Baroness Goldie
Conservative - Life peer
Became Member: 3rd October 2013
Shadow Minister (Defence)
(since September 2024)Division Voting information
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Sparring Partners
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(6 debate interactions)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Defence)
(6 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(55 debate contributions)
(5 debate contributions)
(4 debate contributions)
(1 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(4,415 words contributed)
(1,496 words contributed)
(614 words contributed)
Lords initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Baroness Goldie, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
Baroness Goldie has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Baroness Goldie has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
Latest 14 Written Questions
(View all written questions)This information not available as the data does not distinguish whether a taxpayer is or was a member of the Armed Forces.
Estates of service personnel will benefit from the normal nil-rate bands, reliefs, and exemptions available. For example, the nil-rate bands mean an estate can pass on up to £1 million and the general rules mean any transfers, including the payment of death benefits, to a spouse or civil partner are exempt fully from inheritance tax. There is also a full exemption from inheritance tax when a member of the armed forces dies from a wound inflicted, accident occurring, or disease contracted on active service.
The government estimates that, out of around 213,000 estates with inheritable pension wealth in 2027 to 2028, 10,500 estates – or around 1.5% of total UK deaths - will become liable to pay Inheritance Tax where this would not previously have been the case. Around 38,500 estates will pay more Inheritance Tax than would previously have been the case. More information on the impacts of this measure was published in a technical consultation alongside the Budget.
A set of impacts for this measure will be published in a Tax Information and Impact Note alongside draft legislation in the normal way.
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
If land surrounding military bases is owned by the Department, and if a requirement for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) exists in that area, then properties built by the Ministry of Defence on that land would be utilised as SFA. However, if the land surrounding the military base is privately owned, then the use of any houses built on that site would be a matter for the developer.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
In December 2024 we published the Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, which identified the ‘crowding-in’ of private sector investment as critical to the Government’s imperatives of national security and a high growth economy. We want to mobilise the private sector to invest more and we will engage with a wide range of defence and financial services stakeholders to explore how to do so.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Whilst a decision has not yet been made on the appointment of a new shipbuilding Ministerial lead, Ministers are actively engaged in shipbuilding policy and developments. UK shipbuilding is a vital pillar of our Defence industrial base and, as a high-growth sector, will play an important role in our ambitions to secure the nation, kick-start economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) engages extensively in a wide range of shipbuilding pipeline programmes both formally and informally.
Regarding the cross-Government shipbuilding pipeline, the NSO regularly participates in programme boards and decision-making panels to ensure coherence and promote best practice. NSO officials also work directly with programme, commercial and legal teams, and the shipbuilding sector to support the strategic delivery of all these major projects.
On an ongoing basis, the NSO has engaged in some capacity in the following programmes since 1 July 2024, and expects to remain engaged in some capacity between now and July 2025:
Programme | Department |
Defence Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Type 26 Build | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Type 31 Build | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Ministry of Defence Police Launches | Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Defence Police |
Fleet Solid Support | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Defence Marine Services – Next Generation | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Type 31 Support | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Boats In-Service Support 2026 | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy; Army; Strategic Command |
Naval Support Integrated Global Network | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Programme Euston | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Multi-Role Strike Ship | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Future Air Dominance System | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Commando Force – Surface Manoeuvre | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Future Military Data Gathering | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Mine Hunting Capability | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Strategic Sealift – Future | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Submarine Delivery Agency Roll-on, Roll-off | Ministry of Defence; Submarine Delivery Agency |
Project Powerful | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Other Government Department Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Northern Lighthouse Vessel Pole Star | Northern Lighthouse Board (Department for Transport) |
Northeastern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority vessel | Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs |
Sussex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority vessel | Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs |
Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority vessel | Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs |
Border Force Cutters Ship Life Extension Programme | Home Office |
Border Force Coastal Patrol Vessels Ship Life Extension Programme | Home Office |
Fair Isle Ferry Replacement | Shetland Islands Council (Department for Transport part-funded) |
Maritime Capability Replacement Programme | Home Office |
Futures Afloat | Trinity House (Department for Transport) |
Research Vessel Endeavour | Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Sciences |
Nuclear Transport Solutions Roll-on, Roll-off | Department for Energy Security and Net Zero |
Local and Devolved Government Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Motor Vessel Jura: Offboard Boat | Scottish Government |
Scottish small ferries replacement programme | Scottish Government |
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Diving Vessel | Devon & Cornwall Constabulary |
Marine Scotland vessel replacement | Scottish Government |
Corran Ferry Replacement | Highland Council (Scottish and UK Governments) |
Lower Dart Ferry Replacement | Devon County Council |
The NSO also expects to be engaged in some capacity in the following programmes between now and July 2025:
Programme | Department |
Defence Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Ice Patrol | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Local and Devolved Government Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Further Scottish Ferry Replacements | Scottish Government |
Windermere Ferry Replacement | Westmorland & Furness Council |
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) engages extensively in a wide range of shipbuilding pipeline programmes both formally and informally.
