Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q43 of the oral evidence he gave to the Defence Committee on 2 July 2025, HC 973, if the Strategic Advisor and Head of Review and Challenge is a direct replacement for the Director of the Secretary of State’s Office for Net Assessment and Challenge.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is pleased to welcome Malcom Chalmers as the new Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State (SofS) and Head of Review and Challenge. Malcolm Chalmers will not be a direct replacement for Director SONAC but will have many of the same responsibilities. This model will allow Mr Chalmers to focus on providing expert advice to the SofS, backed by the expertise and intellectual horsepower of SONAC. SONAC will be run day to day by a Civil Servant Deputy Director. This model will allow us to get the best out of the expert - and optimise the strategic value that SONAC delivers to the Defence Secretary and the Department.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on fitting military vehicles with direct energy weapons to help protect from swarm drone attacks.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government has announced nearly £1 billion in further investment for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) to bring these capabilities into service, including a new DEW for the British Army by the end of the decade.

We have recently completed trials of both radio frequency and laser DEW demonstrators mounted on British Army vehicles, putting DEW in the hands of the warfighter so we can learn from their experience and shape the development of future systems. This included the first use of DEW by the Army to counter drone swarms as part of live testing against targets.

DragonFire, our high energy laser for Type 45 destroyers, recently completed a trial that saw us fire 300 times, proving consistency and reliability, and included 30 drone defeats and firings in adverse weather conditions. This is critical to system development, meeting our plan to put it into service from 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on private finance initiatives in each of the last five years.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Details of Ministry of Defence Private Finance Initiatives are published on PFI and PF2 projects: 2024 Summary Data - GOV.UK

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q43 of the oral evidence given by him to the Defence Committee on 2 July 2025, HC 973, how many candidates were interviewed as part of the recruiting process to appoint the announced Strategic Advisor and Head of Review and Challenge.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the hon. Gentleman will recall from his time as a Defence Minister, Ministers are entitled to directly appoint ‘eminent’ or qualified individuals to provide advice, champion an issue or undertake a review. Such appointments have been made under successive administrations and those holding these roles play a vital role in providing expert, independent advice to the government on a range of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q43 of the oral evidence given by him to the Defence Committee on 2 July 2025, HC 973, whether there was an official application process for the appointment of the announced Strategic Advisor and Head of Review and Challenge.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the hon. Gentleman will recall from his time as a Defence Minister, Ministers are entitled to directly appoint ‘eminent’ or qualified individuals to provide advice, champion an issue or undertake a review. Such appointments have been made under successive administrations and those holding these roles play a vital role in providing expert, independent advice to the government on a range of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q43 of the oral evidence given by him to the Defence Committee on 2 July 2025, HC 973, for how long the application process to fill the announced Strategic Advisor and Head of Review and Challenge role lasted.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the hon. Gentleman will recall from his time as a Defence Minister, Ministers are entitled to directly appoint ‘eminent’ or qualified individuals to provide advice, champion an issue or undertake a review. Such appointments have been made under successive administrations and those holding these roles play a vital role in providing expert, independent advice to the government on a range of matters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that single sex (a) living accommodation, (b) bathroom and (c) changing facilities for service personnel are compliant with the law.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) welcomes the Supreme Court's ruling and the clarity that it brings for women and service providers. The MOD is undertaking a review of its internal policies to ensure compliance with the ruling; this includes living accommodation, ablutions, changing facilities, and single-sex spaces. We will be guided by the revised Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice when it becomes available.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to abolish the Secretary of State’s Office for Net Assessment and Challenge.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

We have no plans to abolish the Secretary of State’s Office of Net Assessment and Challenge, known as SONAC.

As the Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State and Head of Review and Challenge, Malcolm Chalmers will be responsible for providing expert strategic advice to the Secretary of State and as appropriate to the PUS, CDS and NAD as well as the Ministerial team. He will lead, providing senior oversight and tasking, but not line management of SONAC’s approx. thirty staff, who will continue their expert work.

SONAC will continue to work with top external experts, running red teams and wargames to test and challenge departmental thinking, as well as continuing their long-term Net Assessment program to ensure we understand the problems we’re facing. These will be vital inputs to Malcolm Chalmers as he provides advice to the Secretary of State.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has appointed a Director of the Secretary of State’s Office for Net Assessment and Challenge.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is pleased to welcome Malcom Chalmers as the new Strategic Advisor to the Secretary of State (SofS) and Head of Review and Challenge. Malcolm Chalmers will not be a direct replacement for Director SONAC but will have many of the same responsibilities. This model will allow Mr Chalmers to focus on providing expert advice to the SofS, backed by the expertise and intellectual horsepower of SONAC. SONAC will be run day to day by a Civil Servant Deputy Director. This model will allow us to get the best out of the expert - and optimise the strategic value that SONAC delivers to the Defence Secretary and the Department.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has set a target number of days by which individual applications to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme need to have been assessed by.

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

Due to the unique nature of each application, and the need to assess each on a case-by-case basis, the Ministry of Defence is unable to set a target number of days by which individual applications to the LGBT Veterans Financial Recognition Scheme need to have been assessed.

The assessment process is complex, and processing times will vary based on the specific circumstances of each Veteran’s application. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds.

We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live to these prioritised groups.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many orders of electronic surveillance equipment his Department has made for use by the armed forces since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department procure a number of systems across all domains, many of which are integrated into larger platforms. Consequently, the information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many orders of electronic jamming equipment his Department has made for use by the armed forces since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department procure a number of systems across all domains, many of which are integrated into larger platforms. Consequently, the information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many orders of electronic warfare equipment has his Department made for use by the armed forces since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department procure a number of systems across all domains, many of which are integrated into larger platforms. Consequently, the information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual operating costs are of the (a) RAF Envoy IV with registrations (i) G-ZAHS and (ii) G-ZABH, (b) VIP Voyager with registration ZZ336 and (c) Airbus A321-Neo with registration G-GBNI.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Envoy aircraft operating costs are currently £4.4 million per year, contracted through Centreline Av Ltd.

