Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Ministry of Defence's response of 29 May 2024 under FOI2024/06992, if he will provide details of the 82 Northern Ireland Legacy claimants that received compensation payments between 2019/20 and 2023/24.

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

I am withholding the information as it contains personal data which cannot be released.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department currently has operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not have operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what processes are in place to identify and manage conflicts of interest involving members of the board of AWE.

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

AWE operates within an assured framework of corporate governance arrangements to ensure that the company conducts its business ethically, transparently and in the public interest.

As part of these arrangements, all AWE Board members are vetted for potential professional conflicts of interest and are subject to the highest levels of security vetting. A register of interests is updated at each AWE Board meeting to ensure that no Board member facing a conflict of interest participates in related discussions or decision making.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his pension policy of the ruling of the Advocate General for Scotland v Mr Charles Milroy [2026] EAT 25; and what steps he intends to take.

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

Due to the ongoing legal process, it is not possible to provide a substantive comment on the case. The Ministry of Defence is reviewing the judgment in detail to understand its implications fully and a further update will be provided once that assessment is complete.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of workforce planning and recruitment practices at AWE in recent years.

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

I am taking a keen interest in the negotiations and continue to urge dialogue, meaningful consultation and a constructive resolution between AWE and Prospect.

The Ministry of Defence keeps AWE’s processes under regular review to support the delivery of crucial defence outputs, both now and in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the progress of consultations between AWE and Prospect.

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

I am taking a keen interest in the negotiations and continue to urge dialogue, meaningful consultation and a constructive resolution between AWE and Prospect.

The Ministry of Defence keeps AWE’s processes under regular review to support the delivery of crucial defence outputs, both now and in the future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2025 to Question 82701 on Troubles-related civil cases, whether he will provide a list of all 700 cases that remain in the judicial system.

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

I am withholding the information as it contains personal data which cannot be released.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with his Swiss counterpart on the assessment conducted by the (a) Swiss army and (b) Swiss Armed Forces of Palantir, including that company's safeguards for handling sensitive data.

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

While no meetings have yet taken place with the Defence Secretary's Swiss counterpart, he recognises the significance of UK defence engagement with Switzerland. He hopes to arrange a meeting in the near future.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2025, to Question 77563, on Palantir, which representatives of (a) his department and (b) the Armed Forces accompanied the Prime Minister.

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

The UK's Defence Attaché to the United States attended with the Prime Minister.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the latest estimated date is for achieving Full Operating Capability on Ajax.

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

Safety investigations and a Ministerial Review into the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) remain ongoing. However, on current plans, Full Operating Capability for the Armoured Cavalry Programme is still expected to be achieved by the end of 2029.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many long range one-way attack drones his Department has ordered for (a) Ukraine and (b) the British armed forces since 5 July 2024.

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

At the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in October 2025, the Defence Secretary confirmed that £600 million has been invested by the UK this year to accelerate drone delivery to Ukraine, with more than 85,000 military drones delivered in between April and October 2025 out of our aim of 100,000 in this financial year.

The Ministry of Defence has had delivery of nearly 10,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review were fully costed on publication.

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

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence

The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Strategic Defence Review was costed before publication.

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

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence

The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of exceptions for (a) Military Intelligence Services and (b) Special Forces operators under the Hillsborough Law.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps under continual review the implications of proposed legislation for Defence activities, including those undertaken by the most sensitive parts of Defence and the Armed Forces.

Work is ongoing across the MOD to ensure that all Defence organisations can meet their legal obligations under the forthcoming Hillsborough Law, while also maintaining the necessary protections for highly sensitive operational capabilities and broader National Security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to manage the memorial tablet to the fallen soldiers of the 2nd battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers attached to the wall in St Lucia Barracks in Omagh to ensure that it is effectively maintained and protected.

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

The memorial tablet to the fallen soldiers of the 2^nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at St Lucia Barracks is attached to a wall with listed status. It is itself considered to be part of that listed structure and is therefore also protected.

Any new owners of St Lucia Barracks will be legally required to seek consent from the local planning authority if they wish to alter or move the tablet and may face criminal prosecution if they fail to do so.