Regarding the cross-Government shipbuilding pipeline, the NSO regularly participates in programme boards and decision-making panels to ensure coherence and promote best practice. NSO officials also work directly with programme, commercial and legal teams, and the shipbuilding sector to support the strategic delivery of all these major projects.
On an ongoing basis, the NSO has engaged in some capacity in the following programmes since 1 July 2024, and expects to remain engaged in some capacity between now and July 2025:
Programme | Department |
Defence Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Type 26 Build | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Type 31 Build | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Ministry of Defence Police Launches | Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Defence Police |
Fleet Solid Support | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Defence Marine Services – Next Generation | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Type 31 Support | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Boats In-Service Support 2026 | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy; Army; Strategic Command |
Naval Support Integrated Global Network | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Programme Euston | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Multi-Role Strike Ship | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Future Air Dominance System | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Commando Force – Surface Manoeuvre | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Future Military Data Gathering | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Mine Hunting Capability | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Strategic Sealift – Future | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Submarine Delivery Agency Roll-on, Roll-off | Ministry of Defence; Submarine Delivery Agency |
Project Powerful | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Other Government Department Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Northern Lighthouse Vessel Pole Star | Northern Lighthouse Board (Department for Transport) |
Northeastern Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority vessel | Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs |
Sussex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority vessel | Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs |
Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority vessel | Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs |
Border Force Cutters Ship Life Extension Programme | Home Office |
Border Force Coastal Patrol Vessels Ship Life Extension Programme | Home Office |
Fair Isle Ferry Replacement | Shetland Islands Council (Department for Transport part-funded) |
Maritime Capability Replacement Programme | Home Office |
Futures Afloat | Trinity House (Department for Transport) |
Research Vessel Endeavour | Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Sciences |
Nuclear Transport Solutions Roll-on, Roll-off | Department for Energy Security and Net Zero |
Local and Devolved Government Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Motor Vessel Jura: Offboard Boat | Scottish Government |
Scottish small ferries replacement programme | Scottish Government |
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Diving Vessel | Devon & Cornwall Constabulary |
Marine Scotland vessel replacement | Scottish Government |
Corran Ferry Replacement | Highland Council (Scottish and UK Governments) |
Lower Dart Ferry Replacement | Devon County Council |
The NSO also expects to be engaged in some capacity in the following programmes between now and July 2025:
Programme | Department |
Defence Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Ice Patrol | Ministry of Defence; Royal Navy |
Local and Devolved Government Programmes (by programme maturity) | |
Further Scottish Ferry Replacements | Scottish Government |
Windermere Ferry Replacement | Westmorland & Furness Council |
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence and Ministers recognise the significant sacrifices that our military families make in serving our nation. We continue to support Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) as the means of mitigating the disruption to Service children’s education caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home and recognise its importance for the Service personnel who utilise it.
