Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 124580 on Defence: Small Businesses, by what date he expects to have in place the wider range of indicators to measure his Department’s success in attracting new suppliers.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Subsequent to the establishment of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth in January, the Department is currently working to deliver full operating capability by the end of this year.

This activity is being aided by engagement with a pathfinder group of SMEs to ensure we are addressing the needs of smaller and non-traditional suppliers. As part of this work, we will develop a range of metrics to measure the impact of the Office.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total estimated cost as a cash figure of accepting and implementing all 62 recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will provide a comprehensive overview of the Department's forward investment priorities across equipment, infrastructure, people, and supporting capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much will be spent on (a) core defence and (b) NATO qualifying defence spend in the current financial year as a cash figure.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) on 16 April 2026 to Question 124427.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he or (b) any ministers in his department have held discussions with any nations excluding Italy and Japan on the Global Combat Air Programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues.

We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has for the provision of simulation and training infrastructure to support the New Medium Helicopter programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract includes the provision of four Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs). These will be housed at RAF Benson, along with associated training infrastructure.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an estimate of the number of civilian casualties caused by United States airstrikes on Iran since 28 February 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran which were involved in launching strikes at regional allies and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times United States aircraft taking off from bases in the United Kingdom have conducted strikes on Iran since 28 February 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times United States aircraft taking off from Diego Garcia have conducted strikes on Iran since 28 February 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will review the 2020 military cooperation agreement with Israel in the context of that country’s role in the war on Iran since 28 February 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

A UK-Israel military cooperation agreement, which incorporates a range of defence engagement activity, was signed in December 2020. Whilst the UK Ministry of Defence regularly reviews cooperation with Israel, the agreement remains extant.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many major contracts which have been signed by his department since July 2024 were a) sustainment or refresh contracts or b) new procurement contracts.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department can confirm that, since July 2024, the department has signed a total of 1,398 major contracts. Ministry of Defence (MOD) contract records do not distinguish between sustainment or refresh (i.e. follow-on) contracts. Consequently, we can only provide the number of new contracts initiated since 5 July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how HMS Dragon will be deconflicted with NATO naval assets from a) the United States, b) France, c) Greece, d) Spain, e) Italy, f) the Netherlands and g) other allies once it arrives in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

HMS Dragon is a sovereign UK deployment to protect the interests of the UK, and the interests of our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Royal Navy routinely operates alongside partners and allies, enabling the deconfliction of maritime and aviation assets to be embedded within routine operating procedures.

Full details remain classified to ensure UK operational advantage.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on the Type 83 design process; and whether it will be completed by 2038.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to my response to question 106653 on 27 January 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to negotiate an administrative agreement with the European Defence Agency.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union in May 2025 is an example of this Government delivering on its manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth, and reinforce NATO.

We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy as set out in the Security and Defence Review.

The Security and Defence Partnership outlines the possibility for establishing an Administrative Arrangement between the UK and the European Defence Agency. Officials remain in discussions with the EU to explore this.

Any potential future UK commitment – financial or otherwise – will ensure value for taxpayers and support wider defence priorities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under what command structure will HMS Dragon be under upon arrival in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to ensure protection of Cyprus is coordinated with the naval presence of NATO allies in the region.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

HMS Dragon is a sovereign UK deployment to protect the interests of the UK, and the interests of our allies in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Royal Navy routinely operates alongside partners and allies, enabling the deconfliction of maritime and aviation assets to be embedded within routine operating procedures.

Full details remain classified to ensure UK operational advantage.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what evidential threshold must be met before a sanctioned shadow fleet vessel may be boarded in UK territorial waters.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

We keep maritime activity in UK territorial waters under constant review. We will not provide a running commentary or get into details of our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting our adversaries.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure UK compliance with the laws of war in relation to US bombing missions on Iran from UK bases.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is carefully considered to ensure legality.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has been asked to make in in-year budget savings in 2026/27.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As part of routine financial management, the Ministry of Defence continues to allocate resources effectively to meet departmental and operational priorities. The total Ministry of Defence budget this financial year stands at £65.5 billion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints relating to the speed of maintenance for urgent repairs were received by Amey from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This information is not held in the format requested for Amey and VIVO. Complaints from families are received and managed by Pinnacle’s National Service Centre. Amey and VIVO do not record or manage these complaints from families.

Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints relating to the speed of maintenance for urgent repairs were received by VIVO from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This information is not held in the format requested for Amey and VIVO. Complaints from families are received and managed by Pinnacle’s National Service Centre. Amey and VIVO do not record or manage these complaints from families.

Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if Ministers in his Department will publish correspondence with Peter Mandelson between 10 February and 11 September 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information relevant to this and other questions regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the reasons UK military assets failed to intercept the attack drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

We have deployed significant air defence assets to the region since January. This includes extra jets, radars, HMS Dragon, counter drones systems and over 500 additional British personnel as part of our significant air defence team.

This is a comprehensive layered air defence capability. It would not be appropriate to comment on any assessment which may be utilised by our adversaries.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to statements made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday 13th April 2026, to clarify a) the terms and b) the processes by which US use of UK military bases are monitored.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is carefully considered to ensure legality.

A summary of the government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the 62 recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review have been implemented.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government has made significant progress on Strategic Defence Reviw (SDR) implementation since it was published last June. Examples include:

CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (Nov 25). SDR Rec 51

MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (Dec 25). SDR Rec 54 & 56

Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (Jun 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Rec 30

Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (Dec 25), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy

UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (Jul 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400m. SDR Rec 07a

Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (Jul 25); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10bn (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8bn (Typhoons; Oct 25). SDR Rec 12

DIS: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (Sep 25) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800m this parliament. SDR Rec 3 & 8

Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (Nov 25) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5bn of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29

Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (Nov 25) set out £9bn of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (Dec 25). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60

Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (Dec 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many contracts his Department has entered into in each of the last five years.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This information can be found at MOD trade, industry and contracts: 2025 - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has an agreed target spend with SMEs.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence has set an ambitious target to increase direct and indirect spending by 50% compared to FY 23/24 baseline. This increase in total spend would equate to £2.5 billion total spend increase with Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to £7.5 billion by May 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 April 2026, to question 124297 on Norway: Navy, what naval interoperability has been enhanced.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Royal Navy units continue to work closely with their Norwegian counterparts to ensure both nations operate seamlessly together in protecting shared security interests. For more information, I refer the hon. Member to the following Royal Navy and Government press releases:

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2026/march/25/20260325-joint-commando-craft-rfi

UK and Norway to operate together to counter Russian undersea threat through major new defence agreement - GOV.UK

UK steps up defence of Arctic and High North from rising Russian threats - GOV.UK

Boost for UK Growth and Security as Norway Selects UK Warships in £10 billion partnership - GOV.UK

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks to UK defence capability arising from (1) limited UK production of key chemical precursors and intermediate substances such as sulphuric acid, acrylonitrile, siloxane and methacrylates, and (2) supply chain disruption of those products as a result of the Iran conflict.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy prioritises building a more resilient UK industrial base. This includes strengthening critical supply chains that underpin defence, to ensure the delivery of critical defence outputs and to keep the UK safe and secure.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively engaged in de-risking critical defence supply chain vulnerabilities, working collaboratively with industry and our international partners to mitigate risks by better understanding our dependencies on a range of critical raw materials, including chemicals, used in the manufacturing of equipment for our Armed Forces.

We monitor threats to critical pinch points in our supply chains, including the potential impact of the Iran war, to enable us to make informed decisions around how and if to intervene.

MOD is actively engaged in the cross-government response to the Iran conflict and is continually assessing the potential impact on defence supply chains, particularly around fuel price increases and shipping disruption. Currently, the MOD assesses there has been no significant impact on the ability of the UK to manufacture defence equipment, but this will be kept under close review if the conflict continues.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK's capability to manufacture defence equipment such as ballistic protection, battlefield electronics and military aviation in the light of disruption to the acrylonitrile and high performance carbon fibre supply chain caused by the Iran conflict.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy prioritises building a more resilient UK industrial base. This includes strengthening critical supply chains that underpin defence, to ensure the delivery of critical defence outputs and to keep the UK safe and secure.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is actively engaged in de-risking critical defence supply chain vulnerabilities, working collaboratively with industry and our international partners to mitigate risks by better understanding our dependencies on a range of critical raw materials, including chemicals, used in the manufacturing of equipment for our Armed Forces.

We monitor threats to critical pinch points in our supply chains, including the potential impact of the Iran war, to enable us to make informed decisions around how and if to intervene.

