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.
This inquiry will examine the AUKUS partnership, a trilateral security agreement between Australia, the US and the UK which was …
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: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.
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Ministry of Defence has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament
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).
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.
The Ministry of Defence is aware of recent reports in the press citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff that DPRK has subsequently deployed a further 3,000 additional troops in support of Russian Forces in Kursk.
As stated by the Foreign Secretary previously, such cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is not only in violation of multiple UNSC resolutions, but also prolongs the suffering of the Ukrainian people and threatens global security, including those in the ROK and the UK, and demonstrates the desperation of the DPRK and Russia. We are committed to providing the support Ukraine requires to secure a just and lasting peace.
Our thoughts remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death in December 2021 was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her.
There is no place for any abuse within the military. I am deeply troubled that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces.
Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and we are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform. The Service Chiefs fully endorse and support this work. A range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families.
To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond.
We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.
Our thoughts remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death in December 2021 was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her.
There is no place for any abuse within the military. I am deeply troubled that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces.
Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and we are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform. The Service Chiefs fully endorse and support this work. A range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families.
To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond.
We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.
Our thoughts remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death in December 2021 was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her.
There is no place for any abuse within the military. I am deeply troubled that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces.
Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and we are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform. The Service Chiefs fully endorse and support this work. A range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families.
To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond.
We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.
Our thoughts remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death in December 2021 was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her.
There is no place for any abuse within the military. I am deeply troubled that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces.
Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and we are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform. The Service Chiefs fully endorse and support this work. A range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families.
To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond.
We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.
The Ministry of Defence takes problem-gambling seriously.
While data on gambling rates in the military is not routinely reported, where problem-gambling is identified, Defence healthcare providers ensure that the individual is referred to the appropriate level and type of intervention to meet their gambling issue.
This service sets out the levels of care to be provided by Primary Care and Mental Health clinicians from low-risk gambling up to gambling with negative consequences and a possible loss of control can be aligned to welfare support to those who are adversely affected by problem-gambling and supports referral to specialist support organisations such as the NHS Primary Care Gambling Services.
Defence also draws on support from GambleAware for campaigns to tackle the stigma associated with Gambling, collaborates with the Centre of Military Gambling Research at the University of Swansea, works with cross-Government colleagues including with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on policy development, and regularly consults with the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network. Gambling websites are also blocked on Defence IT to reduce accessibility, and financial awareness training is available for all personnel.
Veterans are eligible for gambling addiction treatment through the National Health Service. The Office for Veterans' Affairs in the Ministry of Defence regularly works with the third sector and academia to ensure veteran-specific needs are understood.
The Ministry of Defence takes problem-gambling seriously.
While data on gambling rates in the military is not routinely reported, where problem-gambling is identified, Defence healthcare providers ensure that the individual is referred to the appropriate level and type of intervention to meet their gambling issue.
This service sets out the levels of care to be provided by Primary Care and Mental Health clinicians from low-risk gambling up to gambling with negative consequences and a possible loss of control can be aligned to welfare support to those who are adversely affected by problem-gambling and supports referral to specialist support organisations such as the NHS Primary Care Gambling Services.
Defence also draws on support from GambleAware for campaigns to tackle the stigma associated with Gambling, collaborates with the Centre of Military Gambling Research at the University of Swansea, works with cross-Government colleagues including with the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities on policy development, and regularly consults with the Armed Forces Gambling Support Network. Gambling websites are also blocked on Defence IT to reduce accessibility, and financial awareness training is available for all personnel.
Veterans are eligible for gambling addiction treatment through the National Health Service. The Office for Veterans' Affairs in the Ministry of Defence regularly works with the third sector and academia to ensure veteran-specific needs are understood.
The Army and Royal Air Force have confirmed that all such machines have been removed from their property. The Royal Navy has confirmed that this work is in the final stages.
All capability requirements, including those for tactical airlift, are being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review process.
As of 1 April 2024, Ministry of Defence (MOD) land holdings Wales comprised of some 23,300 hectares (6.8% of the MOD total).
The majority (85.4%) of this land is freehold land owned by the Department, the remainder is land held on a short term and contractual basis or through grants for a specific purpose.
It is too early to say at this time what proportion of this land may be used for the building of new homes.
Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress.
The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform.
Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives.
It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.
Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress.
The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform.
Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives.
It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.
Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress.
The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform.
Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives.
It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.
