Information between 17th September 2025 - 27th September 2025
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Written Answers |
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Australia: Unmanned Air Systems
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Friday 19th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the test flights of the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Block 1) for the Royal Australian Air Force. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.
As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.
The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan. |
Military Aircraft
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Friday 19th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the test flight of the General Atomics YFQ-42 drone. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.
As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.
The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan. |
USA: In-flight Refuelling
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Friday 19th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the capability of the United States Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray aerial refuelling drone. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.
As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.
The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan. |
Veterans: Radiation Exposure
Asked by: Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat - Stratford-on-Avon) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of involvement in UK nuclear weapons testing programmes between 1952 and 1991 on the long-term health of veterans. Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) This Government recognises the huge contribution that Nuclear Test Veterans have made to national security and is committed to working with Veterans and listening to their concerns. We have amended the criteria for the commemorative Nuclear Test Medal and are examining unresolved questions regarding medical records as a priority.
The protection, health and welfare of those involved in the atmospheric tests was a vital consideration, as shown by the detailed documented safety measures and radiobiological monitoring that took place during the operations. An independently conducted longitudinal study of Nuclear Test Veterans who took part in the UK military nuclear test programme between 1952 to 1967, has been analysed four times over several decades. All analyses have consistently demonstrated that total cancer and mortality rates amongst Nuclear Test Veterans are aligned with those serving contemporaneously in the UK Armed Forces who did not participate in the testing programme and were lower than for the general population.
Those who participated in the nuclear test programme and feel they were negatively impacted are able to apply to the War Pensions Scheme for compensation.
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Veterans: Radiation Exposure
Asked by: Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat - Stratford-on-Avon) Thursday 18th September 2025 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 establishing a dedicated compensation scheme for UK nuclear test veterans. Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) This Government recognises the huge contribution that Nuclear Test Veterans have made to national security and is committed to working with Veterans and listening to their concerns. We have amended the criteria for the commemorative Nuclear Test Medal and are examining unresolved questions regarding medical records as a priority.
The protection, health and welfare of those involved in the atmospheric tests was a vital consideration, as shown by the detailed documented safety measures and radiobiological monitoring that took place during the operations. An independently conducted longitudinal study of Nuclear Test Veterans who took part in the UK military nuclear test programme between 1952 to 1967, has been analysed four times over several decades. All analyses have consistently demonstrated that total cancer and mortality rates amongst Nuclear Test Veterans are aligned with those serving contemporaneously in the UK Armed Forces who did not participate in the testing programme and were lower than for the general population.
Those who participated in the nuclear test programme and feel they were negatively impacted are able to apply to the War Pensions Scheme for compensation.
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Veterans: Radiation Exposure
Asked by: Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat - Stratford-on-Avon) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to review the policy on compensation for families of nuclear test veterans. Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) This Government recognises the huge contribution that Nuclear Test Veterans have made to national security and is committed to working with Veterans and listening to their concerns. We have amended the criteria for the commemorative Nuclear Test Medal and are examining unresolved questions regarding medical records as a priority.
The protection, health and welfare of those involved in the atmospheric tests was a vital consideration, as shown by the detailed documented safety measures and radiobiological monitoring that took place during the operations. An independently conducted longitudinal study of Nuclear Test Veterans who took part in the UK military nuclear test programme between 1952 to 1967, has been analysed four times over several decades. All analyses have consistently demonstrated that total cancer and mortality rates amongst Nuclear Test Veterans are aligned with those serving contemporaneously in the UK Armed Forces who did not participate in the testing programme and were lower than for the general population.
Those who participated in the nuclear test programme and feel they were negatively impacted are able to apply to the War Pensions Scheme for compensation.
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National Space Operations Centre
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military personnel work at the National Space Operations Centre. Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans) The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) is staffed by civilian and military personnel and acts as a central hub for UK Control of Space operations, working in collaboration with the UK Space Agency and the Met Office. No 1 Space Operations Squadron is the military component of NSpoC with over 50 military personnel monitoring space activity and defending the UK's ability to operate in space.