The operating costs of Voyager ZZ336 in its secondary role of VIP use are not separately recorded within the wider 27-Year AirTanker contract for the Voyager fleet's primary role of Air-to-Air Refuelling and military Air Transport.

The Airbus A321-Neo aircraft, registration G-GBNI is leased by the Cabinet Office not the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2024 to Question 15669 on Ajax Vehicles, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of equipping infantry battalions with Ares.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Army continues to undergo a combined programme of work to ensure our Land Forces will have the lethality, protection and mobility to fight and win against any adversary; and to support the transformation of the Army's two divisions and Corps Headquarters committed to NATO's Strategic Reserve Corps. As part of this the Army intends to reorganise its Heavy Forces units in 3 Division, such that all four would become Armoured Infantry Units based on the Ajax and Boxer family of vehicles. Further detail will be provided in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, Pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 39690 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, what is the definition of a task; and whether this involves a one-way or return journey.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A task can include multiple legs between the point of departure and the final destination.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 7.62mm rounds his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I am withholding the information requested as it is operationally sensitive.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 9mm rounds his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I am withholding the information requested as it is operationally sensitive.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Parrot Anafi USA drones has his Department ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Puma 3 AE drones has his Department ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ghost MK4 drones has his Department ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Black Hornet drones his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many heavy lift drones his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many FPV drones his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of the drones provided to Ukraine since February 2022 have been British made.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Where the UK's drone industry can meet Ukraine's drone requirements, the Ministry of Defence sources from UK industry, and this is true of the majority of the spend on drone procurements for Ukraine.

This has been reaffirmed by the Defence Secretary's announcement at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 4 June 2025, where he pledged £350 million investment into drones this financial year, with the majority of the spend to be with British companies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled UK to purchase F-35As and join NATO mission as Government steps up national security and delivers defence dividend, published on 24 June 2025, whether nuclear certification of the aircraft will take place (a) prior and (b) after the aircraft are delivered.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The detail of F-35 procurement is subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan, which is scheduled to complete in the Autumn. However, we will not be providing detailed updates on the steps required to enable participation in the NATO nuclear mission for national security reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on introducing duty of candour legislation.

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

The Government remains committed to implementing a ‘Hillsborough Law’ which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities, and criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply in certain circumstances.

The Cabinet Office and Ministry of Justice are the lead Departments in Government for this matter. Ministry of Defence officials continue to liaise with colleagues across Government on this important issue.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much air passenger duty was paid for ministerial domestic travel on RAF-provided flights between 4 July 2024 and 31 March 2025.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The total amount of Air Passenger Duty paid for Ministers who travelled on the RAF Envoy, on domestic flights, between 4 July 2024 and 31 March 2025 is £1,950.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide a breakdown of expenditure provided to Ukraine in each financial year since February 2022.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2024-25 the Government has committed to providing Ukraine with £3 billion of military support until 2030-31 or for as long as needed. The Government’s committed military support to Ukraine for each financial year is set out below.

A further £1.5 billion of support is being provided in 2025 as part of the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative. This takes our total support to Ukraine for this year to £4.5 billion, which is the greatest amount of support since Putin’s full-scale invasion began.

The final figures for 2024-25 have been finalised and will be published in the Departmental Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of air dropping medical aid into Gaza.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office leads on coordinating the Government’s humanitarian response to deliver lifesaving assistance to the civilian population in Gaza. The Ministry of Defence has provided military support when requested to facilitate the delivery of this assistance, including participating in airdropping aid as part of the Jordanian international coalition in 2024. However, the most effective way to meet the desperate needs of the Gazan people at the speed and scale that is needed is via overland routes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to meet with bereaved families associated with the 1994 Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 53163 on 3 July 2025 to the hon. Member for Angus and Perthshire Glens (Dave Doogan).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria was used to determine the 100-year classification of documents on the Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash in 1994; and whether a review of that classification has been held in the last five years.

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

For personal information and information linked to identifiable living individuals, The National Archives and the Advisory Council for National Records and Archives advocate a closure period of the ‘lifetime’ of the data subject. This assumes a lifetime of 100 years but will be graduated down from the age or assumed age of the youngest individual in the record. The Ministry of Defence has not conducted a review of the classification of the records within the last five years.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has agreed a timeline by which the UK will be able to access the Security Action for Europe fund; and whether a proportion of contracts available to the UK has been agreed.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK and the EU have set out our joint ambition to swiftly explore the potential for enhanced cooperation under the SAFE instrument. The specific terms of UK participation will be subject to discussions on a bilateral agreement; we do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of any such negotiations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, published in June 2025, what progress he has made with Cabinet colleagues on the development of Defence Growth Deals.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

At the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that there will be Defence Growth Deals launched across the UK. Further details will be provided in the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 12, subsection F, of the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, how many times the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has invited UK delegates to the Schuman Security and Defence Forum since 19 May 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.

Implementation is progressing. Since May, the Defence Secretary has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. The Foreign Secretary has also held talks with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas on the geopolitical challenges that face our continent. We look forward to the foreign and security policy dialogue between the High Representative, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary this autumn.

In addition, officials from across government continue to hold consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and tackling irregular migration.

As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, he will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – provides value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. 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.

The Defence Secretary and I look forward to continuing to update the House on developments. The Defence Secretary’s offer still stands that he is happy to arrange a discussion with the Member of Parliament for South Suffolk who has shown such interest in these topics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 12, subsection E, of the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, what recent progress he has made on arms export control through thematic dialogues via the UK-EU Security and Defence Dialogue.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.

Implementation is progressing. Since May, the Defence Secretary has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. The Foreign Secretary has also held talks with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas on the geopolitical challenges that face our continent. We look forward to the foreign and security policy dialogue between the High Representative, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary this autumn.

In addition, officials from across government continue to hold consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and tackling irregular migration.

As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, he will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – provides value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. 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.

The Defence Secretary and I look forward to continuing to update the House on developments. The Defence Secretary’s offer still stands that he is happy to arrange a discussion with the Member of Parliament for South Suffolk who has shown such interest in these topics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 12, subsection E, of the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, what recent progress he has made on conventional weapons cooperation through thematic dialogues via the UK-EU Security and Defence Dialogue.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.

