Ministry of Defence

Throughout 2020, the UK maintained a United Nations peacekeeping deployment of a maximum of 600 personnel. This includes the deployment of contingent troops to UN Missions in Cyprus, Somalia, the drawdown from South Sudan, the commencement of operations in Mali, and the deployment of individual Military Staff Officers to seven UN Missions.

The planned out-of-service date for Crowsnest is 2029.

I can assure the Rt. Rev Prelate the Lord Bishop that the UK would consider using nuclear weapons only in the most extreme circumstances of self-defence, including the defence of our NATO Allies. While our resolve and capability to do so if necessary is beyond doubt, to avoid simplifying the calculations of potential adversaries, we will remain deliberately ambiguous about precisely when, how and at what scale we would contemplate the use of our nuclear weapons.

Construction of the National Flagship will be limited to the UK in order to protect the essential interests of national security. The procurement of the Flagship will be compliant with the UK's obligations under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.

Construction of the National Flagship will be limited to the UK in order to protect the essential interests of national security. The procurement of the Flagship will be compliant with the UK's obligations under the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.

I will write to the right hon. Member with the requested information shortly.

The allowance is question is called Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) and assists Service personnel to achieve continuity of education for their children that would otherwise be denied in the state-maintained day school sector due to the mobility of their family. CEA is available to all Service personnel, irrespective of rank, subject to them satisfying the qualifying criteria. Service personnel may select from a wide variety of schools across the UK from within the independent and state-maintained sectors that meet set criteria.

The number of Service personnel currently under investigation, as at 19 July for suspected CEA fraud is 11.

The Department's Commercial Function currently employs 1,328 staff members who are Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) professionally qualified, as appropriate for their role. There are an additional 367 staff members currently studying towards attainment of a CIPS qualification.

A constructive loss of £253,810,000 was reported as an advanced notification in the Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15, as a result of the reduction in the number of Challenger 2 tanks, driver training tanks and Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery vehicles. The loss has not yet been closed and is therefore subject to revision depending on the final outcome of the disposal process for the vehicles in question.

The MOD Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15 can be accessed via the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/482894/19_MOD_ARAc_combined_at_02_Dec_2015_for_web.pdf

The percentage of Regular Army applications in the calendar year 2020 which provided a Northern Ireland residence as the home address was 1.8%. This figure has been provided by Analysis Army and has been defined as an online application submitted by an individual and accepted by the Defence Recruitment System.

We have significantly accelerated the pace of relocations under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) in line with the military drawdown. Since the 1st June 572 people, former Afghan locally employed staff and their families, have been relocated to the UK. The MOD is working with the Home Office and a range of Government departments to ensure their successful resettlement.

This now takes the total number of people from Afghanistan relocated to the UK under the ARAP and the previous Ex-Gratia Policy to nearly 2,000.

Our commitment to those who are eligible under the ARAP, and the process to deliver it, is not time-limited and will endure beyond the military presence in Afghanistan.

Departments follow the principles set out in Cabinet Office/HM Treasury 'Corporate governance in central government departments: code of good practice'. The current Ministry of Defence Non-Executive Directors were recruited through fair and transparent routes, with multiple candidates considered for each appointment. Appointments were made on merit.

The Armed Forces Covenant applies throughout the UK and is delivered across all sectors of society. Every Local Authority in Great Britain has signed the Covenant and over 7,000 organisations have pledged support. Signing up to the Covenant is encouraged on a national and local level. Defence Relationship Management works closely with businesses and other organisations to encourage them to sign the Covenant and uphold their pledges. The Ministry of Defence works closely with local authorities to support their delivery of the Covenant. We promote the Covenant through regular communications and engagement activities, such as conferences and events. Signing the Covenant also provides the signatory with the opportunity to be recognised by the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award. To date, 494 organisations hold the ERS Gold Standard for partnering with Defence.

The Armed Forces represent the society they serve and diversity and inclusion is essential to their operational effectiveness. Defence has committed to a Diversity and Inclusion strategy and is working hard to achieve a more diverse workforce. Whilst progress has been made in the representative rates of our people, there is further to go if we are to successfully attract and retain diverse talent, both now and in the future. That is why we have renewed our levels of ambition at the highest levels in Defence as we work to fulfil the key objective in our 2018-2030 Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to eliminate discrimination and improve diversity.

As at 1 April 2021, there were 13,690 Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Regular Service personnel in the UK Armed Forces. This equates to a representation rate of 9.2 per cent, an increase of 0.4 percentage points compared with 1 April 2020. At the same date, there were 2,030 BAME civilian personnel working in MOD (Main). This equates to a representation rate of 6.3 per cent, a rise of 1.8 percentage points compared with 1 April 2017.