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Ministry of Defence: Straight Flight
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool Riverside) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC since October 2023. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Ministry of Defence has been conducting unarmed surveillance flights over Gaza for the sole purpose of locating hostages.
The UK controls what information is passed on to Israeli authorities and only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authority, and only when we believe it will be used in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.
I cannot comment on these matters further for reasons of operational security. |
Army: Unmanned Air Systems
Asked by: Peter Fortune (Conservative - Bromley and Biggin Hill) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans his Department has to procure drones for the British Army. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The British Army has been actively procuring and developing drone (Uncrewed Aerial Systems) capabilities to enhance situational awareness, reconnaissance, and combat effectiveness. These efforts align with the broader modernisation goals outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. Current examples include Project CORVUS and Project TIQUILA. |
Afghanistan: Resettlement
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Afghans who (a) worked for British forces and (b) are dependents of people who worked for British forces were brought to the United Kingdom via the Afghan Response Route. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) Approximately 4,500 people have been relocated or are in transit to the UK via the ARR (900 principal applicants and 3,600 eligible family members). ARR eligibility was only granted for those individuals who were previously thought to be at highest risk of targeting by the Taleban as a result of their personal details being included in the February 2022 data incident under the previous Government..
It is not possible to provide a breakdown of relocation figures by job role, including those who worked directly for British Forces, at this time. |
Unmanned Air Systems
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how does StormShroud function autonomously as part of the RAF’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) StormShroud supports RAF F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by jamming enemy radars, which increases the survivability and operational effectiveness of our crewed aircraft. As StormShroud is the first Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) introduced into RAF service it does not currently function autonomously with other ACP as it is the first platform and no other ACPs exist yet to collaborate with yet. StormShroud may be directly controlled from a ground station or operate autonomously at range, where it confuses or jams adversary radar. However, I am withholding the exact nature of the autonomous behaviour as it would harm the security or effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
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F-35 Aircraft: Israel
Asked by: Richard Burgon (Labour - Leeds East) Tuesday 23rd September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61511 on F-35 Aircraft: Israel, what information his Department holds on the re-export of UK-made F-35 components from Israeli suppliers to the global F-35 programme. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) We are clear that Israel must stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately lift restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.
We have suspended export licences to Israel that could be used in military operations in Gaza.
The UK is the only producer of certain critical components, not least for the F35 global spares pool. Suspending the UK’s contribution to the F-35programme would have serious implications for NATO and international peace and security.
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Defence: Contracts
Asked by: Dave Doogan (Scottish National Party - Angus and Perthshire Glens) Tuesday 23rd September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the cumulative value of orders his Department has placed with Scottish defence contractors for new equipment. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not centrally maintain data specifically on the country of ownership of its suppliers. Therefore, contracts awarded to Scottish suppliers have been identified using the primary supplier site postcode of the contract and matching this with a reference list of Scottish postcodes. This does not guarantee that suppliers are Scottish registered businesses or that work for the contracts are conducted in Scotland. |
Defence: Industry
Asked by: Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated - Life peer) Tuesday 23rd September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new Defence Industrial Strategy on supply chains and local economic growth. Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Defence Industrial Strategy will strengthen supply chains, drive innovation, and create high-skilled jobs through the launch of five Defence Growth Deals across the nations and regions of the United Kingdom, investing in measures to support supply chain resilience and the creation of the Defence Office of Small Business Growth. These measures will support national security while promoting local economic growth and resilience. |
Armed Forces: Baltic States
Asked by: Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru - Life peer) Tuesday 23rd September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask His Majesty's Government how many UK armed services personnel are currently stationed on a temporary or permanent basis in (1) Latvia, (2) Estonia and (3) Lithuania. Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The UK’s presence in the Baltics, primarily through the Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Estonia, comprise of around 1,000 Service personnel at any one time. |
Defence: Huntingdon
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 14 of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, what growth spillover benefits he plans to unlock in Huntingdon constituency. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring defence is an engine for growth. However, we have made no assessment of growth spillover effects in the Huntingdon constituency, or any constituency level at this stage.