Implementation is progressing. Since May, the Defence Secretary has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. The Foreign Secretary has also held talks with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas on the geopolitical challenges that face our continent. We look forward to the foreign and security policy dialogue between the High Representative, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary this autumn.

In addition, officials from across government continue to hold consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and tackling irregular migration.

As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, he will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – provides value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. 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.

The Defence Secretary and I look forward to continuing to update the House on developments. The Defence Secretary’s offer still stands that he is happy to arrange a discussion with the Member of Parliament for South Suffolk who has shown such interest in these topics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to support (a) BAE Systems and (b) other UK defence manufacturers to restart Typhoon production at the Warton facility in Lancashire.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK, with an estimated 9,000 jobs in North-West England alone. Thanks to the hard-fought industrial workshare agreement, 37% of all nations' Typhoons are made in the UK, with major unit production occurring at BAE Systems sites in Salmesbury and Warton. Consequently, due to new aircraft orders placed by other nations, and the UK's continued investment to upgrade and sustain our Typhoons, the vast majority of these jobs are already secured. Importantly, this will sustain highest skilled manufacturing jobs in the UK for at least the next 10 years irrespective of whether the UK orders more aircraft.

Typhoon will remain a critical Combat Aircraft for the UK until at least 2040. UK investment to upgrade and sustain the UK's Typhoon fleet will support jobs at BAE Systems sites, particularly at Warton and strengthen the UK's prospective Typhoon export campaigns. The Ministry of Defence is actively supporting BAE Systems export campaigns with Turkey and the KSA; the success of either of which would be enough to secure approximately 150-200 jobs on the Warton assembly line.

In addition, to Typhoon, UK investment in the global F-35 programme, which has prospective orders for more than 3,500 aircraft, has created up to 20,000 UK jobs in the manufacturing and supply chains. With some nations expected to operate F-35 until the 2080s, the UK's participation in this programme will sustain these jobs for decades to come. Moreover, our investment in the Global Combat Air Programme is building on the Typhoon and F-35 UK industry skills base. There are already over 3,500 skilled people working on the programme across the UK, with a large proportion employed at BAE Systems at Warton, where the development of the aircraft is being led. Our commitment to the UK's Combat Air aerospace sector through the Typhoon, F-35 and GCAP programmes outlined in the Strategic Defence Review will deliver a world class Combat Air fleet for our armed forces and support over 40,000 long-term, high-quality UK manufacturing jobs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the merits of procuring additional E-7A Wedgetail AEW Mk1 aircraft beyond those specified in the 2021 Integrated Defence Review.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is continuing with its procurement of E-7 Wedgetail in order to meet the national and NATO requirements for an Airborne Early Warning and Control capability which is interoperable with its allies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his oral contribution in response to an Urgent Question from the Hon. Member for South Suffolk on 10 July 2025, Official Report, column 1117, whether his Department classifies the gravity bomb that will be dropped by the F-35A aircraft as a (a) strategic or (b) tactical weapon.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK and NATO have said that any employment of nuclear weapons against NATO would fundamentally alter the nature of a conflict. The UK therefore does not support the classification of nuclear weapons as either strategic or tactical.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 15 of the policy paper entitled Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 19 May 2025, what recent progress he has made on establishing a UK-EU dialogue on peace mediation.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.

Implementation is progressing. Since May, the Defence Secretary has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. The Foreign Secretary has also held talks with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas on the geopolitical challenges that face our continent. We look forward to the foreign and security policy dialogue between the High Representative, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary this autumn.

In addition, officials from across government continue to hold consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to Iran, Russia-Ukraine, and tackling irregular migration.

As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, he will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – provides value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. 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.

The Defence Secretary and I look forward to continuing to update the House on developments. The Defence Secretary’s offer still stands that he is happy to arrange a discussion with the Member of Parliament for South Suffolk who has shown such interest in these topics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Continuity of Education Allowance rates for the children of service personnel.

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

The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) scheme recognises the enormous sacrifices our military families make and aims to minimise the disruption to their children’s education caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses a weighted average of the schools most attended by CEA claimants to calculate CEA rates. This methodology ensures CEA rates are aligned to the fees paid and reflects the choice of schools made by Service personnel. Following the removal of VAT exemptions for independent schools from January 2025, the MOD recalculated rates mid-year to reflect any changes in schools’ fees. CEA rates have also been recalculated ahead of the new academic term starting September 2025.

The MOD continually monitors feedback from the single Services to ensure that CEA rates balance affordability and value for money while supporting the choices made by Service personnel regarding their children’s education. Following a recent review of CEA methodology, the MOD’s Armed Forces Remuneration team concluded that current rates are effective in meeting these aims.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has issued guidance to senior members of the armed forces on speaking at (a) conferences and (b) panels where (i) Ministers and (ii) media are present since July 2024.

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

The Ministry of Defence's guidance on contact with the media and public communication was last updated on 6 February 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he is taking steps to ensure that serving armed forces personnel living alone in service accommodation who are parents have time with their children.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) remains committed to widening entitlement to family accommodation to support personnel with non-resident children, as set out in the Modernised Accommodation Offer. The policy and timescales for these changes remain under review.

Currently, entitlement to Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is necessarily driven by personnel’s status as accompanied or unaccompanied. Those who are single, whilst retaining “Prime Mover” status for their child(ren), have a prima facie entitlement to SFA. Single parents with child(ren) who do not reside with them permanently are eligible to apply for surplus SFA where capacity allows; moreover, no Service person is required to reside in Service-owned Single Living Accommodation (SLA) or SFA and may choose to rent locally to better accommodate their personal circumstances. Additionally, the MOD offers support for eligible personnel to purchase a home through the Forces Help to Buy Scheme.

