Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the long-term future of the UK’s amphibious capability following the announcement that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark will be retired from service by the end of March 2025; when they intend to make a further announcement about their replacement; and whether the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review will take account of this decision.

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

The Royal Marines will continue to be supported by three Bay Class landing ships and RFA Argus until the introduction of up-to-six Multi Role Support Ships. The first of these will enter service in 2033.

The Secretary of State has confirmed that the future for our Royal Marines will be reinforced in the Strategic Defence Review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they support the recovery of all of Ukraine’s pre-2014 territory including Crimea; and, if not, what they are seeking to achieve through its assistance to Ukraine.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes to defend itself and secure a just and lasting peace. The clearest path to peace is for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine tomorrow. It is for Ukraine to determine its position on its long-term future. A strong, sovereign, and secure Ukraine that is able to defend against and deter future aggression is in the UK's interest.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan, and whether they will publicise those plans in good time before the events.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government announced the VE and VJ Day 80 programme with a statement to both Houses on 13 March. Debates were held on the same topic on 6 May in the House of Commons and on 9 May in the House of Lords.

On Friday 15 August, the Royal British Legion, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will lead a service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, honouring those who served in the War in the Far East.

DCMS is also supporting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to run more than 250 mobile exhibitions across the UK and at key global commemorative sites to the Pacific, highlighting the stories of those who fought in the Second World War.

To recognise the war’s continuation beyond VE Day and the sacrifices made in the Far East, the Government’s National Engagement Programme runs throughout this 80th anniversary year to include both VE and VJ Day. More information is available at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

Found: Rt Hon Rory Stewart, former Secretary of State for International Development, and Lord Richards of Herstmonceux

Found: is to develop the UK -led Joint Expeditionary Force, which the noble and gallant lord, Lord Richards of Herstmonceux

Found: Marshal the Lord Peach GBE KCB DL (bearing Curtana, the Sword of Mercy) and General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux

Found: Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach ( the Sword of Mercy or the Curtana) • General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux

Found: ” - General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, Former Chief of Defence Staff, UK _________________

Found: ” - General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux, Former Chief of Defence Staff, UK _________________