Defence Reform is making significant changes as part of this Government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UK Defence. These do not require formal Parliamentary approval, but the Government remains committed to transparency and accountability and will ensure that Parliament is kept informed of progress.
The Quad will convene as often as necessary to ensure oversight and momentum of Defence Reform.
Ministers will interact with the Quad through structured engagements and briefings. The Quad will provide regular updates to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministerial team, ensuring they are fully informed of progress. This will facilitate decision-making and ensure that the Defence Reform agenda aligns with broader Government objectives.
It is too early to determine whether the National Armaments Director Group will have a central secretariat or continue to draw on existing capabilities in its constituent parts.
Through our acquisition reforms we are streamlining our processes and taking risk-based approaches to procurement. We will focus assurance activity where it is most needed, reducing bureaucracy to drive pace in delivery, while ensuring compliance with the Department’s legal obligations.
The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.
The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.
The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.
The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.
The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.
The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.
The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.
The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.
The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) organisational structure is in development and will include a small central team integrating activity and Force Design. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.
The full detail of the responsibilities of MSHQ is under review as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The Chief of Joint Operations (CJO) will remain based at the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, which remains part of Strategic Command. CJO will report to the Chief of the Defence Staff for operational matters when required.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.
The Urgent Capability Requirements process is used to address urgent operational capability risks and risks that present a threat to life. Due to operational sensitivity, it is inappropriate to comment further.
The United States remains the United Kingdom's foremost defence and security partner. The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion which supports 2.5 million jobs across both countries. This Government is seeking to negotiate an agreement with the US to deepen our economic relationship, while ensuring all options are considered in response to tariffs.
The Government is assessing the impact of, and our response to, US tariffs across the full spectrum of UK industries. Nobody wants a trade war. The United States remains the United Kingdom's foremost defence and security partner. The UK has a strong and balanced trading relationship with the US worth £315 billion which supports 2.5 million jobs across both countries. This Government is seeking to negotiate an agreement with the US to deepen our economic relationship, while ensuring all options are considered in response to tariffs.
Defence requirements are kept under constant review to ensure that our Armed Forces have the battle-winning capabilities they need. Due to the sensitive nature of this capability area it would be inappropriate to comment in detail. All capability requirements, are being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review process.
This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant.
The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.
This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant.
The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.
This Government is bringing in the deepest reforms in UK Defence for 50 years, to speed up decision-making, secure faster delivery and achieve the best value for money for our troops and taxpayers.
It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the new organisational structure created as part of Defence Reform. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.
There is no intent to replace the Chief of Defence People with a Senior Civil Servant.
The organisation and structure of our Armed Forces, including the ranks of the Chief of the Defence Staff and Military Chiefs, has been considered as part of Defence Reform. It was judged that their seniority and rank remain commensurate to their roles and responsibilities.
We are currently undertaking a Strategic Defence Review which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the 21st century. It would be inappropriate to prejudge the outcomes of the Review.
The Military Strategic Headquarters has not been set a specific administration budget for 2025-26.
The Royal Air Force continuously researches and assesses options for the sustainment, enhancement and development of hardware and systems to maintain competitive advantage within the flying training system.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 April 2025 to Question 42022.
Defence Planning Assumptions (DPAs) will be revised following the Strategic Defence Review. We remain committed to transparency and will release a public version of updated DPAs once this detailed work is complete and tested.
The UK remains committed to Baltic and NATO security through a variety of means, including its commitment to the Enhanced Forward Presence deployment, NATO Air Policing, and the Joint Expeditionary Force. The Secretary of State for Defence regularly meets with his Estonian counterpart to discuss military contributions to European defence and security, having met most recently on 26 March 2025.
If an organisation is alleged to have failed to uphold the values they have agreed to, the Ministry of Defence has policy in place to assess their continued suitability, known as the ‘Covenant Test’.
The key question (the Covenant Test) to be answered is: “Do (or Have) the values, views, communications, or behaviour of an organisation indicate that they do not (or can no longer) uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, or effectively demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces Community?”.
Enquiries about covenant signatories can be directed to: afcovenant@rfca.mod.uk
The most recent Covenant Community Action Group meeting covered the following agenda:
Bursaries are available only for applicants wishing to join the Armed Forces and are not available to existing Service personnel or any others. They are offered to students in full-time education to attract high-calibre individuals to a career in Defence, aiming to mitigate future potential recruiting challenges. Responsibility for bursary schemes is delegated to the single Services and none have current plans to cancel any of the schemes or change the eligibility requirements.