If residing in SLA, Serving parents with non-resident children may access Service-provided Contact Houses at minimal cost. Contact Houses are fully furnished ‘homes from home’ which seek to meet the needs of those with family or welfare needs which fall outside of the permanent accommodation entitlement criteria, and without imposing an unsustainable financial burden.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing specific (a) Sikh and (b) Jewish options for a person’s ethnic group in data collection conducted by his Department.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) adheres to the guidance provided by Civil Service Statistics which records Sikh and Jewish under the classification of religion. The MOD’s Biannual Diversity statistics are available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-armed-forces-biannual-diversity-statistics-index

Public bodies usually collect ethnicity data in line with the ethnicity harmonised standard, which is developed by the independent Office for National Statistics (ONS). The current harmonised ethnicity standard is based on the 2011 Census questions used across the UK; those questions were updated for the 2021 and 2022 Censuses. The current standard does not include specific “Sikh” and “Jewish” categories for a person’s ethnic group. The ONS is reviewing the harmonised standard to ensure this remains appropriate and meets the needs of both data users and respondents. This will include a public consultation later this year and we await the outcome of this review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of implementing a reserve-style service as part of the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

SDR 2025 directs that “the future Cyber & EM Force should be a whole force endeavour, drawing heavily on reserves and civilians where expertise lies”. The future Cyber & EM Forces will be part of the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command. Planning to date is drawing heavily on our experience of using specialist cyber reserves and will seek to expand opportunities for reserve-style service; this is likely to include increasing the number of cyber specialist reserves, adjusting forms of military service (including expanding the Cyber Direct Entry scheme), and partnering differently with industry to leverage skills & capacity in wider workforce.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of the RAF Voyager aircraft are leased; who are the real ultimate owners; and what payments have been made to them since 2008.

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

All RAF Voyager aircraft are leased. A Private Finance Initiative arrangement allows for all 14 Voyager aircraft owned by AirTanker Limited to be leased to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), with 11 being leased to the MOD at this time.

The payments since 2008 for the AirTanker Limited concession contract total approximately £6 billion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comments of former Cabinet Secretary Simon Case that the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent should be expanded to include a second means of launch in addition to the existing submarine capability.

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

This Government keeps the UK’s nuclear posture under constant review considering the international security environment and the actions of potential adversaries. Our nuclear deterrent can respond to any emerging crises.

The recent announcement that the UK is acquiring 12 nuclear capable F35-A fighter jets, and will join the NATO nuclear mission, is not a decision to acquire a second sovereign delivery system. It complements Continuous At Sea Deterrence, our operationally independent, sovereign deterrent, which remains the ultimate guarantor of our security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much it would cost to increase defence spending to 5 per cent of gross domestic product.

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

Under current plans the Government is expected to spend 2.6% of GDP on defence and national security by April 2027, the biggest sustained increase since the end of the Cold War. At the NATO Summit, we made the historic commitment to spend 5% of GDP on national security by 2035, including 3.5% on core defence. This will be fully funded with details set out in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much their Department has spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation for languages other than (i) British Sign Language and (ii) languages native to the UK for people contacting (A) their Department and (B) its agencies in 2025.

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

The Department has spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation (excluding Arm’s Length Bodies) £27,611,694.85 ex VAT in FY24/25

Excluding (i) British Sign Language and (ii) languages native to the UK for people contacting the Department has spent on (a) translation and (b) interpretation (excluding Arm’s Length Bodies) £27,596,855.85 ex VAT in FY24/25.

Within Strategic Command, the Permanent Joint Headquarters has an ongoing requirement for interpreters and written translation services to support operational activity overseas and in the UK. Within the contract, over 99% of the value is spent on interpreters who support training and Headquarters activity. Estimated Annual spend against this contract is £30 million.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, who will command the new 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following Thursday’s announcement.

The current command structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is of a single operational commander provided by either the UK or France, appointed by both nations. It should be noted the CJEF is not a standing force, but made up of high-readiness forces available when it is deployed.

All UK Service Chiefs, including VCDS and Commander Strat Comm, were consulted ahead of the agreement to create the CJF. Most significantly, on 24 March 2025 at the third annual UK-France All Chiefs meeting in London, the proposal was discussed with all of the French and UK Military Chiefs of Staff.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether Commander Strategic Command was consulted prior to the agreement to create the 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following Thursday’s announcement.

The current command structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is of a single operational commander provided by either the UK or France, appointed by both nations. It should be noted the CJEF is not a standing force, but made up of high-readiness forces available when it is deployed.

All UK Service Chiefs, including VCDS and Commander Strat Comm, were consulted ahead of the agreement to create the CJF. Most significantly, on 24 March 2025 at the third annual UK-France All Chiefs meeting in London, the proposal was discussed with all of the French and UK Military Chiefs of Staff.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether he consulted the Chief of the Air Staff before the agreement to create a 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following Thursday’s announcement.

The current command structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is of a single operational commander provided by either the UK or France, appointed by both nations. It should be noted the CJEF is not a standing force, but made up of high-readiness forces available when it is deployed.

All UK Service Chiefs, including VCDS and Commander Strat Comm, were consulted ahead of the agreement to create the CJF. Most significantly, on 24 March 2025 at the third annual UK-France All Chiefs meeting in London, the proposal was discussed with all of the French and UK Military Chiefs of Staff.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether the Chief of the Defence Staff was consulted prior to the agreement to create the 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following Thursday’s announcement.

The current command structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is of a single operational commander provided by either the UK or France, appointed by both nations. It should be noted the CJEF is not a standing force, but made up of high-readiness forces available when it is deployed.

All UK Service Chiefs, including VCDS and Commander Strat Comm, were consulted ahead of the agreement to create the CJF. Most significantly, on 24 March 2025 at the third annual UK-France All Chiefs meeting in London, the proposal was discussed with all of the French and UK Military Chiefs of Staff.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether the First Sea Lord was consulted prior to the agreement to create the 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following Thursday’s announcement.

The current command structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is of a single operational commander provided by either the UK or France, appointed by both nations. It should be noted the CJEF is not a standing force, but made up of high-readiness forces available when it is deployed.