The Defence Industrial Strategy published on 8 September 2025 clearly set out how we are making defence an engine for growth - investing more money in key defence areas and regions across the UK to create good jobs.
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Unmanned Air Systems: Testing
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Friday 19th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the result of the trial drone against drone engagement using the APKWS precision-guided rocket conducted by BAE Systems Falconworks unit. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The trial referenced by the hon. Member was conducted by BAE Systems for a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and the information on the trial can be found on the open internet. The UK Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing their already strong capabilities. They continuously explore the potential adoption of new equipment, including drones, to ensure they remain at the forefront of operational effectiveness. This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. We are delivering our commitment to spend 2.6% of GDP on defence, accelerating it to 2027, and we have set the ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament. A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority. As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026. The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan. |
Unmanned Marine Systems: Research
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset) Monday 22nd September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much funding his Department has allocated for research and development on unmanned surface vehicle technologies in the last five years. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) It will take time to collate the information needed to respond to the hon. Member’s Question. I will write to him and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House. |
Navy: Unmanned Marine Systems
Asked by: Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset) Monday 22nd September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to integrate unmanned surface vehicles into Royal Navy operations. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) Yes, the Royal Navy (RN) is transitioning to uncrewed autonomous systems for mine counter measures and has already introduced the first tranche of capabilities into service. For a number of years, the RN has also operated autonomous wave gliders to enhance the RN’s ability to collect oceanographic data. The Strategic Defence Review announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation programme, which should see the introduction of uncrewed surface vessels to support a wide variety of tasks for the Royal Navy. |
Guided Weapons: Procurement
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the lead time is between purchasing and delivery for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile missiles. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand but I am withholding this information on the grounds of National Security as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence. |
Ministry of Defence: Straight Flight
Asked by: Kim Johnson (Labour - Liverpool Riverside) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department holds contracts with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) As the hon. Member will recall from the previous answer. I cannot comment on these matters for reasons of operational security. |
Armed Forces: Communication
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of Project EVE. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) Project EVE is an innovative Communications & Information Systems (CIS) network which digitally connects front-line Commando Forces and supporting elements within 3 Cdo Brigade to globally dispersed Command and Control (C2) elements. EVE will be fielded by the Army’s Very High Readiness forces under Project CAIN for 16X.
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National Armaments Director Group: Costs
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of establishing the National Armaments Director Group since March 2025; and what the breakdown of those costs are. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.
Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.
To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million). In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group. The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed. The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start. |
National Armaments Director Group: Costs
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has incurred additional costs as a result of operating the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group under an acting director rather than a permanent one. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.
Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.
To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million). In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group. The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed. The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start. |
National Armaments Director Group: Costs
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the costs of the design phase of the National Armaments Director Group; and when that phase is will conclude. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.
Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.
To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million). In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group. The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed. The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start. |
Ministry of Defence: Written Questions
Asked by: James Cartlidge (Conservative - South Suffolk) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 64587 on Defence Growth Board, tabled on 2 July 2025. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) I will respond to the hon. Member shortly. |
Type 83 Destroyers: Procurement
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress has been made on the delivery of the future air superiority effectors programme. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The Future Air Superiority Effectors programme is currently in pre-concept phase, and work is actively underway to establish a concept phase. |
Typhoon Aircraft: Procurement
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon) Wednesday 24th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to replace the remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons. Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons have a planned out of Service date of 2027. Upon Tranche 1 retirement, Typhoon will continue to serve as the backbone of the UK's Combat Air Force until at least the 2040s.
To ensure it remains at the cutting edge of capability, the UK is planning significant investment in the Typhoon through-life equipment programme. This includes the delivery and integration of the advanced European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) radar, which will enhance the aircraft's operational effectiveness.
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Iron and Steel: Supply Chains
Asked by: Baroness Redfern (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 26th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen domestic supply chains for steel following the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy on 8 September (CP 1388). Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK's defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.
The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.