MOD is actively engaged in the cross-government response to the Iran conflict and is continually assessing the potential impact on defence supply chains, particularly around fuel price increases and shipping disruption. Currently, the MOD assesses there has been no significant impact on the ability of the UK to manufacture defence equipment, but this will be kept under close review if the conflict continues.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on Royal Navy operational capabilities of the strike action being undertaken by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary remains essential in supporting operations alongside the Royal Navy and our global allies. They continue to meet their operational commitments, and we are dedicated to resolving this dispute through ongoing dialogue with their trade unions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have for the Joint Expeditionary Force to secure the safe operation of undersea cables and pipelines in the Atlantic and North Sea.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) remains a key element of His Majesty’s Government’s approach to enhancing security and resilience across the North Atlantic and North Sea regions. The JEF, comprising the United Kingdom and nine like-minded Northern European nations, is designed to respond rapidly to a range of contingencies, including the protection of critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and pipelines, complementary to NATO.

Securing the safe operation of undersea cables and pipelines is a priority given their vital role in national security, economic stability, and communications. The Ministry of Defence, in close coordination with the JEF partner nations, is developing and refining operational concepts that include maritime domain awareness, intelligence sharing, and rapid deployment capabilities to deter and respond to threats against these assets.

In January 2025, following reported damage to a major undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, the JEF activated an advanced UK-led reaction system, known as Nordic Warden, to track potential threats to undersea infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet. This was subsequently handed over to NATO under their Baltic Sentry initiative.

The Government remains committed to enhancing the JEF’s capabilities to meet emerging challenges in its area of interest, including the protection of undersea infrastructure in the Atlantic and North Sea.

In summary, while the JEF is not solely dedicated to undersea cable and pipeline security, it forms a component of the UK’s broader strategy to safeguard these essential assets through multinational cooperation, rapid response, and integrated maritime security operations in support of NATO.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he or (b) any members of his Department met with or corresponded with Lord Mandelson on Palantir.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many countries within NATO spent a larger proportion of GDP on defence than the UK in 2026/27.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

NATO publishes defence expenditure figures for its members. As he will know figures for NATO members' defence spending for 2026-27 have not yet been published.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential strategic risk of UK reliance on foreign technologies for critical defence systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK recognises the importance of ensuring resilience and choice across our most critical of military capabilities. This reflects the approach to long term national security set out in the Strategic Defence Review: ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design, but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed.

The UK continues to invest in sovereign capabilities where they are operationally essential. For example, we are renewing our secure, sovereign satellite communications capability through the SKYNET 6 programme. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will also deliver a sixth-generation combat air capability in partnership with Italy and Japan.

The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, including where targeted investments are required to strengthen strategic autonomy. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure the UK develops sovereign capability in defence systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK recognises the importance of ensuring resilience and choice across our most critical of military capabilities. This reflects the approach to long term national security set out in the Strategic Defence Review: ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design, but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed.

The UK continues to invest in sovereign capabilities where they are operationally essential. For example, we are renewing our secure, sovereign satellite communications capability through the SKYNET 6 programme. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will also deliver a sixth-generation combat air capability in partnership with Italy and Japan.

The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, including where targeted investments are required to strengthen strategic autonomy. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in implementing the Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy will ensure aviation remains capable and sustainable as the Royal Navy transitions to a Hybrid Navy of crewed, uncrewed, and autonomous platforms that will redefine maritime military power. Progress is being made across force generation, operating models and capability development.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of replicating the Australian policy of permitting those non-nationals living in the United Kingdom the opportunity to apply for service in the military after one year of residency in the country.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK Armed Forces already accept applications from some nationalities if they are a dual national of a permitted nationality.

Eligible applicants must be either a British Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, British Protected Person, British Subject, Irish Citizen or a Citizen of a Commonwealth member country, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. This can be as a sole or dual national. The British Army also has the Brigade of Gurkhas who are from Nepal.

There is no UK residency requirement for those who are not British or Irish citizens to be eligible to apply to join the Royal Navy or the British Army, but the Royal Air Force normally require eligible candidates to have lived in the UK for between five and ten years prior to application. Members of the Armed Forces are subject to the National Security Vetting process owned by the Cabinet Office, and clearance levels depend on the rank, role and Service applied for. UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) residency and nationality are an integral part of that process, and each application is risk assessed. There are no current plans to change nationality or residency requirements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the “Defence Diplomacy Strategy, Keeping Britain Safe: secure at home and strong abroad”, page 30, by when does he plan to have reviewed our defence language provision.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As part of the implementation of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence is reviewing options to strengthen language proficiency across Defence and to enhance the language training available to internationally facing personnel. This work includes assessing how the current language provision delivered through the Defence Academy could be better utilised and expanded, exploring opportunities for closer cooperation with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and making use of new enablers, such as the Pan‑Defence Skills Framework, to identify, track and develop language proficiency across Defence.

