has invited FTSE 100 and wider Defence-relevant industry leaders to attend appropriate courses. Recent attendance has included leaders from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Babcock International.

The Houthis pose a significant threat to regional security and to the safe passage of international trade through the Red Sea. We condemn the Houthi attacks, and extend our sympathies to those affected by Houthi attacks, including civilians in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and continue to work closely with our Saudi partners.

The Government is monitoring developments closely and remains in regular contact with Saudi Arabia.

This Government remains firmly committed to our Reserve Forces. The Defence Investment Plan sets out how we will invest £4.2 billion on Reserves over the next four years. Individual annual settlements will be determined through Defence planning cycles and considering Service operational requirements.

Reservists are an integral part of the Whole Force, providing critical capabilities, specialist skills and operational support that strengthen Defence's ability to respond to the increasingly complex threats we face. Against a backdrop of heightened global instability and competing demands on Defence resources, we are prioritising activity, improving productivity and ensuring value for money across Defence.

Defence is already taking forward substantial work to develop the detailed implementation arrangements needed to deliver the commitments set out in the Defence Investment Plan. As that work continues, we are ensuring that investment supports Defence's strategic objectives, strengthens military capability and improves readiness across the force.

Defence has protected the activity necessary for reservists to complete their annual training requirements and achieve their Certificate of Efficiency, and the Defence Investment Plan provides a clear commitment for sustained investment in our Reserve Forces.

The single Services have reported no air quality or air pollution incidents between May and August 2026 that required specific warnings or restrictions to be issued to military personnel undertaking endurance or other training exercises in the UK.

The £1.349 million constructive loss relates to seven undeployed cyber security appliances procured under the Cyber Resilience Programme.

Subsequent reassessment of demand and the supplier's confirmation of the equipment's end of service date meant the assets could no longer be deployed, had no alternative operational use or resale value, and were therefore written off and disposed of in accordance with Departmental accounting policy.

The Government is committed to delivering the Strategic Defence Review's ambition to strengthen collaboration between Defence and industry through education and training. Existing arrangements remain in place pending the conclusion of that work.

The National Conversation is a programme of public engagement led by the Cabinet Office as part of the Home Defence Programme. Delivery is already underway and will continue through 2027.

Defence is supporting this work through planned public engagement activities and a coherent programme of communications. These have been designed to improve understanding of the threats facing the UK, explain the role of Defence in deterrence and national resilience, and encourage practical participation by individuals, communities and employers.

Defence also works with the Cabinet Office to deliver the public facing National Risk Register (NRR), (updated in July 2026), and the internal National Security Risk Assessment which informs the Government’s assessment of the likelihood and potential impact of a broad range of risks that may directly affect the UK and its interests. The NRR demonstrates publicly what the Government is doing to plan against these risks and raises public awareness of the threats enabling a whole of society approach to strengthening the nation’s resilience. Defence is also supporting the upcoming Cabinet Office-led national resilience public awareness campaign, announced in the Annual Statement on National Resilience delivered to Parliament on July 14, 2026.

Success will be measured by increased public preparedness, participation and resilience. Government messaging on defence and security will continue to build ahead of ALBISTON SHADOW, a major UK Home Defence exercise, and NATO’s Crisis Management Exercise in spring 2027.

The Ministry of Defence commercial policy requires the application of the Cabinet Office Social Value Model to all in-scope procurements conducted under the Procurement Act 2023, which was enacted by the last Government.

Suppliers should not assume that costs associated with delivering social value commitments will be passed on to the contracting authority.

Contracting authorities are encouraged to consider whether it is appropriate to cap tendered prices to ensure that the delivery of social value does not result in additional costs that fail to represent value for money.

In financial years 2026-27 to 2029-30, the Department currently forecasts a total expenditure of approximately £5.72 billion on investment in munitions and weapons stockpiles. This includes investment in General Munitions, Directed Energy Weapons, LMM, ASRAAM and Spear Cap 3. This includes both core funding and funding from HMT for replenishment of stockpiles granted to Ukraine.