The Ministry of Defence is also involved in the development of a Government steel strategy that will set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there. The strategy will articulate what is needed to secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK. |
EU Countries: Security
Asked by: Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party - Life peer) Friday 26th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with NATO allies following the announcement that the United States intends to phase out security assistance programmes for European countries bordering Russia. Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The UK Government is aware of the Trump Administration’s intention to cut funding for the Baltic Security Initiative. Recent airspace violations in Estonia, Poland and Romania by Russia demonstrate that we must do all that we can to support our allies. That’s why NATO Allies agreed to increase their spending at this year’s Summit in The Hague. The UK’s commitment to NATO remains unshakeable. |
Iron and Steel: Procurement
Asked by: Baroness Redfern (Conservative - Life peer) Friday 26th September 2025 Question to the Ministry of Defence: To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they are taking to procure UK-made steel for alterations and additions to (1) Royal Air Force bases, (2) Royal Navy bases, and (3) Army installations. Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK's defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.
The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.
The Ministry of Defence is also involved in the development of a Government steel strategy that will set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there. The strategy will articulate what is needed to secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK. |
Parliamentary Debates |
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Planning and Infrastructure Bill
222 speeches (48,096 words) Committee stage part two Wednesday 17th September 2025 - Lords Chamber Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Mentions: 1: Baroness Coffey (Con - Life peer) Bearing in mind how much land this Government own—I think the MoD is the fourth-largest landowner in - Link to Speech |
Israel: Royal College of Defence Studies
19 speeches (1,443 words) Wednesday 17th September 2025 - Lords Chamber Mentions: 1: Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab - Life peer) My Lords, the Ministry of Defence has decided to pause future Israeli participation in UK training courses - Link to Speech 2: Lord Walney (XB - Life peer) As she appears to be speaking for the Ministry of Defence here, can she say how these criteria have been - Link to Speech 3: Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab - Life peer) I am not speaking for the MoD; I am speaking for the Government. - Link to Speech 4: Baroness Goldie (Con - Life peer) Although she is not speaking for the Ministry of Defence, which is unfortunate, can the Minister still - Link to Speech |
Select Committee Documents |
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Friday 26th September 2025
Written Evidence - BBC World Service DIS0046 - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy - Foreign Affairs Committee Found: The information that Monitoring provides is important to a number of HMG departments including the MOD |
Friday 26th September 2025
Written Evidence - Nordsint DIS0048 - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy - Foreign Affairs Committee Found: operations on the African continent by the Africa Corps, controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD |
Friday 26th September 2025
Written Evidence - Cardiff Metropolitan University DIS0049 - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy - Foreign Affairs Committee Found: mod=WSJvidctr__pos0 [Accessed 13 March 2025]. 5. NewsGuard (11 June 2024). |
Friday 26th September 2025
Written Evidence - Lvivski DIS0038 - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy - Foreign Affairs Committee Found: There are many other such analytical teams spread across Cabinet Office, FCDO, Home Office, MoD, and |
Friday 26th September 2025
Written Evidence - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) DIS0029 - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy - Foreign Affairs Committee Found: Agreed definition and used by NATO and MOD. |
Sunday 21st September 2025
Report - 2nd Report - The write to protect: Britain’s pen on the world stage Foreign Affairs Committee Found: Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World, CP 1338, 29 August 2025 and Ministry of Defence |
Friday 19th September 2025
Report - 1st Report - Subsea telecommunications cables: resilience and crisis preparedness National Security Strategy (Joint Committee) Found: Ministry of Defence, Defence Secretary oral statement on Russian Maritime Activity and UK Response , |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Written Evidence - Bradford Council FES0191 - Further Education and Skills Further Education and Skills - Education Committee Found: We have nine sector boards with over 80 employers represented, including the MoD, WY Police, Fire Service |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Written Evidence - Airbus FES0169 - Further Education and Skills Further Education and Skills - Education Committee Found: Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Written Evidence - Grainger plc BSR0129 - The Building Safety Regulator Building Safety Regulator - Industry and Regulators Committee Found: schemes delivered in partnership with public sector bodies, including Transport for London, the Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Report - 5th Report - Solving the SEND Crisis Education Committee Found: Alliance SEN0873 58 Archway Learning Trust SEN0385 59 Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding, Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Report - Large Print - 5th Report - Solving the SEND Crisis Education Committee Found: Alliance SEN0873 58 Archway Learning Trust SEN0385 59 Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding, Ministry of Defence |
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Government Departments: Advertising
Asked by: Andrew Snowden (Conservative - Fylde) Tuesday 23rd September 2025 Question to the Cabinet Office: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will provide a breakdown of Government spending on advertising via social media platforms broken down by Department, over the last 12 months. Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office As with any media planning approach, channels are selected based on their ability to engage with relevant audiences in alignment with the government's strategic objectives.