Discussions will be held with any potential purchasers of the St Lucia Barracks site to ensure that they are aware of their legal responsibilities to protect and maintain the memorial tablet, and this will be stipulated at the point of sale or transfer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to facilitate training of pilots from commercial to military pilots.

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

Commercial pilot training does not directly align with the training provided by the Royal Air Force (RAF) for military pilots. While there are some commonalities, there are also significant differences between operating civilian and military aircraft. Consequently, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), under CAP2254, accredits only certain aspects of military aircrew training.

The RAF Reserves offer four schemes that provide opportunities for commercial pilots including training for Air Experience Flight (AEF) duties, progression to Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) roles for University Air Squadrons (UAS) and AEF flight commanders, as well as roles with Defence partners such as Ascent Flying Training and Babcock.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many civil servants are employed through skilled worker visas in the Ministry of Defence.

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

As at 10 February 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has nine active civil servants who have continued their employment with the MOD through a Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in what month the first relocations to the UK took place (a) among the 217 principal applicants found newly eligible as a result of the data incident under Category 1 of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy and (b) under the Afghanistan Response Route.

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

Following the February 2022 data incident, the first relocation to the UK of an individual from within the 217 principal applicants found eligible under Category 1 of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) occurred in January 2024.

Under the Afghan Response Route, the first eligible person was relocated to the UK in July 2024. There are various factors which make individuals and their families travel ready. This can mean there is time between eligibility being granted, and people being relocated.

Although there was one individual that arrived in November 2023, they arrived as an Additional Family Member (AFM) but were subsequently found eligible under Category 1 under ARAP, as part of the 217 cohort.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) reviewed the eligibility of individuals affected by the Data Incident under ARAP. On 12 October 2023, the then Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps, directed officials to retake decisions for a small cohort of individuals under Category 1 who worked directly for HMG but who were previously found ineligible for ARAP. Category 1 assesses threat and is for those directly employed by HMG. The MOD acted quickly to review these cases, which ultimately resulted in 217 principal applicants being found newly eligible under Category 1 of ARAP. The data incident changed the view of threat at that time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Government press release entitled Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection, published on 17 July 25, if the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will be relocated from Porton Down.

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

As set out in the answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention to a Parliamentary Question in July 2025, ‘The move [of the UKHSA facility] to Harlow [from Porton Down] will only affect UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) staff and therefore anyone on the site employed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will be unaffected’.

Dstl’s core site will remain at Porton Down for the long term, and Dstl continues to make substantial investment in infrastructure and capabilities at the site. A £50 million + Chemical Weapons Defence Centre facility has recently been completed and Dstl is undertaking a range of other infrastructure works to renew and replace other facilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any of the spending included by the government in its calculation of spending 2.6% of GDP on NATO qualifying defence spending by 2027 includes financial transactions.

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

The Ministry of Defence's financial transactions support the retention of critical sovereign manufacturing capabilities and support our strategic objectives. As an integral part of the UK's national security they are included in the NATO qualifying defence spending figures.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106994 on Veterans: Radiation Exposure, whether research on the effects of radiation on British servicemen held by the Technical Cooperation Programme of the Ministry of Defence is held in (a) this country and (b) another country; and by what body it is held.

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

Further to the answer provided to Question 106994, and recognising the gravity of this issue, the Department has been working to identify teams and bodies who may have, or may have had, an interest in this work. This may include entities which are now arms-length bodies.

As may be expected, the historical nature of these events is making it more challenging to locate, access and search information held in a variety of archives, both electronic and paper. In particular, it is unclear if records and archives relating to particular programmes or events include any material specifically relating to British Service personnel.

Officials are developing a more substantive overview of the situation. This will be included in the letter which was promised to Emma Lewell MP in response to Question 106994, and which will be copied to the hon. Member.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, if he will publish a breakdown of the £270 billion to be spent on Defence in this Parliament as a percentage of GDP for each remaining year of the current Parliament.

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

The annual breakdown of the £270 billion is below:

The Government will be spending 2.6% of GDP on defence in 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he held discussions with the lead reviewers of the Strategic Defence Review regarding the cost of implementing its recommendations.