All UK Service Chiefs, including VCDS and Commander Strat Comm, were consulted ahead of the agreement to create the CJF. Most significantly, on 24 March 2025 at the third annual UK-France All Chiefs meeting in London, the proposal was discussed with all of the French and UK Military Chiefs of Staff.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's definition of Initial Operational Capability is for the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail fleet; and what specific criteria must be met.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I am withholding the definition and specific criteria for achieving Initial Operational Capability as it would harm the security and capability of the Armed Forces. The Initial Operational Capability is clearly defined and the RAF is working to ensure the necessary supporting requirements are in place so that it can be met at the earliest opportunity. However, in general terms, it will factor a range of milestones on airframe capability; personnel force growth; infrastructure and support contracts; crew training and competence in role; deployability and interoperability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, when the 50,000 strong combined joint force will reach the initial operational capability.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. We are working to define an ambitious timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability. For extant CJEF tasks up to 10,000, which the new CJF inherits, the force reached full operational capability in 2010.

The Lancaster House 2.0: Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation was agreed and published on 10 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, when the 50,000 strong combined joint force will be established.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. We are working to define an ambitious timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability. For extant CJEF tasks up to 10,000, which the new CJF inherits, the force reached full operational capability in 2010.

The Lancaster House 2.0: Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation was agreed and published on 10 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, on what date the newly signed declaration will be signed.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. We are working to define an ambitious timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability. For extant CJEF tasks up to 10,000, which the new CJF inherits, the force reached full operational capability in 2010.

The Lancaster House 2.0: Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation was agreed and published on 10 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the third updated submission by the BRIXMIS Association, which the Ministry of Defence acknowledged receipt of on 24 June, will be considered by the Independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee on 9 July.

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

The BRIXMIS Association submission was an agenda item at the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee (AMSC) meeting on 9 July 2025. Following discussions, the Secretary was directed to prepare a letter to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (HD Committee) for its consideration. The findings of the sub-committee will be communicated to the Association in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, what his planned timetable is for establishing the 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. We are working to define an ambitious timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability. For extant CJEF tasks up to 10,000, which the new CJF inherits, the force reached full operational capability in 2010.

The Lancaster House 2.0: Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation was agreed and published on 10 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, when the 50,000 strong combined joint force will reach full operational capability.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. We are working to define an ambitious timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability. For extant CJEF tasks up to 10,000, which the new CJF inherits, the force reached full operational capability in 2010.

The Lancaster House 2.0: Declaration on Modernising UK-French Defence and Security Cooperation was agreed and published on 10 July 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the planned block 4 upgrade for F-35B will facilitate the carriage of the (a) Meteor missile system or (b) any other UK-built munitions.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Block 4 modernisation will include the integration of UK-unique weapons and upgrades to air-to-surface and air-to-air weaponry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Ministry of Defence staff embedded in the F-35 Joint Program Office in Washington D.C. can track where UK-made spare parts are sent.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department does not provide the breakdown of individual UK roles within international programme offices.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the roles held by Ministry of Defence staff embedded with the F-35 Joint Program Office in Washington DC.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department does not provide the breakdown of individual UK roles within international programme offices.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, who will command the new 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following Thursday’s announcement.

The current command structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is of a single operational commander provided by either the UK or France, appointed by both nations. It should be noted the CJEF is not a standing force, but made up of high-readiness forces available when it is deployed.

All UK Service Chiefs, including VCDS and Commander Strat Comm, were consulted ahead of the agreement to create the CJF. Most significantly, on 24 March 2025 at the third annual UK-France All Chiefs meeting in London, the proposal was discussed with all of the French and UK Military Chiefs of Staff.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have been relocated to the UK from Afghanistan under the (a) Afghan relocations and assistance policy, (b) Afghan citizens resettlement scheme and (c) Afghanistan Response Route schemes.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

When the Taleban seized control in 2021, many thousands of people who served and supported our British Armed Forces were left in Afghanistan.

The UK made a commitment to honour the moral obligation we owe to those Afghans who stood with us, there was cross party support for this at the time.

In February 2022, under the previous Government a spreadsheet with names of individual applicants for ARAP – the resettlement scheme for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Armed Forces in Afghanistan – was emailed outside of official government systems.

This was mistakenly thought to contain the names of a small number of applicants, but in fact the email contained personal information linked to c18700 applicants of ARAP and its predecessor scheme, the Ex-Gratia Scheme (EGS). The data related to applications made on or before 7 January 2022.

A very small section of this spreadsheet appeared online on 14th August 2023, which is when the Government first became aware that the MOD's ARAP case working spreadsheet had been mistakenly included with the original email.

The previous government decided to seek an injunction concerning the breach on 25^th August 2023. The High Court granted a super injunction as a result. The previous Government also set up a new secret resettlement route to bring those affected to the UK. Former Ministers started work on this in Autumn 2023 and it was up and running by April 2024.

This Secretary of State then commissioned an independent Policy Review from ex Deputy chief of Defence Intelligence Paul Rimmer. This began earlier this year and concluded and was presented to Ministers in June. The review examined the overall policy context in spring 2025, three years since the data incident and concluded that it appears “highly unlikely” that merely being on the dataset would be grounds for targeting.

As the Defence Secretary outlined in his oral statement dated 15 July 2025, the Rimmer review was a very significant element in the Government’s decision to change policy to close the ARR, though not the sole element. This was not a decision taken lightly. We have now made the matter public so it can be subject to full Parliamentary scrutiny.

From 2021 to the end of June 2025, under the Afghan Resettlement Programme, there have been 13,200 arrivals through the ACRS, 19,000 through ARAP and 3,400 through the ARR. The number of ARR arrivals are included in the overall figures for ARAP, so previous published statistics have presented an accurate picture of total arrivals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the operational effectiveness of his Department's (a) water and (b) wastewater services contracted with third party providers.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Project Aquatrine is the collective project name of three Public Private Partnership agreements between strategic water and wastewater suppliers and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Project Aquatrine established strategic management of water and sewerage services across the MOD estate. The project has clearly defined objectives and Key Performance Indicators to track progress and ensure accountability.