To protect the integrity of the allowance the Secretary of State for Defence directed that the cap on the current rates be lifted, and CEA rates recalculated, in recognition of the likely increase in school fees that will occur in January 2025 with the introduction of VAT on private school fees. This re-rating exercise will complete at the end of November, with new rates effective from 1 December 2024 for claimants in time for the start of the spring term on 1 January 2025.
Protecting the integrity of CEA highlights our wider commitment to putting people at the heart of Defence. This principle drives the Government’s focus on improving Armed Forces recruitment and retention, enabling Defence to continue to attract and retain the best possible talent.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We have commenced the recruitment process for the new National Armaments Director. As the role has yet to be appointed, it is too early to estimate the associated financial efficiencies.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
At the time of writing, the Ministry of Defence had received 53 letters or emails on this issue from Members of Parliament writing on behalf of a constituent, and members of the public. It is not possible to positively identify which of these are from members of the Armed Forces. In addition, there have been other informal approaches which have not been logged centrally.
We continue to support Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) as the means of mitigating the disruption to Service children’s education caused by Service commitments involving frequent moves of the family home and recognise its importance for the Service personnel who utilise it.
That is why, to protect the integrity of the allowance, the Secretary of State for Defence directed that the cap on the current rates be lifted, and CEA rates recalculated, in recognition of the likely increase in school fees that will occur in January 2025 with the introduction of VAT on private school fees.
This re-rating exercise has now completed and Service personnel who claim the allowance have been informed by their respective Service of re-revised rates they can claim effective from 1 December in advance of the start of the spring term in January 2025.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The current number of Defence Attachés (as of September 2024) who reside in host countries and lead Defence Sections in UK Embassies and High Commissions are 91. The numbers for the years 2022 and 2023 are:
Year Number of Defence Attachés
2022 87
2023 89
Note: The UK Defence Attachés for the Russian Federation and Yemen have been temporarily relocated due to local circumstances and conduct their duties from other locations.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Yes, the current intent is to retain a persistent forward presence with HMS TAMAR and SPEY in the Indo Pacific. The ships regularly engage in activities with Southeast Asian states, including participation in military exercises, maritime activity with the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and defence and diplomatic engagement.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Test and Evaluation (T&E) Transformation Programme will conclude its first phase in March 2025. The focus of the second phase will be establishing the foundations of a modern T&E enterprise that is fit for the future, as set out in the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) recently published paper on the future of T&E:
Test and Evaluation (T&E): Future Advantage Through Evaluation (FATE) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The T&E Transformation programme is currently collecting feedback from the Front Line Commands, defence industry and other organisations to inform the detailed design of its second phase, which is planned to commence in April 2025 subject to internal MOD approval.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Department, through its contractors, continuously renovates, refurbishes, improves, and maintains its estate, including accommodation.
With regards to Service Family Accommodation (SFA):
In Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, the Department invested £578 million on maintaining and improving SFA, including £220 million which was spent on remediating damp and mould in c4,000 homes, refurbishing c1,000 long term empty homes, replacing doors and windows in c3,000 homes, providing c1,100 homes with External Wall Insulation, c1,000 homes with replacement kitchens and bathrooms, and upgrading heaters and boilers in c1,500 homes.
In FY2024-25, £619 million is to be spent on maintaining and improving SFA, including £180 million to improve insulation in c600 homes, remediate c1,000 long-term damp and mould homes and refurbishing 200 long-term empty homes. Circa 1,700 minor damp and mould packages are planned, and 30 homes will receive upgraded heating.
With regards to Single Living Accommodation (SLA):
In FY 2023-24, £37.8 million was spent on improvements to SLA, with another £3.2 million spent on SLA Safe & Legal compliance works.
During FY2024-25 expenditure of £41 million is planned to improve the condition of SLA including refurbishment, heating upgrades and room conversions to additional bedspaces. £7.5 million has also been ringfenced for internal improvements to SLA condition and heating. In addition, £14.3 million of Safe & Legal compliance works are planned. Further to this, a further £66.6 million of SLA expenditure is planned for FY2025-26.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)