The Cabinet Office is consistently tracking and reviewing spending on communications to ensure efficiency and that the appropriate strategy is implemented. We will not spend more than is needed to be effective and ensure best value for the taxpayer.
Please see the breakdown below of spend on social media broken down by department between 1st August 2024 and 31st July 2025.
Please note that this may not be the complete spend as the Cabinet Office does not centrally manage Departmental social media spend directly.
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Afghanistan: Home Country Nationals
Asked by: Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour (Co-op) - Bathgate and Linlithgow) Friday 19th September 2025 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will consider relocating auxiliary workers to British (a) diplomatic and (b) military operations in Afghanistan for their safety. Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) Details of the UK Government's Afghanistan Resettlement Programme (ARP) can be found on the gov.uk website. The Ministry of Defence has overall responsibility for the ARP and the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Policy (ARAP). The Home Office is the lead for the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). |
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Afghanistan: Home Country Nationals
Asked by: Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour (Co-op) - Bathgate and Linlithgow) Friday 19th September 2025 Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the safety of auxiliary workers to British (a) diplomatic and (b) military operations in Afghanistan. Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) Details of the UK Government's Afghanistan Resettlement Programme (ARP) can be found on the gov.uk website. The Ministry of Defence has overall responsibility for the ARP and the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Policy (ARAP). The Home Office is the lead for the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). |
Parliamentary Research |
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Sanctions against Russia: What has changed in 2025? - CBP-10342
Sep. 19 2025 Found: intelligence and sabotaging critical underseas infrastructure.57 In early January 2025, the Ministry of Defence |
Department Publications - Policy paper |
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Thursday 25th September 2025
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Source Page: Pride in Place Strategy Document: (PDF) Found: outlined our ambition to grow the Cadet Forces programme by 30% across the UK by 2030 and align Ministry of Defence |
Department Publications - Transparency | |
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Thursday 25th September 2025
Attorney General Source Page: AGO, GLD & HMCPSI: Business expenses, hospitality and meetings for Q1 2025 Document: View online (webpage) Found: cell">2025-05-12 | Lunch and refreshments provided for MOD |
Thursday 25th September 2025
Home Office Source Page: Home Office: senior officials’ business expenses and meetings, April to June 2025 Document: View online (webpage) Found: class="govuk-table__cell">2025-05-21 | Attended Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 25th September 2025
Cabinet Office Source Page: Register of Ministers’ Gifts and Hospitality: August 2025 Document: View online (webpage) Found: Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> |
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Thursday 25th September 2025
Cabinet Office Source Page: Register of Ministers’ Gifts and Hospitality: August 2025 Document: View online (webpage) Found: Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> |
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Thursday 25th September 2025
Department for Transport Source Page: DfT: senior officials’ business expenses and meetings, April to June 2025 Document: View online (webpage) Found: class="govuk-table__cell">2025-07-02 | Visits: Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 25th September 2025
Department for Transport Source Page: DfT: senior officials’ business expenses and meetings, April to June 2025 Document: (webpage) Found: Train, Tube Standard £285.70 £12.73 £9.20 £307.63 Loveday Ryder 2025-06-30 2025-07-02 Visits: Ministry of Defence |
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Wednesday 24th September 2025
Department for Education Source Page: Funding allocations to training providers: 2023 to 2024 Document: (ODS) Found: CONTRACTS LIMITED Private Limited Company 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 933.33 0 0 0 0 0 0 10088452 MINISTRY OF DEFENCE |
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Friday 19th September 2025
HM Treasury Source Page: OSCAR II – publishing data from the database: September 2025 Document: (ODS) Found: TOTAL DEL DEL PROG Ministry of Defence X017A069 X017A069-Integrated Security Fund B102 SALES |