It has been successful in achieving its objectives of improving water and wastewater services across MOD sites in Great Britain. Key successes include reduced leakage, improved water quality, and increased efficiency.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Departments is taking to assess the feasibility of retrofitting existing platforms for autonomous capability.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the RAF must stay at the leading edge of combat air's evolution, through the transition from exclusively crewed combat air platforms to a Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with a mix of crewed, uncrewed, and increasingly autonomous platforms, integrated into the UK's digital targeting web. The future of the RAF lies in accelerating its adoption of the latest technology and innovation. That will be considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan, and in subsequent force development work.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of defence infrastructure contracts were awarded to UK-based suppliers in the last financial year.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Of 219 contracts awarded in Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in financial year 2024-25, 97.72% (214 contracts) were awarded to Suppliers with a UK based address.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, whether the 50,000 strong combined joint force wil be (a) tri-service, (b) entirely British Army personnel and (c) other.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. Any future basing will be subject to bilateral agreement between the UK and France and announced in due course when negotiated.

The UK-France Lancaster House 2.0 declaration of 10 July 2025 committed to launch the Combined Joint Force – overhauling the existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force to refocus it on the Euro-Atlantic and warfighting at scale to deter, placing it on an operational footing for the first time by endeavouring to significantly increase the declared Combined Joint Force (CJF) capacity, up to fivefold, ensuring the ability to plan and command Combined Corps Capability (the highest level of fielded forces in our armies). This Corps can provide the Land component of a broader joint force combining all military functions, as part of NATO or bilaterally. The CJF will facilitate the deployment of a force fully interoperable with NATO and available as the Alliance’s Strategic Reserve; this is a critical step towards the UK and France providing two fully interoperable Strategic Reserve Corps to NATO, enabled by the CJF.

For the CJF Corps, our working assumption is a broadly equal split of force contributions. It will be constituted of UK and French forces held at readiness in their usual national basing arrangements. Existing UK and French exchange officers currently embedded in each other’s structures will act as operational coordination and support for the CJF at times when it is not being actively deployed.

Like the CJEF, the CJF Force will be designed to meet the task at hand. The exact proportion of each nation’s contribution can only be defined with a specific task. The forces required would be selected from the UK and France according to a number of factors, including roles and availability.

We anticipate that the CJF will operate as an integrated force in multi-domain operations and could include, as required, elements from the Maritime, Land, Air, Space and Cyber domains. The CJF is intended to be drawn from existing forces.

The current structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is that there are no permanently assigned or standing forces, combined headquarters, nor planning teams. The CJEF draws on whichever national high readiness forces are declared as available, including lead elements at very short notice, if required for the operation. These are taken from the UK and France following bilateral agreement as appropriate. No UK Armed Forces units are permanently assigned to form the CJEF.

The CJEF is not intended to be a standing force and thus is not planned to be permanently based anywhere.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, how many additional armed forces personnel are needed to fill the 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. Any future basing will be subject to bilateral agreement between the UK and France and announced in due course when negotiated.

The UK-France Lancaster House 2.0 declaration of 10 July 2025 committed to launch the Combined Joint Force – overhauling the existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force to refocus it on the Euro-Atlantic and warfighting at scale to deter, placing it on an operational footing for the first time by endeavouring to significantly increase the declared Combined Joint Force (CJF) capacity, up to fivefold, ensuring the ability to plan and command Combined Corps Capability (the highest level of fielded forces in our armies). This Corps can provide the Land component of a broader joint force combining all military functions, as part of NATO or bilaterally. The CJF will facilitate the deployment of a force fully interoperable with NATO and available as the Alliance’s Strategic Reserve; this is a critical step towards the UK and France providing two fully interoperable Strategic Reserve Corps to NATO, enabled by the CJF.

For the CJF Corps, our working assumption is a broadly equal split of force contributions. It will be constituted of UK and French forces held at readiness in their usual national basing arrangements. Existing UK and French exchange officers currently embedded in each other’s structures will act as operational coordination and support for the CJF at times when it is not being actively deployed.

Like the CJEF, the CJF Force will be designed to meet the task at hand. The exact proportion of each nation’s contribution can only be defined with a specific task. The forces required would be selected from the UK and France according to a number of factors, including roles and availability.

We anticipate that the CJF will operate as an integrated force in multi-domain operations and could include, as required, elements from the Maritime, Land, Air, Space and Cyber domains. The CJF is intended to be drawn from existing forces.

The current structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is that there are no permanently assigned or standing forces, combined headquarters, nor planning teams. The CJEF draws on whichever national high readiness forces are declared as available, including lead elements at very short notice, if required for the operation. These are taken from the UK and France following bilateral agreement as appropriate. No UK Armed Forces units are permanently assigned to form the CJEF.

The CJEF is not intended to be a standing force and thus is not planned to be permanently based anywhere.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, which UK Armed Forces units will form the 50,000 strong combined joint force.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Detailed planning of the Combined Joint Force (CJF), evolving from the currently existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF), is currently under way with French colleagues following the UK-France declaration announcement. Any future basing will be subject to bilateral agreement between the UK and France and announced in due course when negotiated.

The UK-France Lancaster House 2.0 declaration of 10 July 2025 committed to launch the Combined Joint Force – overhauling the existing Combined Joint Expeditionary Force to refocus it on the Euro-Atlantic and warfighting at scale to deter, placing it on an operational footing for the first time by endeavouring to significantly increase the declared Combined Joint Force (CJF) capacity, up to fivefold, ensuring the ability to plan and command Combined Corps Capability (the highest level of fielded forces in our armies). This Corps can provide the Land component of a broader joint force combining all military functions, as part of NATO or bilaterally. The CJF will facilitate the deployment of a force fully interoperable with NATO and available as the Alliance’s Strategic Reserve; this is a critical step towards the UK and France providing two fully interoperable Strategic Reserve Corps to NATO, enabled by the CJF.