The scoping phase for this review is currently underway, which will determine the formal completion date. Defence is progressing this work alongside wider efforts to invest in our people, processes and technology to implement the direction of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the “Defence Diplomacy Strategy, Keeping Britain Safe: secure at home and strong abroad”, page 30, by when does he plan to have produced a new Defence Diplomacy Doctrine.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

In line with the commitments set out in the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence is already progressing the development of a new Defence Diplomacy Doctrine, which will be published and in use across Defence in late 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026, to Question 112206, on Palantir: Contracts, whether communications were sent by Lord Mandelson in relation to the contract with Palantir.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As the Secretary of State for Defence has previously set out, Lord Mandelson had no influence or involvement in the Defence Enterprise Agreement with Palantir. Based on the information held by the Ministry of Defence, the Department is not aware of any communications sent by Lord Mandelson in relation to the contract with Palantir.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much was saved by his Department in-year savings in 2025/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As part of routine financial management, the Ministry of Defence continues to allocate resources effectively to meet departmental and operational priorities.

The Department's final position for 2025-26 will be set out in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether AI companies under contract to the Armed Services could be legally required to operate a) fully autonomous lethal operations and b) mass surveillance.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Working with suppliers, Defence applies rigorous commercial procurement, assurance, and governance processes to procure and deploy cutting edge AI technology, in accordance with our legal obligations and our published Ethical Principles. Engagement with industry is conducted solely within agreed contractual arrangements; the Department does not compel companies outside of contracts. The Department explicitly rules out the development or use of autonomous capabilities which operate without context appropriate human involvement and conducts only lawful and proportionate surveillance.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish all material within his Department that makes reference to Peter Mandelson.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department classifies publishing a video on social media filmed at a secret location in an operational theatre containing information that could allow adversaries to geolocate that location as a security incident that could compromise operational security and the safety of personnel.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support.

All social and press content was approved by the relevant Ministry of Defence processes ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. The work in the MRO facility continues. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they give to the working hours of Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel when calculating pay for those staff; and what assessment they have made of whether Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel remuneration meets minimum hourly wage levels.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the noble Lady to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones), in the House of Commons on 3 March 2026 to the hon. Member for Lewes (James MacCleary) in response to Question 115299.

James MacCleary

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has assessed the adequacy of National Minimum Wage compliance for Royal Fleet Auxiliary roles.115299

Answer

Louise Sandher-Jones

Royal Fleet Auxillary salaries are benchmarked against comparable roles across the wider maritime industry to ensure competitiveness and reflect market conditions. Constructive pay discussions with the Maritime Trade Unions are ongoing, focused on supporting retention and delivering a modern, growing organisation capable of meeting current and future defence tasking.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Ministry of Defence small and medium-sized enterprise engagement published on 24 March 2026, whether his Department plans to publish the (a) the SME action plan and (b) a direct spending target on the same day as the Defence Investment Plan.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan as a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs.

On current plans, the MOD’s full annual SME action plan, including direct spending target will not be published concurrently with the Defence Investment Plan. The action plan which will include a spending target are currently forecast to be published in the second quarter of 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of consumable equipment in the defence supply chain is procured from China.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is always open to working with international companies, as long as our procurement guidelines are followed and our national security is kept safe.