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

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence

The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the lead reviewers of the Strategic Defence Review were asked to provide costings for their recommendations.

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

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence

The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with unions representing workers in the combat aircraft sector regarding the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to securing the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK, recognising its importance for skills, economic growth, and national prosperity. The sector is supported through initiatives like the Combat Air Strategy and the Global Combat Air Programme, ensuring the UK maintains its position at the cutting edge of combat air capability.

The MOD engages with unions representing workers in the combat aircraft sector through regular dialogue and consultation. These discussions are part of the Ministry's commitment to supporting the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK, including through initiatives such as the Combat Air Strategy and the Global Combat Air Programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to procure a replacement for the Hawk jet trainer from a British company.

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

A plan to replace these aircraft will be detailed in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. All elements of this work, including the aircraft replacement, are progressing together. All decisions on future procurements will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 1 (b), of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 Mat 2025, whether unrestricted ability to control the storage of all goods, including but not limited to fuels, weapons and hazardous materials, includes the (a) storage and (b) presence of nuclear weapons.

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

Having said the answer three times in the debate and subsequently in the chamber too, I am surprised the hon. Gentleman needs me to say this again but.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave in the House of Commons on 28 January, column 959. It is longstanding UK policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has placed any restrictions on the number of reservist service days an individual can conduct in the current financial year.

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

The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.

Found: Regional Pathfinder pilot in Yorkshire and Humber is a partnership led and funded by the Ministry of Defence

Found: seeking repayment from 12 migrants who have needed health care but were not entitled from the NHS - MOD

Found: Statutory Instruments Forty-ninth Report of Session 2024–26 HC 291-xlix / HL Paper 269 The Ministry of Defence

Found: services or] any part of the following bodies which engages in intelligence activities [the armed forces, MOD

Found: I have provided job descriptions—this is MOD-approved—for elected councillor armed forces champions

Found: We all know that the MOD is one of the highest-spending Departments in the Government.

Found: If they could just get that contract with the MOD or that NHS trust, that would reassure their other

Found: WPS0045 - Women, peace and security Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ministry of Defence

Found: Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope: That is arguably a question you might throw at the Ministry of Defence

Found: the transfer of the Office of Veterans Affairs from Cabinet Office to the Ministry of Defence

Found: Work and Pensions, HMRC, Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, and Ministry of Defence

Found: colleagues from Ministry of Justice , M inistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence

Found: In 2024–25, two bodies breached their voted expenditure limits: • The Ministry of Defence requires Non-Budget

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero have had with the Ministry of Defence about potential involvement of Sheffield Forgemasters in the programme for small modular nuclear reactors.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

While it would not be appropriate to speculate at this time on specific commercial contracts, Great British Energy – Nuclear’s ambition is for 70% British built products across the small modular reactor fleet, including both on-site and off-site activity.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has regular dialogue with the Ministry of Defence on a range of policy matters, including increased collaboration and alignment between civil and defence nuclear capabilities to maximise associated benefits. These include driving economic growth, boosting the role of nuclear energy and developing innovative nuclear technologies.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will have discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on the application of merchant shipping legislation for civilian seafarers (a) in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and (b) working on MoD contracts.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Maritime and Coastguard Agency officials meet regularly with Ministry of Defence counterparts to discuss the application of merchant shipping legislation to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and other MoD shipping on non-commercial service. This relationship is set out in a memorandum of understanding between the MoD and MCA, a copy of which will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to develop further MOD sites to house Asylum Seekers.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

Yes - as part of our commitment to close all asylum hotels, we are looking at a range of more appropriate sites including ex-military sites, so we can reduce the impact on communities. Decisions on the use of alternative asylum accommodation sites are made on a site-by-site basis.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threats to national security presented by the cutting and other interception of subsea communication cables.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government recognises the increasing threat to the homeland from state actors and that critical national infrastructure, including subsea cables, will continue to be a target.