Defence publishes biannual statistics on diversity declarations for Armed Forces personnel and MOD civilian staff. The latest editions can be found at the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-armed-forces-biannual-diversity-statistics-index

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/mod-diversity-dashboard-index

The UK is in contact with our French partners on their planned changes to operations in the Sahel; we have had assurances France will retain the key enablers which allow the UK to effectively contribute to operations in the Sahel. Through our recent deployment to the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and our programmatic support for stabilisation and conflict resolution, the UK is committed to building peace and stability in the Sahel. We also use our humanitarian assistance to support those most affected by conflict. While military commitments remain under constant review, there are no plans to change the UK presence in the Sahel at this time.

The Secretary of State for Defence, in his role as Shipbuilding Tsar, is working across Government to support the shipbuilding enterprise. The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh will set out our comprehensive support for green shipbuilding, which offers a significant opportunity for driving the renaissance of the sector.

On 22 March 2021 the Department for Transport launched the £20 million Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, which has now closed. This will fund feasibility studies and initial technology trials in clean maritime technologies including green shipbuilding, placing the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vessels.

NATO partners were clear that this military withdrawal comes in the context of a renewed regional and domestic push for peace in Afghanistan and that remains the UK's focus. We will remain fully engaged in this process, holding the Taliban to their commitments on engaging in the peace process and preventing terrorists from using Afghanistan to launch international attacks.

The United States (US) military's use of RAF Menwith Hill is enabled through the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (1951), the Visiting Forces Act (1952) and UK/US Cost Sharing Agreement (1973).

Under these arrangements, at the consent of the UK Government, the United States has the use of certain bases in the United Kingdom. The services and facilities at these sites, including RAF Menwith Hill, are predominantly provided by the US Air Force; therefore the US are given the responsibility to operationally run these sites.

A Veterans ID card has been automatically issued as standard to all Service leavers from December 2018. 36,091 such cards have been issued up to July 2021.

The Government remains committed to developing an online digital verification tool that will securely and easily allow veterans to verify their service. A delivery date will be confirmed in due course.

A Veterans ID card has been automatically issued as standard to all Service leavers from December 2018. 36,091 such cards have been issued up to July 2021.

The Government remains committed to developing an online digital verification tool that will securely and easily allow veterans to verify their service. A delivery date will be confirmed in due course.

Between 23 April 2020 and 19 July 2021, the latest period for which figures are available, a total of 462 UK Armed Forces personnel had at least one appointment at one of the COVID clinics at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC). Of these, 447 personnel attended a COVID outpatient appointment, 260 attended a Defence COVID Recovery Service appointment, 224 a COVID course appointment and 26 a COVID course review appointment.

Information about sickness absence in the Armed Forces is not held centrally. It is therefore not possible to provide with accuracy the number of personnel who have returned to work after attending a DMRC COVID clinic.

As reported in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15, the total constructive loss resulting from the withdrawal from service of the Harrier fleet was £1,120,917,000.

The MOD Annual Report and Accounts 2014/15 can be accessed via the following link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/482894/19_MOD_ARAc_combined_at_02_Dec_2015_for_web.pdf

Ministry of Defence financial records are only retained for a period of seven years. In line with accounting procedures in force at the time, only Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) LARGS BAY would have been treated as a constructive loss as it was sold. All other vessels withdrawn during this period were decommissioned.

The number of Stage 1 Complaints raised by Service personnel living in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for issues relating to damp, no hot water and heating during 2020 is set out below, together with the average time to resolve those complaints:

SFA

SLA

A stage 1 complaint is raised when an occupant is dissatisfied with the service in response to a work task.

Sheffield Forgemasters is a strategic supplier to Defence; therefore, officials are in regular dialogue with company representatives. I have seen the media speculation about the company, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

All UK Armed Forces embedded with our allies on operations remain subject to UK law wherever they are deployed. Embedded personnel receive a comprehensive pre-deployment briefing that covers what they may or may not do during operations and which follows Government intent. Should they be asked to undertake action outwith that set out in their pre-deployment briefing they are able to reach back to UK command for legal and policy advice.

Our primary objective when we deployed to Afghanistan 20 years ago was to ensure that it was not used as a base for international terrorism. There has not been a successful international terrorist attack on the West mounted from Afghanistan since.

The UK has played a critical role in developing the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. Alongside our NATO Allies we have built and equipped security institutions; trained over 5,000 cadets, including over 300 women; and supported a stable election process. Afghan forces have led security in Afghanistan for the last six years, and are countering security threats across the country. The UK and allies will continue to provide financial assistance to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.

In addition to the 7,025 at sea in Ships and Submarines around the globe, figures for those deployed overseas on 22 Jul 2021, including in Defence Sections of Embassies, International Headquarters, permanent deployments, on UN Duties, on Operations, participating in international exercises, or in support of other Defence activity, are listed in the table below. This represents a snapshot as numbers are continuously changing. Some of these details have been withheld due to operational sensitivity, including our current presence in Afghanistan.

Following the decision not to proceed with construction activities on Project Hydrus, the final write off cost for the termination of the project was £117.7 million and components valued at £71 million were incorporated into the joint UK/French hydrodynamic capability established under the TEUTATES Treaty.