Defence does use Chinese manufactured goods within its supply chain, though the percentage of consumable equipment is not centrally held. MOD Commercial Officers do, where necessary, work with their security advisers to conduct due diligence checks on suppliers of specific goods, particularly surveillance equipment, to ensure that they are not subject to Chinese National Intelligence Law.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 107732 on Type 45 Destroyers: Guided Weapons, how much of the £405 million committed to upgrading the Sea Viper missile system had been spent on 13 April 2026.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 107732 on Type 45 Destroyers: Guided Weapons, what is the total remaining cost of the upgrade to the Sea Viper missile system.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 107732 on Type 45 Destroyers: Guided Weapons, what is the total cost of the upgrade to the Sea Viper missile system.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the risk of the use of Chinese‑manufactured Cellular IoT Modules in defence‑adjacent supply chains.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence regularly assesses risks across defence‑adjacent supply chains, including those associated with connectivity‑enabled components. Any use of Cellular IoT technology is subject to proportionate security and assurance arrangements, with risks considered on a case‑by‑case basis in order to safeguard Defence and national security interests. In parallel, the Department supports onshoring and the development of assured supply chains to strengthen the resilience of both defence and wider civilian supply chains.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on allocating a share of the £182 million Defence Industrial Strategy skills package to Scotland.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Industrial Strategy committed £250 million to fund all five Defence Growth Deals across the UK, and announced an £182 million Defence Industry Skills Package.

On 12 March, we launched the £50 million Scotland Defence Growth Deal, and from the £20 million of funding allocated to the Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we committed a £10 million investment towards the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs). This will include one in the East and one in the West of Scotland, working in consultation with Colleges Scotland to develop the colleges.

I wrote with the Secretary of State for Scotland to the Scottish Government on 12 March asking them to match fund our DTEC commitment so we can deliver two not one DTEC in Scotland. I regret to report we have received no response from the Scottish Government so far.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much of Scotland’s Defence Growth Deal funding derives from the Defence Industrial Strategy skills package.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Industrial Strategy committed £250 million to fund all five Defence Growth Deals across the UK, and announced an £182 million Defence Industry Skills Package.

On 12 March, we launched the £50 million Scotland Defence Growth Deal, and from the £20 million of funding allocated to the Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we committed a £10 million investment towards the creation of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs). This will include one in the East and one in the West of Scotland, working in consultation with Colleges Scotland to develop the colleges.

I wrote with the Secretary of State for Scotland to the Scottish Government on 12 March asking them to match fund our DTEC commitment so we can deliver two not one DTEC in Scotland. I regret to report we have received no response from the Scottish Government so far.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125514 on Armed Forces: Housing, for what reason has the number of void service family properties in Huntingdon constituency increased from 19 to 99 since May 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The figure of 19 void properties in May 2025 given in the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125514 referred to void properties in the hon. Member's constituency which had been reacquired from Annington and that were not suitable for occupation; it did not reflect the total number of void properties.

As of 1 May 2025, there were a total of 108 void Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties in the Huntingdon constituency.

As of 22 April 2026, there are a total of 98 void SFA properties in the Huntingdon constituency.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many complaints relating to the speed of maintenance for urgent repairs were received by Pinnacle Service Families from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Between 23 March 2026 and 06 April 2026, Pinnacle received 16 complaints concerning the length of time taken to complete an urgent repair task.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason were urgent repairs requested for Service Family Accommodation from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Between 23 March and 6 April 2026, a total of 1,639 requests were logged as urgent repair requests for Service Family Accommodation properties across the UK Defence estate.

A report that is detailing the breakdown of urgent repairs by their reason can be seen in the table below.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many urgent repairs were requested for Service Family Accommodation from 23/03/26 to 06/04/26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Between 23 March and 6 April 2026, a total of 1,639 requests were logged as urgent repair requests for Service Family Accommodation properties across the UK Defence estate.

A report that is detailing the breakdown of urgent repairs by their reason can be seen in the table below.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Member for South Shropshire might expect to receive a reply to Written Question 107746 tabled on 22 January 2026.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I responded to the hon. Member on 24 April 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 119386 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether he has ordered any Lightweight Multirole missiles since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many orders he has made for air-to-air missiles since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 119387 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether he has ordered any Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 119388 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether he has ordered any Land Ceptor missiles since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has ordered any Aster missiles since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to clear the backlog of outstanding Remediable Service Statements under the McCloud remedy; and what revised timetable he has set for impacted Armed Forces personnel to receive statements.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is collaborating with the scheme administrator to accelerate the delivery of Remediable Service Statements (RSS) by increasing resources, implementing automation to reduce manual processing, and reallocating the workforce to allow staff to focus on the most complex cases.

The department is finalising the timeline for issuing all RSSs; this will be communicated to members once confirmed.

Regular progress updates are available to members at the following link on the Armed Forces Pensions gov.uk website:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#remediable-service-statement-delivery-update

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in each of the last 10 years, how many members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary have died while a) undertaking training or b) while on active service.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

One member of the Royal Fleet Auxillary is recorded as dying on duty by accident or injury in the past 10 years; this occurred in 2019.