Department Publications - Statistics |
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Thursday 25th September 2025
Cabinet Office Source Page: Civil Service employment by salary band and department, 2022 to 2025 Document: (ODS) Found: Ministry of Defence (excl. agencies) 19010 14675 3600 80 [c] [c] [c] 37375 18280 14275 3470 |
Friday 19th September 2025
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Source Page: Evaluation of the CyberASAP programme Document: (PDF) Found: £100k funding as part of the Defence and Security Accelerator Programme delivered by the Ministry of Defence |
Friday 19th September 2025
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Source Page: Cyber security skills in the UK labour market 2025 Document: (PDF) Found: HSBC), telecommunications (e.g., BT, Vodafone), and central government departments (e.g., Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Source Page: Statistics on International Development: final UK ODA spend 2024 Document: (PDF) Found: Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (publishing.service.gov.uk) Ministry of Defence (MoD) MoD ODA |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Source Page: Statistics on International Development: final UK ODA spend 2024 Document: (ODS) Found: 3.63789897 0.000258333551400026 2.24461169 1.61101857615466 0.11989895 0.0340815660370576 Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Source Page: Statistics on International Development: final UK ODA spend 2024 Document: (ODS) Found: 10.97105477 Office for National Statistics 3.84923585 4.0216118525 HM Treasury 3.51800002 3.63789897 Ministry of Defence |
Thursday 18th September 2025
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Source Page: Statistics on International Development: final UK ODA spend 2024 Document: (ODS) Found: 0 0.0 3.51800002 0.000422885109098798 0 0.0 0 0.0 3.63789897 0.000437182515553448 0 0.0 Ministry of Defence |
Non-Departmental Publications - Transparency | |
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Sep. 25 2025
Government Legal Department Source Page: AGO, GLD & HMCPSI: Business expenses, hospitality and meetings for Q1 2025 Document: View online (webpage) Transparency Found: cell">2025-05-12 | Lunch and refreshments provided for MOD |
Sep. 25 2025
Defence Safety Authority Source Page: DSA annual assurance report April 2024 to March 2025 Document: (PDF) Transparency Found: UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2025 This publication is licensed under the terms of the |
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Sep. 22 2025
Marine Management Organisation Source Page: Port Isaac Seaweed Farm Document: (PDF) Transparency Found: 3 - 5: Hydrodynamic model mesh resolution 11 Figure 3 - 6: Current speed (m/s) and Water level (mOD |
Non-Departmental Publications - Statistics |
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Sep. 23 2025
UK Space Agency Source Page: Evaluation of the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI) - Final Report Document: (PDF) Statistics Found: Surface Temperature Monitoring MET OP SG Meteorological Operational Satellite- Second Generation MOD |
Non-Departmental Publications - News and Communications |
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Sep. 22 2025
Defence Infrastructure Organisation Source Page: Infrastructure investment modernises Army estate in North West Document: Infrastructure investment modernises Army estate in North West (webpage) News and Communications Found: MOD Crown Copyright Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure, said: The |
Sep. 19 2025
Defence Infrastructure Organisation Source Page: New trailblazing public sector partnership to unlock Feltham’s future Document: New trailblazing public sector partnership to unlock Feltham’s future (webpage) News and Communications Found: Hounslow Council, the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the Greater London Authority (GLA) have today announced |
Sep. 19 2025
Defence and Security Accelerator Source Page: Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) showcases innovation at DSEI 2025 Document: Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) showcases innovation at DSEI 2025 (webpage) News and Communications Found: dedicated 15-minute sessions to present their technologies, receiving direct feedback and guidance from MOD |
Non-Departmental Publications - Guidance and Regulation |
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Sep. 19 2025
Office for Veterans' Affairs Source Page: Six new protections, rights and safeguards for Northern Ireland veterans: legacy announcement Document: Six new protections, rights and safeguards for Northern Ireland veterans: legacy announcement (webpage) Guidance and Regulation Found: You’ll only be contacted through official channels, with Ministry of Defence support. |
Sep. 18 2025