We plan to publish the Ministry of Defence's 2021-2031 Equipment Plan in Autumn 2021.

The 10 largest programmes by whole life costs in the department's Equipment Plan, as of 31 March, are:

Programme Name

Dreadnought

Complex Weapons Portfolio

Type 26 Global Combat Ship Programme

Nuclear Warhead Capability Sustainment Programme

Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems

Astute Boats 1-7

Future Maritime Support Programme

Lightning Programme

Future Beyond Line Of Sight

Armoured Cavalry

The department reports on these programmes as part of the Government's Major Projects Portfolio which includes whole life cost data:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/major-projects-data#2021-data.

Cost estimates are developed in accordance with HM Treasury guidance (including The Green Book and HM Treasury Business Case Guidance) and the MOD's guidance on investment approvals (Joint Service Publication 655). Costs are regularly scrutinised and monitored through these processes.

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority will be publishing their annual report shortly that will include those whole life costs that can be disclosed while respecting ongoing competitive tendering or other commercial sensitivities.

We plan to publish the Ministry of Defence's 2021-2031 Equipment Plan in Autumn 2021.

The 10 largest programmes by whole life costs in the department's Equipment Plan, as of 31 March, are:

Programme Name

Dreadnought

Complex Weapons Portfolio

Type 26 Global Combat Ship Programme

Nuclear Warhead Capability Sustainment Programme

Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems

Astute Boats 1-7

Future Maritime Support Programme

Lightning Programme

Future Beyond Line Of Sight

Armoured Cavalry

The department reports on these programmes as part of the Government's Major Projects Portfolio which includes whole life cost data:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/major-projects-data#2021-data.

Cost estimates are developed in accordance with HM Treasury guidance (including The Green Book and HM Treasury Business Case Guidance) and the MOD's guidance on investment approvals (Joint Service Publication 655). Costs are regularly scrutinised and monitored through these processes.

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority will be publishing their annual report shortly that will include those whole life costs that can be disclosed while respecting ongoing competitive tendering or other commercial sensitivities.

Officials in the Department have met with City of York Council officers on seven occasions since April 2016 in relation to the inclusion of Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Towthorpe Lines and Imphal Barracks within the local plan. The Department is unaware of any such meetings between the Defence Secretary and the City of York Council.

Imphal Barracks will be disposed of in 2031 which we understand is within the local plan period of 2017-2032/33. The Council’s draft policy supports the site delivering 769 dwellings, recognising development is not anticipated to commence until the end of the plan period.

Officials in the Department have met with City of York Council officers on seven occasions since April 2016 in relation to the inclusion of Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Towthorpe Lines and Imphal Barracks within the local plan. The Department is unaware of any such meetings between the Defence Secretary and the City of York Council.

Imphal Barracks will be disposed of in 2031 which we understand is within the local plan period of 2017-2032/33. The Council’s draft policy supports the site delivering 769 dwellings, recognising development is not anticipated to commence until the end of the plan period.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) produces an annual 'Research and development expenditure by the UK government' publication which provides detail of research and development expenditure for UK government Departments including the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The ONS publication reviews research and development expenditure in detail and presents the net expenditure broken down into 'Research' and 'Development' spend respectively. The latest release of this publication covers financial year 2019/20 expenditure and can be found here: Research and development expenditure by the UK government - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

As outlined in the ONS publication, MOD's net expenditure in 2019/20 on Research was £647 million and on Development was £370 million.

The detail of the Ministry of Defence's net research and development expenditure for 2020/21 will be published by the ONS in April 2022. MOD's audited Annual Report and Accounts, which will include total R&D spend in financial year 2020/21, will be published in September.

59 Projects received funding from the Defence Innovation Fund in 2020-21. The total amount spent on these projects was around £70 million.

The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 - £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022.

The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 - £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract.

The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.

The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 - £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022.

The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 - £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract.

The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.

The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 - £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022.

The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 - £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract.

The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.

The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 - £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022.

The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 - £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract.

The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.

The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 - £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022.

The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 - £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract.

The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.

The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 - £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022.

The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 - £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract.

The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.

The Submersible Ship Nuclear (Replacement) project is currently in the Programme Definition and Design Phase, during which the Ministry of Defence will identify potential capability solution choices.

In financial year 2019/20, the Department spent £4.515 billion directly and indirectly with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, accounting for 21.3% of our procurement spend. The figures for financial year 2020/21 are due to be published by the Government early next year.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers are Ministry of Defence (MOD) employees and members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme. The RFA does not sponsor the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund and the MOD is not responsible for any costs or entitlements associated with it.

In addition, my answer to Questions 18563 and 18564 on 28 June 2021 contained an error. It stated:

The RFA does not sponsor the Merchant Navy Officers Pension Fund and the MOD is not responsible for any costs or entitlements associated with it.

It should have said:

The RFA does not sponsor the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund and the MOD is not responsible for any costs or entitlements associated with it.