All on duty deaths are investigated by the appropriate body such as the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch, Defence Accident Investigation Branch, or civilian police where necessary.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what date range of claims for the War Pensions Scheme is currently being processed by officials.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As at 20 April 2026, War Pension Scheme (WPS) case workers are completing the initial scrutiny of claims received during the week commencing 21 December 2025.

To ensure workflow is managed effectively and fairly, all WPS cases are processed in strict date order, with priority given to those with a terminal illness and to claimants over the age of 90.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of levels in the availability of (a) anti-aircraft artillery, (b) electronic warfare, (c) low-cost interceptors and (d) other off-the-shelf mobile air defence systems.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The availability of air and missile defence capabilities is kept under continual review as part of Defence’s assessment of threats and the readiness of the Armed Forces. Readiness is directed through the Armed Forces Plan, in which the Chief of the Defence Staff directs Military Command Chiefs to hold a range of force elements at varying levels of readiness, aligned with the NATO Force Model, sovereign defence requirements, and our ability to respond to crisis. This readiness is assessed against the sum of Availability, Capability, and Sustainment.

The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment during this Parliament in Integrated Air and Missile Defence, with an early focus on improving command and control and sensor capabilities to ensure more effective integration and use of available effectors. The Defence Investment Plan will further shape the sequencing and prioritisation of future investment, informed by the evolving threat picture.

As is longstanding policy, the Department does not comment in detail on the availability or readiness levels of specific capabilities where doing so could prejudice operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 April 2026 to question 121654 on Navy: Dockyards, has the contract now been signed to extend the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) to cover the period from April 2026 up to October 2028.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Progress continues to be made on the extension of the Future Maritime Support Programme. Contracts covering the majority of ship‑related services have been agreed, with the remaining elements in the process of finalisation, while arrangements are in place to ensure continuity of submarine support services ahead of a new contractual agreement expected to commence later in 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to Question 98837 on Cruise Missiles, what were the findings of the Review Note to be submitted in Quarter 1 2026.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.

Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to Question 98837 on Cruise Missiles, when will Initial Operating Capability of the SPEAR Capability 3 programme be delivered.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.

Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to Question 98837 on Cruise Missiles, whether the Review Note was submitted in Quarter 1 2026.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.

Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether construction has begun on the first munitions factory announced as part of the six new munitions factories in the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many new munitions factories have begun construction.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.

Found: Sam des Forges, Director of Conduct, Equity and Justice, Ministry of Defence Zoe Bishop, Director

Found: Shared Business Services (UKSBS) Limited) and former Authority employees who transferred to the Ministry of Defence

Found: budget 448.0 1,438.2 1,886.2 1,158.1 679.4 3,723.7 2026-27 Main Estimate Transactions MOG MOG to MOD

Found: Integrated Security Fund to the Cabinet Office and multi-year budget transfer to Home Office and Ministry of Defence

Found: Integrated Security Fund to the Cabinet Office and multi-year budget transfer to Home Office and Ministry of Defence

Found: (MOD) BCT In (MOD) Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (1/4) 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0

Found: LUKE POLLARD MP Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FLOOR 5, MAIN

Found: We recommend that the MOD updates the House on how this target will be achieved.

Found: and Trade and the Department for Transport, with support from HM Revenue and Customs, the Ministry of Defence

Found: are trying to make sure that we are working with the Nigerian forces to push those back, and that is MOD

Found: are trying to make sure that we are working with the Nigerian forces to push those back, and that is MOD

Found: Ministry of Defence MoJ Ministry of Justice NIO Northern Ireland Office OFCOM Office of Communications

Found: I understand that there was a conversation about a conversation recently inside the Ministry of Defence

Found: As well as making veterans generally question the ability of MOD to defend their actions, this has caused

Found: The Ministry of Defence relies on them for command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Found: The company holds contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence, including the Royal Air Force Rapid Capability

Found: 2000: Member of the Royal Colleges Joint Committee on Infection 1996: Member of panel advising Ministry of Defence

Found: In response to your question, in this context, the Ministry of Defence understands resilience.