Typhoons were launched as part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission for Aircraft causing concern to civil controllers and drones which were approaching the NATO Air Policing area of responsibility. Many of the incidents were resolved prior to interception.

Whilst this concept may have merits, the Armed Forces already provide significant opportunities for individuals to join and develop personally and professionally without the need to pay off student loans on entry. Many entry routes do not require degree-level qualifications, and existing schemes and pathways support personnel in gaining valuable qualifications and skills before and throughout their careers, benefiting both the individual and operational capability. Introducing a policy to repay student loans on entry would require extensive analysis to assess the financial implications, including the number of personnel with student loans, the overall cost of implementation, the administrative resources required, and any impact on existing support schemes that reflect the Armed Forces' long-standing commitment to investing in their people.

The Armed Forces already operate a range of bursary schemes for individuals undertaking degree-level study who commit to joining after completing their studies. These schemes differ across the single Services to reflect Service requirements, with support ranging from the payment of tuition fees to contributions towards living costs. The majority are focused on the Officer cadre, with the Army Musicians and Royal Navy Submarine Undergraduate Apprenticeship schemes being notable exceptions.

The Armed Forces also provide a comprehensive range of educational and professional development opportunities to invest in upskilling our people, through schemes such as Enhanced Learning Credits, the Publicly Funded Further and Higher Education Scheme, Apprenticeships and funded postgraduate study opportunities. In addition, personnel can gain qualifications and accreditation for the skills they acquire throughout their careers, demonstrating Defence's commitment to investing in its people and supporting their professional development at every stage of service.

Furthermore, Defence has introduced novel entry pathways to widen opportunities to join the Armed Forces, including Zig Zag Careers, the Defence Direct-Entry Cyber pathway and the Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme. These initiatives provide alternative routes into Service, helping Defence attract the skills it requires while offering young people opportunities to develop their potential, gain valuable skills and contribute to the nation's security.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Obese-Jecty) to question 19170 on the 2 September 2026.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-15/19170

The Pursuant question previously explained that five Chinook Helicopters were removed from the reported fleet between 2024 and 2026 and are being disposed of in accordance with Defence disposal policy. It would be inappropriate for me to provide exact disposal dates as to do so could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces.

The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers are committed into the production cycle to be upgraded and are therefore no longer counted as part of the current MLRS fleet. Once the upgrade is complete, they will be added back into the modernised fleet.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 July 2026 to Question 18244.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-13/18244

The pursuant question previously explained that one Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle commenced or completed the disposal process in accordance with Defence disposal policy. It would be inappropriate for me to provide exact disposal dates as to do so could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces.

The UK’s munition stockpile levels and operational planning assumptions are classified; disclosure of such information could undermine national and operational security. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) works with the Military Commands and industry to regularly review munitions demand, supply resilience and opportunities to increase production capacity. This ensures our munitions planning assumptions remain aligned with the evolving threat environment and lessons identified from recent operations.

As we have set out in the Defence Investment Plan, we are investing in increasing munitions production capacity, including plans for six new energetics and munitions factories and an "always on" production model for some key munitions.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 July 2026 to Question 17101 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty).

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-08/17101

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 July 2026 to Question 17101 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty).

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-07-08/17101

The Government assesses the long-term sustainability, capability and capacity of UK naval shipbuilding through the ongoing work of the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO), as part of the National Armaments Director Group, and the Royal Navy.

The Defence Investment Plan provides a significant forward programme of naval procurement, and the NSO, RN and wider NADG will continue to work closely with industry to understand future workforce, capacity and infrastructure requirements in the immediate and long term.

The NSO will publish a Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan later this year which will detail this government’s approach to ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the UK Shipbuilding sector.

The UK is following the F-35 Joint Program Office-directed maintenance policy for corrosion inspection. All aircraft types undertake corrosion inspection and maintenance throughout their life. This activity is well under way on the UK F-35 fleet and will be ongoing through the life of the platform.