UK Health Security Agency Source Page: Monitoring surgical wounds for infection: leaflets for patients Document: Romanian surgical site infection leaflet (PDF) Guidance and Regulation Found: Pielea noastră împiedică în mod normal pătrunderea microbilor în organism, dar orice leziune a pielii |
Arms Length Bodies Publications |
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Jan. 20 2016
NICE Source Page: Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management Publication Type: Original development on 01 December 2007 Document: Stakeholder list (PDF 97 KB) (webpage) Published Found: Network Medihoney Menarini Diagnostics UK Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust Ministry of Defence |
MP Financial Interests |
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15th September 2025
Chris Murray (Labour - Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) 3. Gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources The Royal Navy - £1,574.00 Source Found: August 2025 |
Deposited Papers |
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Friday 19th September 2025
Source Page: Airspace Modernisation: 2024 Progress Report. 98p. Document: AMS_2024_Annual_Progress_Report.pdf (PDF) Found: The Ministry of Defence conducted an Operational Safety Investigation which identified recommendations |
Monday 8th September 2025
Source Page: I. Framework document: NDPB charity, 2025-2028: Imperial War Museum ("IWNM"). 32p. Annex B: Freedom bodies charter. 8p. III. Annex C: Commercial activities and reporting requirements. 5p. Document: IWM__Annex_B_Freedoms_Charter___3_.pdf (PDF) Found: for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Ministry of Defence |
Scottish Cross Party Group Publications |
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Agenda for the meeting 17 September 2025
(PDF) Source Page: Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Malawi Published: 17th Sep 2025 Found: building Malawi’s first Dental School Building - Peter Lee, John McAslan + Partners - Patrick Calisse, MOD |
Scottish Written Answers |
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S6W-40432
Asked by: Kerr, Stephen (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - Central Scotland) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many jobs in Scotland will be supported by the recently announced Type 26 frigate contract. Answered by Forbes, Kate - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Details of defence programme contractual arrangements, including associated jobs, are a matter for individual companies. Information on contracts awarded through the UK Government Ministry of Defence are published and publicly available. |
S6W-40434
Asked by: Kerr, Stephen (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - Central Scotland) Thursday 18th September 2025 Question To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many apprenticeships will be created as part of the recently announced Type 26 frigate contract. Answered by Forbes, Kate - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Details of defence programme contractual arrangements, including associated apprenticeships, are a matter for individual companies. Information on contracts awarded through the UK Government Ministry of Defence are published and publicly available. |
Scottish Parliamentary Debates |
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Subordinate Legislation
34 speeches (26,037 words) Thursday 18th September 2025 - Committee Mentions: 1: Somerville, Shirley-Anne (SNP - Dunfermline) delivery; indeed, we are highly dependent on receiving high-quality data from the DWP and the Ministry of Defence - Link to Speech |
Nuclear Incidents
17 speeches (32,322 words) Wednesday 17th September 2025 - Main Chamber Mentions: 1: Kerr, Stephen (Con - Central Scotland) Police and the Ministry of Defence Guard Service. - Link to Speech 2: Chapman, Maggie (Green - North East Scotland) I therefore call on the UK Government and the Ministry of Defence to do the only honest thing, which - Link to Speech 3: Gougeon, Mairi (SNP - Angus North and Mearns) The Scottish Government expects that the main focus of nuclear site operators, including the MOD, must - Link to Speech 4: Gougeon, Mairi (SNP - Angus North and Mearns) The Scottish Government expects that the main focus of nuclear site operators, including the MOD, must - Link to Speech |
Welsh Committee Publications |
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PDF - report Inquiry: Pre-appointment hearing: Chair of Natural Resources Wales Found: Forestry Commission since 2025; ▪ Chair of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Board for the Ministry of Defence |
Welsh Senedd Debates |
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6. Building Safety (Wales) Bill: Evidence session 2
None speech (None words) Thursday 18th September 2025 - None |
3. Topical Questions
None speech (None words) Wednesday 17th September 2025 - None |
Welsh Senedd Speeches |
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No Department |
No Department |