The bursary schemes on offer across the Armed Forces are listed below by Service. As at 1 April 2025 there were 740 students in receipt of a bursary; we do not make estimates of how many students could be entitled to a bursary but do not choose to apply for one. The total cost of bursaries for the 2024-25 financial year was £5,641,350.50.
Army
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Standard Army Undergraduate Scheme
Enhanced Army Undergraduate Scheme
Scholarship Scheme
Royal Army Medical Services Scheme
Royal College for Army Music Scheme
Royal Air Force
University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme
Medical Cadetship Scheme
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Royal Navy / Royal Marines
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
RN Bursars (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Bursaries are available only for applicants wishing to join the Armed Forces and are not available to existing Service personnel or any others. They are offered to students in full-time education to attract high-calibre individuals to a career in Defence, aiming to mitigate future potential recruiting challenges. Responsibility for bursary schemes is delegated to the single Services and none have current plans to cancel any of the schemes or change the eligibility requirements.
The bursary schemes on offer across the Armed Forces are listed below by Service. As at 1 April 2025 there were 740 students in receipt of a bursary; we do not make estimates of how many students could be entitled to a bursary but do not choose to apply for one. The total cost of bursaries for the 2024-25 financial year was £5,641,350.50.
Army
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Standard Army Undergraduate Scheme
Enhanced Army Undergraduate Scheme
Scholarship Scheme
Royal Army Medical Services Scheme
Royal College for Army Music Scheme
Royal Air Force
University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme
Medical Cadetship Scheme
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Royal Navy / Royal Marines
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
RN Bursars (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Bursaries are available only for applicants wishing to join the Armed Forces and are not available to existing Service personnel or any others. They are offered to students in full-time education to attract high-calibre individuals to a career in Defence, aiming to mitigate future potential recruiting challenges. Responsibility for bursary schemes is delegated to the single Services and none have current plans to cancel any of the schemes or change the eligibility requirements.
The bursary schemes on offer across the Armed Forces are listed below by Service. As at 1 April 2025 there were 740 students in receipt of a bursary; we do not make estimates of how many students could be entitled to a bursary but do not choose to apply for one. The total cost of bursaries for the 2024-25 financial year was £5,641,350.50.
Army
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Standard Army Undergraduate Scheme
Enhanced Army Undergraduate Scheme
Scholarship Scheme
Royal Army Medical Services Scheme
Royal College for Army Music Scheme
Royal Air Force
University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme
Medical Cadetship Scheme
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Royal Navy / Royal Marines
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
RN Bursars (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Bursaries are available only for applicants wishing to join the Armed Forces and are not available to existing Service personnel or any others. They are offered to students in full-time education to attract high-calibre individuals to a career in Defence, aiming to mitigate future potential recruiting challenges. Responsibility for bursary schemes is delegated to the single Services and none have current plans to cancel any of the schemes or change the eligibility requirements.
The bursary schemes on offer across the Armed Forces are listed below by Service. As at 1 April 2025 there were 740 students in receipt of a bursary; we do not make estimates of how many students could be entitled to a bursary but do not choose to apply for one. The total cost of bursaries for the 2024-25 financial year was £5,641,350.50.
Army
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Standard Army Undergraduate Scheme
Enhanced Army Undergraduate Scheme
Scholarship Scheme
Royal Army Medical Services Scheme
Royal College for Army Music Scheme
Royal Air Force
University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme
Medical Cadetship Scheme
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Royal Navy / Royal Marines
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
RN Bursars (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Bursaries are available only for applicants wishing to join the Armed Forces and are not available to existing Service personnel or any others. They are offered to students in full-time education to attract high-calibre individuals to a career in Defence, aiming to mitigate future potential recruiting challenges. Responsibility for bursary schemes is delegated to the single Services and none have current plans to cancel any of the schemes or change the eligibility requirements.
The bursary schemes on offer across the Armed Forces are listed below by Service. As at 1 April 2025 there were 740 students in receipt of a bursary; we do not make estimates of how many students could be entitled to a bursary but do not choose to apply for one. The total cost of bursaries for the 2024-25 financial year was £5,641,350.50.
Army
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Standard Army Undergraduate Scheme
Enhanced Army Undergraduate Scheme
Scholarship Scheme
Royal Army Medical Services Scheme
Royal College for Army Music Scheme
Royal Air Force
University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme
Medical Cadetship Scheme
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (in partnership with the Defence Academy)
Royal Navy / Royal Marines
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
RN Bursars (Legacy Bursary Scheme)
Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (in partnership with the Defence Academy)