Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kim Johnson and Grahame Morris

Monday 16th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Kim Johnson (Liverpool Riverside) (Lab)]

12. What steps he is taking to improve recruitment and retention of merchant seafarers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

[Grahame Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

20. What steps he is taking to improve recruitment and retention of merchant seafarers in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

[The Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones)]

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary makes a unique contribution to defence. We thank the maritime trade unions for their commitment to resolving the current pay dispute so that the RFA’s contribution can be recognised. The Ministry of Defence is implementing a workforce recovery programme for the RFA. This will improve the wider employee offer for those serving to ensure that the RFA can continue to perform its vital role. Since 28 February last year, officer applications are 30% higher and ratings applications are 26% higher. Outflow is down to 10.3% from a high of 13.4% in January 2023.