For the CJF Corps, our working assumption is a broadly equal split of force contributions. It will be constituted of UK and French forces held at readiness in their usual national basing arrangements. Existing UK and French exchange officers currently embedded in each other’s structures will act as operational coordination and support for the CJF at times when it is not being actively deployed.

Like the CJEF, the CJF Force will be designed to meet the task at hand. The exact proportion of each nation’s contribution can only be defined with a specific task. The forces required would be selected from the UK and France according to a number of factors, including roles and availability.

We anticipate that the CJF will operate as an integrated force in multi-domain operations and could include, as required, elements from the Maritime, Land, Air, Space and Cyber domains. The CJF is intended to be drawn from existing forces.

The current structure of the CJEF under its Concept of Employment (CONEMP) is that there are no permanently assigned or standing forces, combined headquarters, nor planning teams. The CJEF draws on whichever national high readiness forces are declared as available, including lead elements at very short notice, if required for the operation. These are taken from the UK and France following bilateral agreement as appropriate. No UK Armed Forces units are permanently assigned to form the CJEF.

The CJEF is not intended to be a standing force and thus is not planned to be permanently based anywhere.

Found: Embassy Beirut, “UK supports Lebanon ISF with MOU cooperation £15.9m”, 9 December 2022 177 Ministry of Defence

Found: Surrey Police £3,000 Sussex Police £2,000 Thames Valley Police £3,000 Ministry of Defence

Found: F or example, the ‘Triples Review’, which is currently being carried out by the Ministry of Defence,

Found: applications for which the SoSNI determines and pays compensation. 2 Also, in agreement with the Ministry of Defence

Found: A review of the regulatory options is needed, including necessary updates to the MOD guidance on the

Found: Sectors include commercial airports, MOD facilities, paper manufacturers, fluoropolymer manufacturers

Found: additional challenges of different processes applying, such as there being no EHCPs in Scotland, Wales or MOD

Found: you would expect, we put in place other measures to ensure that data is more securely held in the MOD

Found: The level of co-operation there has been with MHCLG, MOD, the Treasury, DBT and other Government Departments

Found: In 2024/5 the MOD, which might be expected to be a major user of the SBRI, awarded just £6m in contracts

Found: We write these words as the news emerges that the Ministry of Defence lost a spreadsheet of everyone

Found: contained a section on Civil-defence interdependencies, such as:  “DESNZ is working closely with MoD

Found: He was previously Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Ministry of Defence (2022-24), a member of the

Found: capabilities across the full lifecycle of the product, acting as a strategic partner to the Ministry of Defence

Found: Jersey (see Jersey Water PFAS case Study attached) and are involved with a large PFAS project on an MOD

Found: PFAS in clothing and shoes (from 1 July 2026) PFAS- handlingsplan: Regeringen vil indføre dansk forbud mod

Found: RAF bases are hotspots of ‘forever chemical’ groundwater pollution, MoD documents show Industry using

Found: Correspondence to the Information Commissioner re: 2022 MoD data breach Correspondence

Found: We have a number of memoranda of understanding that we have signed, including one with the MoD for

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to coordinate cross-departmental efforts to secure defence infrastructure supply chains.

Answered by Abena Oppong-Asare - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office works closely with the Ministry of Defence to track and monitor risks to national security supply chains. The forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will set out the government's approach to defence supply chain security and resilience.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on increasing funding for the resilience of defence infrastructure supply chains.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Following Spending Review 2025 further detail on how the Ministry of Defence will spend its budget will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan, which is also scheduled to complete in the Autumn.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on the strategic importance of future trade agreements on the African continent.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

DBT works closely with all government departments, including the Ministry of Defence, to consider all aspects of our trading relationships with Africa, and our strategic approach fully aligns with our recently published Trade Strategy and Industrial Strategy.

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Found: Autumn 2025 Topics: Borders and immigration, Defence and national security Departments: Ministry of Defence

Found: meaningful roles and may include an offer of relocation to the UK for those deemed eligible by the Ministry of Defence

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Found: An application must first be made, by the applicant, to the Ministry of Defence, who will decide if

Found: An application must first be made, by the applicant, to the Ministry of Defence, who will decide if

Found: • The chief constable or a deputy chief constable of the Ministry of Defence Police.

Found: • Le chef ou chef-adjoint de la Ministry of Defence Police.

Found: An application must first be made, by the applicant, to the Ministry of Defence, who will decide if

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Found: including during his time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Defence

Found: It said that with regards to national security, the media tended to focus on the Ministry of Defence

Found: changes are planned to ensure that domestic abuse victim-survivors are exempt (MHCLG and Ministry of Defence

Found: in UK agriculture – Unseen 2024 available at: https://www.unseenuk.org/the‑pr ice‑w e‑do nt‑p ay‑mod

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Found: Subject to HMT’s review and approval and with the assistance from the MOD in calculating and drawing

Found: the Business Rate Retention system from local authorities, central list businesses and the Ministry of Defence

Found: the Business Rate Retention system from local authorities, central list businesses and the Ministry of Defence

Found: the Business Rate Retention system from local authorities, central list businesses and the Ministry of Defence

Found: Subsequently, Ms Knight received an apology and a substantial financial settlement from the Ministry of Defence

Found: Alongside this, the Treasury has been supporting the Ministry of Defence in progressing their Defence

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Found: members within the Schemes by employer and category: Contributing Members UKAEA [1] CNC Ex-BNFL PHE MoD

Found: members within the Schemes by employer and category: Contributing Members UKAEA [1] CNC Ex-BNFL PHE MoD

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Found: Octric Semiconductors MOD 17.

Found: Octric Semiconductors MOD 17.

Found: HEFYD YN DIBYNNU AR ADRODDIAD BLYNYDDOL A CHYFRIFON S4C Barn am y datganiadau ariannol Tystiaf fy mod

Found: Aberconwy for a decade, during which time he served as a Minister in the Wales Office and the Ministry of Defence

Found: Health & Social Care Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office HM Treasury Home Office Ministry of Defence

Found: include gas, electricity, railways and communication networks; and • Rates paid by the Ministry of Defence

Found: include gas, electricity, railways and communication networks; and • Rates paid by the Ministry of Defence

Found: Government Property, Plant and Equipment 2024 (£ billion)Transport: DfT + TfL e.g. roads and rail712Defence: MOD

Found: The largest contributor to Development Expenditure is the Ministry of Defence.