Found: Q693 Chair: So there are other Departments—presumably like the MOD, I would have thought—where there

Found: Minister for the Armed Forces, colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office and officials in the Ministry of Defence

Found: DESNZ and the Ministry of Defence sit on our policy advisory group, and they help us with prioritising

Found: We know that the MOD wants to spend an additional £2.75 billion with SMEs.

Found: I was with the defence primes and the MOD yesterday, talking about the skills plan for them.

Found: DESNZ and the Ministry of Defence sit on our policy advisory group, and they help us with prioritising

Found: company called Toray Textiles, which explained that it would like to supply the armed forces and the MOD

Found: this a lot at EU level, but I imagine things are similar in the UK between the FCDO, the Ministry of Defence

Found: this a lot at EU level, but I imagine things are similar in the UK between the FCDO, the Ministry of Defence

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities system in England take account of the needs of children from armed forces families with additional needs.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

As part of the consultation on the government’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms, I recently attended a roundtable hosted by the Armed Forces Community All-Party Parliamentary Group, to hear first-hand from armed forces families about the problems they face.

The government’s proposed SEND reforms will better support children from mobile families. For example, education, health and care plans and new Individual Support Plans will be digital, which will support smoother transitions when service children move between schools or local authorities.

National Inclusion Standards will set out support available in every mainstream setting, and a nationally consistent set of Specialist Provision Packages will provide comprehensive, evidence-based packages of support for children and young people with the most complex needs.

Schools receive targeted funding through the Service Pupil Premium, with over £26 million allocated in 2026/27. Schools can use this funding flexibly to provide pastoral, academic and transition support to mitigate effects of mobility and parental deployment, supported by joint Department for Education and Ministry of Defence guidance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to item 105 of the letter sent from Lord Strathclyde, Chair of the Constitution Committee to Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories regarding the UK-Overseas Joint Declaration, published 17 April 2026, which Ministers have (a) designated responsibility for Overseas Territories matters and (b) attend the cross-governmental Ministerial group on the Territories by Department.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Ministers who currently hold designated responsibility for Overseas Territories matters are: the Cabinet Office Minister of State; Economic Secretary to the Treasury; Ministry of Justice Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sentencing, Youth Justice and International; Home Office Minister of State (House of Lords); Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Climate); Ministry of Defence Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for the Armed Forces); Department of Business and Trade Minister of State (Minister for Trade); Department for Culture Media and Sport Minister of State (Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts); Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Minister of State (Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear); Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature); Department of Health and Social Care Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation and Safety; Department for Transport Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation); Solicitor General; Department for Education Minister of State (Minister for Skills); Secretary of State for Scotland and one of the Wales Office Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State.

All these Ministers are invited to attend the cross-governmental Ministerial Group on the Overseas Territories.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many bids were accepted for the contract to provide up to 10,000 sets of protective body armour for prison officers; and whether any provider of new sets of protective body armour for prison officers has previously provided similar equipment for use by police officers.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Ministry of Justice has awarded a contract to Safariland UK LTD for 6,250 sets of Body Armour for Prison Officers. The Ministry of Justice received two bids from suppliers and accepted one.

This contract was tendered via a Bluelight Commercial Framework. This initial opportunity for this Framework was published by BlueLight Commercial on 8 July 2022 [Provision of General Patrol and Firearms Body Armour - Find a Tender] and then awarded on 16 March 2023 [Provision of General Patrol and Firearms Body Armour - Find a Tender]. The Ministry of Justice, following Cabinet Office guidelines to utilise frameworks where appropriate, conducted a further competition via this framework and subsequently published the award on 22 January 2026 [Supply of Protective Body Armour - Find a Tender].

The Bluelight Framework at the initial opportunity was available for all the market to bid for, so therefore open. The Ministry of Justice has followed all the guidelines and published notices in accordance with the regulations. The process was effective as Frameworks offer the shortest route to contract award and in line with Cabinet Office policy.

The requirements of the body armour for prison officers are ballistic, knife and spike and the product sourced meets the Home Office Standard [Body armour standard 2017: [CAST Publication number: 012/17 Body armour standard 2017 - GOV.UK]. The Home Office standard is frequently used by other Government agencies, so in that respect the Police will have similar body armour. For example, Safariland UK Ltd has supplied various Police forces and the Ministry of Defence Police with body armour that meets the Home Office Standard.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure that the process of procuring up to 10,000 sets of protective body armour for prison officers is (a) open, (b) transparent, and (c) effective.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Ministry of Justice has awarded a contract to Safariland UK LTD for 6,250 sets of Body Armour for Prison Officers. The Ministry of Justice received two bids from suppliers and accepted one.

