Asked by: Lord Birt (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the total annual expenditure on defence by (1) the UK and EU countries combined, and (2) Russia.
Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK Ministry of Defence has no way of verifying other countries' defence expenditure figures, nor does it endorse any specific publication.
However, based on the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute figures, the UK and EU's total defence expenditure in 2024 was $434 billion compared to an estimated $151 billion for Russia.
Asked by: Lord Birt (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their forecast for expenditure on defence in 2025 as a percentage of GDP.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
The UK remains committed to exceeding 2% of its GDP on Defence under the terms of its existing settlement. It would not be appropriate to speculate on spending beyond the current Parliament and which will be subject to a further Spending Review.
Asked by: Lord Birt (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to supply high-altitude anti-aircraft weapons to Ukrainian forces.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
We were the first European country to send defensive weapons; we have already donated more than 4,200 next generation light anti-tank weapons and are now exploring the option of supplying Javelin missiles.
In response to Ukrainian requests, the Government have taken the decision to supply Starstreak high-velocity, man-portable anti-air missiles to allow the Ukrainian forces to better defend their skies.
The UK will continue to review Ukrainian requests and work with our Allies and partners to enhance Ukraine's ability to defend itself.
Asked by: Lord Birt (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ban the practice of “milling” as part of the selection process for the Parachute Regiment.
Answered by Baroness Goldie - Shadow Minister (Defence)
There are no plans to ban the practice of milling as part of the selection process for the Parachute Regiment. As a training activity milling is subject to risk assessment and review. To mitigate any risk milling bouts are regulated to ensure compliance under departmental Medical, Training and Health and Safety policy. A General Practitioner (GP), a dedicated ambulance and a paramedic are in attendance at all times milling takes place. The GP conducts a pre-medical to assess a participant's fitness and make them aware of the risks. Participants can withdraw at any time.