Found: The main elements are: • Public sector debt interest payments; • Defence spending by the Ministry of Defence

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Found: Subsequently, Ms Knight received an apology and a substantial financial settlement from the Ministry of Defence

Found: partners Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Ministry of Defence

Found: Arthritis, Alan and Sheila Diamond Trust, Royal British Legion, European Commission, Ministry of Defence

Found: Versus Arthritis, Alan and Sheila Diamond Trust, Royal British Legion, European Commission, Ministry of Defence

Found: the British Army and Director of Operations for the Defence Logistics Organisation in the Ministry of Defence

Found: From April 2014 to November 2018, he was the Director-General in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) responsible

Found: From April 2014 to November 2018, he was the Director-General in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) responsible

Found: institutions 12 specialist FE colleges 130 independent specialist colleges 16 dance and drama colleges Ministry of Defence

Found: – Test Centre (Where “Test Centre” is either Warwick Leicester or Birmingham”) b) Type of Test c) Mod

Found: This alignment will help the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to procure the right and most cost-effective

Found: From: Ministry of Defence and Defence Equipment and Support Published 21 July 2025 Get emails

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Found: We have made huge progress towards bringing the Parliamentary Archives and Ministry of Defence personnel

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Found: Cambridge, as well as Chairman of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Board for the Ministry of Defence

Found: Cambridge, as well as Chairman of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Board for the Ministry of Defence

Found: members within the Schemes by employer and category: Contributing Members UKAEA [1] CNC Ex-BNFL PHE MoD

Found: members within the Schemes by employer and category: Contributing Members UKAEA [1] CNC Ex-BNFL PHE MoD

Found: too great an impact on the SSSI areas and as offering too great a risk in terms of impact on the MoD

Found: 0.030 Predecessor Body 9 Davies Road Cotswold Brownfield 0.022 Predecessor Body MoD

Found: Care; Department for Transport; Department for Work and Pensions; HM Revenue and Customs; Ministry of Defence

Found: In the year ahead, DE&S will continue to deliver the MOD Equipment Plan priorities and equip and support

Found: In the year ahead, DE&S will continue to deliver the MOD Equipment Plan priorities and equip and support

Found: From: Defence Equipment and Support and Ministry of Defence Published 17 July 2025 Get emails

Found: World May 2024 We win an award at the National Go Awards for our collaboration with the Ministry of Defence

Found: You requested the following information: I wish to know why did MOD suspend home for England scheme

Found: RFI4875: Ripon Barracks and MOD Damages PDF, 224 KB, 3 pages This file may not be suitable for users

Found: Multidisciplinary - Consultant Services - Crowland Street, Southport Homes England - Multidisciplinary - MOD

Found: NHSBT also made progress in its £5 million collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to develop a

Found: Stephen Garrett* OBE Appointed 2019, Reappointed 2024 Completed a full career in the Royal Navy / MOD

Found: year career in the Royal Air Force, during which he held senior leadership positions in the Ministry of Defence

Found: year career in the Royal Air Force, during which he held senior leadership positions in the Ministry of Defence

Found: meteorological, oceanographic, space and climate data as a Specialist Geospatial Centre for the Ministry of Defence

Found: meteorological, oceanographic, space and climate data as a Specialist Geospatial Centre for the Ministry of Defence

Found: honours The legal basis for the information sharing arrangement between HMRC and the Ministry of Defence

Found: including during his time at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Defence

Found: MOD Crown Copyright Brigadier Antony Finn qualified as a General Practitioner in 2003.

Found: From: Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces' Pay Review Body Published 22 July 2025 Get emails

Found: Julian Miller Chair, Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body SECRETARY OF STATE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

Found: Lieutenant General Coyle and Major General Watson visited the new UK Cyber Command facility at Ministry of Defence

Found: abseiling into gyms and crawling through offices feature in a striking new campaign by the Ministry of Defence

Found: enhanced European contributions; Commending the Agreement on Defence cooperation between the Ministry of Defence

Found: Mod ule=ApprovalsList_SI 25.

Found: of Historic England, in relation to historic features on this stretch of coast; and ◼ the Ministry of Defence

Found: trail along the current alternative South West Coast Path, which is in operation when the nearby MOD

Found: West Coast Path that links the two sections of King Charles III England Coast Path sits within the MoD

Found: Kimmeridge Bay is in two distinct parts either side of an access controlled route through the Lulworth MoD

Found: Kimmeridge Bay. 3.1.2 This report covers length LCK 3 of the stretch, which is the route between the MOD

Found: From: Office for Veterans' Affairs and Ministry of Defence Published 23 July 2025 Get emails

Found: It said that with regards to national security, the media tended to focus on the Ministry of Defence

Found: UK Inventory: wastes and materials from existing facilities New build MOD materials Other routes

Found: • 95% of the civil Pu (and all MOD Pu) is assumed to be converted to MOX fuel and irradiated in

Found: to packaging assumptions for UK Inventory waste streams ............................ 15 Changes to MOD

Found: are: • A reduction of approximately 96% in the packaged volume of HEU as a result of there being no MOD

Found: British Sign Language 5-year plan: Ministry of Defence

Found: The video remains an important resource for tenants who reach the website. 4.7 Ministry of Defence

Found: Commonwealth & Development Office, the Home Office, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Ministry of Defence

Found: Don't cover MOD, immigration, employment, large chunk of social security.

Found: Future Mission – NRTE Vulcan The NDA are also working with MoD to consider the future transfer of the

Found: MOD Ordnance found north of the public road when wind farm was being established - may need survey.

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Question

To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many jobs in Scotland are reliant on the naval shipbuilding programme.

Answered by Forbes, Kate - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic

Details of defence programme contractual arrangements, including associated jobs, are reserved and a matter between individual companies and the UK Government. Information on contracts awarded through the UK Government Ministry of Defence are published and publicly available.