As the threat landscape evolves, it is essential to ensure that our risk assessments remain robust and fit for purpose. All risks in the National Risk Register, including the risk related to subsea cables, are kept under review to ensure that they are the most appropriate scenarios to inform emergency preparedness and resilience activity. We are currently reviewing and updating our assessments of risks to the UK’s subsea telecommunications cables.

While individual cables are vulnerable to damage, the UK’s international connectivity is resilient, supported by 45 international cables as well as high‑capacity fibre links running through the Channel Tunnel.

DSIT continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and other government departments to ensure the security and resilience of the UK’s subsea telecommunications infrastructure.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether planning permission for the use of the Crowborough Training Camp for asylum accommodation provides for occupation for a minimum period of (a) 12 and (b) 18 months.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This is a temporary arrangement; we intend to return the site to MoD at which point it would cease to be used as asylum accommodation.

Making use of existing basic accommodation on MoD sites such as the Crowborough site is just the first step in the government’s work to exit hotels and source more appropriate accommodation to meet our statutory obligations.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many job advertisements for driving test examiners were listed on the Civil Service Jobs Search gov.uk website in each month since 4 July 2024; and how many of those roles were (a) full-time and (b) part-time and (i) civilian or (ii) defence Driving Examiner posts.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Since 4 July 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has run seven driving examiner recruitment campaigns. The table below shows in which months these were live and the number of vacancies advertised.

All DVSA driving examiner roles are civilian posts and are open to applications from people seeking full-time, or part-time, employment. DVSA does not recruit Defence Driving Examiner posts as these are employed by the Ministry of Defence.

DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. For this reason, DVSA has not chosen to target people who may previously have been unsuccessful in alternate roles in the industry.

DVSA has a recruitment page on the GOV.UK website that provides information on how to become a driving examiner. The agency uses Government Recruitment Services, Civil Service Jobs and external recruitment organisations to support it in reaching as many interested parties as possible.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government has considered writing to individuals who have previously failed the Approved Driving Instructor Part 3 test to highlight opportunities to train as DVSA driving examiners.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Since 4 July 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has run seven driving examiner recruitment campaigns. The table below shows in which months these were live and the number of vacancies advertised.

All DVSA driving examiner roles are civilian posts and are open to applications from people seeking full-time, or part-time, employment. DVSA does not recruit Defence Driving Examiner posts as these are employed by the Ministry of Defence.

DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. For this reason, DVSA has not chosen to target people who may previously have been unsuccessful in alternate roles in the industry.

DVSA has a recruitment page on the GOV.UK website that provides information on how to become a driving examiner. The agency uses Government Recruitment Services, Civil Service Jobs and external recruitment organisations to support it in reaching as many interested parties as possible.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the Government has considered advertising driving examiner vacancies on the GOV.UK page “Apply to become a driving instructor”.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Since 4 July 2024, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has run seven driving examiner recruitment campaigns. The table below shows in which months these were live and the number of vacancies advertised.

All DVSA driving examiner roles are civilian posts and are open to applications from people seeking full-time, or part-time, employment. DVSA does not recruit Defence Driving Examiner posts as these are employed by the Ministry of Defence.

DVSA seeks to attract applications from as wide a pool as possible, and not just from those who may have a driving instructor background. For this reason, DVSA has not chosen to target people who may previously have been unsuccessful in alternate roles in the industry.

DVSA has a recruitment page on the GOV.UK website that provides information on how to become a driving examiner. The agency uses Government Recruitment Services, Civil Service Jobs and external recruitment organisations to support it in reaching as many interested parties as possible.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the press release entitled Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, how has he tasked prisons with learning from Ukraine's drone expertise.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

We are working closely with international partners across our priorities, including lessons learnt from the battlefield to counter the threat of malicious drones. Officials are in further discussion with counterparts in Ukraine and other international allies to understand best practice and what lessons could be applied to the security of our prison estate.

International companies are also encouraged to take part in ongoing challenges to industry, for example the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on 3 March. The challenge is looking for practical, low-collateral technologies that can safely stop hostile drones once they breach secure prison airspace. Up to £1.85 million combined funding is available across the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other partners.

As announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on his visit to Ukraine in January 2026, UKRI has committed an additional £6.5 million to help accelerate counter-drone research and development (R&D). This funding is owned and will be delivered by UKRI as part of the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme. Decisions for how this funding will be allocated are still being finalised and will be announced in due course.

As well as the £1.85 million challenge led by UKDI, the Ministry of Justice has also delivered counter-drone R&D through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. The Counter-Drone Challenge, launched in November 2025, invited industry to find cutting-edge solutions to detect drones. Successful applicants will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with UKRI, UKDI and the wider counter-drones ecosystem to develop innovative solutions to keep our prisons secure and protect the public.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to end the use of Ministry of Defence accommodation to house Afghan refugees; and what plans they have to find alternative accommodation for Afghan refugees.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The resettlement of Afghan refugees under ARP continues and we are proud of this safe and legal route for those affected by events in Afghanistan. Those who are eligible and arrive in the UK legally under ARP receive Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Transitional accommodation (TA), including Service Family Accommodation (SFA), has been used on the Defence Estate to support eligible Afghan families arriving under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the wider Afghan Resettlement Programme. This has ensured safe, immediate housing for eligible persons resettled in the UK.

The use of large bridging hotels has now ended, and the Government is reducing reliance on temporary Ministry of Defence accommodation. Recent arrivals increasingly move directly into permanent settled homes where available, or into other forms of transitional accommodation on a short‑term basis.

Under the Afghan Resettlement Programme, transitional accommodation is offered for up to nine months, within which households are expected to move into their settled home. The Government continues to work closely with local authorities to secure suitable permanent accommodation and to support families towards sustainable long‑term resettlement. Settled homes remain the best long‑term solution, providing newly arriving individuals and families with the stability to integrate, put down roots, and build their new lives in the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the press release entitled Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, what progress has he made in launching high-stakes competitions to develop technologies to help counter the scourge of illegal drones and drugs in prisons.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

We are working closely with international partners across our priorities, including lessons learnt from the battlefield to counter the threat of malicious drones. Officials are in further discussion with counterparts in Ukraine and other international allies to understand best practice and what lessons could be applied to the security of our prison estate.

International companies are also encouraged to take part in ongoing challenges to industry, for example the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on 3 March. The challenge is looking for practical, low-collateral technologies that can safely stop hostile drones once they breach secure prison airspace. Up to £1.85 million combined funding is available across the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other partners.

As announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on his visit to Ukraine in January 2026, UKRI has committed an additional £6.5 million to help accelerate counter-drone research and development (R&D). This funding is owned and will be delivered by UKRI as part of the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme. Decisions for how this funding will be allocated are still being finalised and will be announced in due course.

As well as the £1.85 million challenge led by UKDI, the Ministry of Justice has also delivered counter-drone R&D through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. The Counter-Drone Challenge, launched in November 2025, invited industry to find cutting-edge solutions to detect drones. Successful applicants will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with UKRI, UKDI and the wider counter-drones ecosystem to develop innovative solutions to keep our prisons secure and protect the public.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the press release entitled Battlefield tactics to inspire UK fight against prison drones, published on 16 January 2026, how will his Department benefit from the £6.5 million UKRI funding available to accelerate anti-drone research and development.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

We are working closely with international partners across our priorities, including lessons learnt from the battlefield to counter the threat of malicious drones. Officials are in further discussion with counterparts in Ukraine and other international allies to understand best practice and what lessons could be applied to the security of our prison estate.

International companies are also encouraged to take part in ongoing challenges to industry, for example the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) on 3 March. The challenge is looking for practical, low-collateral technologies that can safely stop hostile drones once they breach secure prison airspace. Up to £1.85 million combined funding is available across the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and other partners.

As announced by the Deputy Prime Minister on his visit to Ukraine in January 2026, UKRI has committed an additional £6.5 million to help accelerate counter-drone research and development (R&D). This funding is owned and will be delivered by UKRI as part of the R&D Mission Accelerator Programme. Decisions for how this funding will be allocated are still being finalised and will be announced in due course.