This contract was tendered via a Bluelight Commercial Framework. This initial opportunity for this Framework was published by BlueLight Commercial on 8 July 2022 [Provision of General Patrol and Firearms Body Armour - Find a Tender] and then awarded on 16 March 2023 [Provision of General Patrol and Firearms Body Armour - Find a Tender]. The Ministry of Justice, following Cabinet Office guidelines to utilise frameworks where appropriate, conducted a further competition via this framework and subsequently published the award on 22 January 2026 [Supply of Protective Body Armour - Find a Tender].

The Bluelight Framework at the initial opportunity was available for all the market to bid for, so therefore open. The Ministry of Justice has followed all the guidelines and published notices in accordance with the regulations. The process was effective as Frameworks offer the shortest route to contract award and in line with Cabinet Office policy.

The requirements of the body armour for prison officers are ballistic, knife and spike and the product sourced meets the Home Office Standard [Body armour standard 2017: [CAST Publication number: 012/17 Body armour standard 2017 - GOV.UK]. The Home Office standard is frequently used by other Government agencies, so in that respect the Police will have similar body armour. For example, Safariland UK Ltd has supplied various Police forces and the Ministry of Defence Police with body armour that meets the Home Office Standard.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the tender for providing up to 10,000 sets of protective body armour for prison officers was made public, and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Ministry of Justice has awarded a contract to Safariland UK LTD for 6,250 sets of Body Armour for Prison Officers. The Ministry of Justice received two bids from suppliers and accepted one.

This contract was tendered via a Bluelight Commercial Framework. This initial opportunity for this Framework was published by BlueLight Commercial on 8 July 2022 [Provision of General Patrol and Firearms Body Armour - Find a Tender] and then awarded on 16 March 2023 [Provision of General Patrol and Firearms Body Armour - Find a Tender]. The Ministry of Justice, following Cabinet Office guidelines to utilise frameworks where appropriate, conducted a further competition via this framework and subsequently published the award on 22 January 2026 [Supply of Protective Body Armour - Find a Tender].

The Bluelight Framework at the initial opportunity was available for all the market to bid for, so therefore open. The Ministry of Justice has followed all the guidelines and published notices in accordance with the regulations. The process was effective as Frameworks offer the shortest route to contract award and in line with Cabinet Office policy.

The requirements of the body armour for prison officers are ballistic, knife and spike and the product sourced meets the Home Office Standard [Body armour standard 2017: [CAST Publication number: 012/17 Body armour standard 2017 - GOV.UK]. The Home Office standard is frequently used by other Government agencies, so in that respect the Police will have similar body armour. For example, Safariland UK Ltd has supplied various Police forces and the Ministry of Defence Police with body armour that meets the Home Office Standard.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing the Child Maintenance Service to issue a deduction from earnings order rather than a deduction of earnings request to HM Paymaster General when the paying parent is a member of the armed forces.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Deduction from Earnings Orders (DEO) are applied as a method of payment where the Child Maintenance Service deducts maintenance directly from the Paying Parent’s wages. The DEO is primarily used to enforce payments but can be set up voluntarily. Deduction from Earnings Requests are similar to a Deduction from Earnings Order but used for Paying Parents who are serving members of the Armed Forces. The Child Maintenance Service can only request a deduction to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and, unlike with civilian employers, they cannot order or enforce payments. MOD policy aims to comply with requests; however, if the Paying Parent is committed to operational duties MOD may suspend the collection of debt.

The Child Maintenance Service takes action to ensure the correct method of payment is applied by identifying whether a Paying Parent is in the Armed Forces through its use of Real Team Information (RTI) Data taken from HMRC. This provides up to date information about Pay As You Earn income as the information submitted by employers online is displayed in RTI immediately. To ensure that the correct method of payment is used for a Paying Parent who is serving in the Armed Forces, caseworkers are provided with step-by-step procedural instructions and training.

Found: 2026 and Joint statement by President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, 17 April 2026 45 Ministry of Defence

Found: Auswärtiges Amt 2008 to 2012 FCO, Head, Security Policy Department 2008 Joined FCO 2007 to 2008 MoD

Found: government procurement to back the best of Britain, including £400 million ringfenced by the Ministry of Defence

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