As well as the £1.85 million challenge led by UKDI, the Ministry of Justice has also delivered counter-drone R&D through His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre. The Counter-Drone Challenge, launched in November 2025, invited industry to find cutting-edge solutions to detect drones. Successful applicants will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period. The Ministry of Justice will continue to work with UKRI, UKDI and the wider counter-drones ecosystem to develop innovative solutions to keep our prisons secure and protect the public.

Found: Resilience ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Defence

Found: Stability ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Defence

Found: Somalia ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Defence

Found: Stability ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Defence

Found: Stability ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Defence

Found: Basin ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); Ministry of Defence

Found: Asia ProgrammeHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) & Ministry of Defence

Found: Neighbourhood HMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ministry of Defence

Found: PROGRAMME SUMMARYPROGRAMME TITLE: Africa Peace Support OperationsHMG Partners (LEAD in bold)Ministry of Defence

Found: State, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office The Lord Coaker Minister of State, Ministry of Defence

Found: ('Yes') 9 -1 Down MOD E01_yes. Have you been discriminated against at work in the last 12 months?

Found: 48.387 [c] 34.066 23.077 42.857 59.341 18.681 21.978 [c] 67.742 [c] 66.497 72.673 75.085 45.377 2025 MOD

Found: The Ministry of Defence requires Non-Budget Expenditure of £2,564,517,000.

Found: The Ministry of Defence requires Non-Budget Expenditure of £2,564,517,000.

Found: of the United Kingdom or the Ministry of Defence of the visiting third-country force showing

Found: MoD schools, both primary and secondary, are encouraged to participate on a voluntary basis.

Found: special police forces’ – the British Transport Police, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the Ministry of Defence

Found: includes: • Police • Police staff • British Transport Police • UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) • MoD

Found: MOD Copyright.

Found: We were commissioned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support their thinking around driving greater

Found: UKDI has launched Phase 3 (Cycle 7) of Innovation Support to Operations Funded by the Ministry of Defence

Found: 48.387 [c] 34.066 23.077 42.857 59.341 18.681 21.978 [c] 67.742 [c] 66.497 72.673 75.085 45.377 2025 MOD

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

Found: (MOD), and overseas customers.

Found: managing non-NDA nuclear liabilities on behalf of public and private clients; supporting the Ministry of Defence

Found: of 39 Glossary AGR C&M DNO EA EDF EIA EU GDF GVA ha HIA IAEA IIA ILW LLW LLWR MOD

Found: (MOD) facility that has been used to test prototype nuclear propulsion plants for more than

Found: DESNZ DNO EA EDF EIA EU GDF GVA ha HAW HEU Hex HIA IAEA IIA ILW LEU LLW LLWR MDU MOD

Found: DRAFT Handling Instruction: Not to be shared beyond MOD and the supplier(s) named in this document Contract

Found: special police forces’ – the British Transport Police, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the Ministry of Defence

Found: includes: • Police • Police staff • British Transport Police • UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) • MoD

Found: These are undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force

Found: of the United Kingdom or the Ministry of Defence of the visiting third-country force showing

Found: statement This amendment adjusts the meaning of “disciplinary proceedings” in relation to the Ministry of Defence

Found: prepared, variously, by the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Transport and Ministry of Defence

Found: require the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA), Ministry of Defence

Found: jurisdiction13 - for example the British Transport Police, the National Crime Agency, the Ministry of Defence

Found: This was a method of construction introduced by the MOD although some newer properties encompass this

Found: received, another meeting will be arranged to discuss whether the Italian ‘anti - mafia certificate’ mod

Found: The group will consider options beyond traditional high street and Public Dental Service mod els, including

Found: clearer document which sets out the issues and solution for the issue Our solution will provide the MoD

Found: Shipping • Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) • Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) • Ministry of Defence

Found: The licensing requirements for controlled sites and protected places are administered by the Ministry of Defence

Found: Industry (Appeals) Regulations 2021 (www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/816/contents/made) • Ministry of Defence

Found: Applicants must be either a British or EU/EEA citizen, or have indefinite leave to remain; • Ministry of Defence

Found: training B18.1 In some cases, eligible agricultural land will be subject to use by the Ministry of Defence