Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the submissions from (a) Greece, (b) Slovakia, (c) Romania and (d) Czechia on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through the EU TRIS process.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Technical Regulatory Information System notification is a standard process which applies under the Windsor Framework. It is not an approval process. The Government’s position remains that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will apply in Northern Ireland and is consistent with both our domestic and international obligations.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the size of the total absconder pool in the most recent period for which reporting is available.

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

The information requested is not currently available from published statistics.

Official statistics published by the Home Office are kept under review in line with the code of practice for statistics, taking into account a number of factors including user needs, the resources required to compile the statistics, as well as quality and availability of data.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with the Mayor of London on the potential impact of the cost of the Piccadilly Line renovation on TfL's finances.

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

Government announced a £2.2bn investment over the next four years for TfL at the Spending Review. This multi-year settlement marks the largest Government capital contribution to London's transport infrastructure in over a decade and is in addition to £485m delivered at the Budget in 2024.

As transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London, it is for him and TfL to assess the merits and financial impacts of capital projects and make decisions on investment including upgrades to the Piccadilly Line.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, between what dates has the Ajax programme previously been paused and for what reasons.

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

Issues of noise and vibration were recognised in mid-2020, with a stop notice issued in June 2021. All dynamic movement and transition activity was halted whilst the programme underwent a significant reset. The Army resumed training on Ajax in 2023 and paused later again in 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the capabilities of the Raven air defence system.

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

The Raven air defence system is a bespoke system developed for Ukraine, funded by the UK, that uses the RAF's AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missile. Raven is primarily intended to defend against Russian drones, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, with some capability against cruise missiles.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the capabilities of the Gravehawk air defence system.

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

The Gravehawk air defence system is a bespoke system developed for Ukraine, jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, that uses the Ukrainian R-73/AA-11 air-to-air missile. Gravehawk is primarily intended to defend against Russian drones, but will also offer some capability against fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and potentially cruise missiles.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on delivering the Digital Targeting web.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-12-02/96241

The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a ‘Minimal Viable Product’, in 2026. The detail of these first deliverables is being defined now, but in outline will consist of the digitisation of selected targeting processes to deliver increased scale, speed and precision. Plans will be continually developed and upgraded to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.

No target date will be given for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web. This is because to be competitive, the UK must continually adapt and develop its ability to target, and this will require constant evolution.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what project milestone was achieved by General Dynamics on 23 July 2025.

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

All criteria for Ajax Initial Operating Capability (IOC) were met on 23 July 2025 and following a period of review, IOC was declared by the Army on 15 September 2025.

I have put in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the Department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Defence Secretary. It will be conducted at pace, but it will not be rushed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on waiving visa fees for the dependents of Commonwealth veterans.

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

This Government is committed to waiving visa fees for non-UK veterans, including Commonwealth citizens, who have served for four or more years, and their dependants. We are working closely with the Home Office to deliver this commitment.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps does she plan to take to amend the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 to reflect the absorption of the Police and Crime Commissioner role into that of metro mayors.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government committed in the English Devolution White Paper to transfer Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) functions to mayors of strategic authorities by default, wherever possible.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently before Parliament, contains provisions that amend relevant primary legislation, including the Police Reform and Social Responsibility 2011 Act, to achieve this aim. Subject to the Bill receiving Royal Assent, transfers of functions to mayors will take place in areas where the boundaries of the mayoral strategic authority and policing area align, at a date set by the Secretary of State by Order.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what Government funding had been allocated to the development of Godmanchester Secondary Academy prior to its cancellation.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Godmanchester Secondary Academy was approved into pre-opening in 2017 as part of Free Schools Wave 12. Delivery was provisionally anticipated for September 2022, but the project never achieved approval to move into the construction stage. The trust formally withdrew the project in April 2020 with the opening forecast not changing during the interim.

Due to the early stage that it reached, only the following funding was allocated to this project:

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the delivery timeline was of Godmanchester Secondary Academy prior to its cancellation.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Godmanchester Secondary Academy was approved into pre-opening in 2017 as part of Free Schools Wave 12. Delivery was provisionally anticipated for September 2022, but the project never achieved approval to move into the construction stage. The trust formally withdrew the project in April 2020 with the opening forecast not changing during the interim.

Due to the early stage that it reached, only the following funding was allocated to this project:

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, in what year Godmanchester Secondary Academy was approved to be built.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Godmanchester Secondary Academy was approved into pre-opening in 2017 as part of Free Schools Wave 12. Delivery was provisionally anticipated for September 2022, but the project never achieved approval to move into the construction stage. The trust formally withdrew the project in April 2020 with the opening forecast not changing during the interim.

Due to the early stage that it reached, only the following funding was allocated to this project:

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment has he made of the impact of the analysis that the July and November five day resident doctors’ strikes are estimated to have cost £500 million by the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic Financial Outlook (page 122).

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We stand by the approximate £500 million figure as a reasonable estimate of the combined cost of resident doctor strikes so far this year in July and November 2025. This figure is based on actual costs from July 2025, approximately £240 million, and an initial estimate for November 2025 based on similar levels of activity output and turnout, to those seen in July. We will continue to update the estimate for November strikes as new data becomes available, in line with receiving business as usual financial data from National Health Service systems.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many a) Raven and b) Gravehawk air defence systems have been provided for Ukraine.

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

13 RAVEN air-defence systems have now been provided to Ukraine, giving Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly defend themselves against Russian aerial threats.

Two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems have been delivered to Ukraine so far. Of the additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems on contract, the first batch will be delivered shortly, and will reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia's deep-strike barrages.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to publish the police reform white paper.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

A Police Reform White Paper is being developed in partnership with policing. This is a comprehensive package of reform to policing in England and Wales that will strip out duplication and waste and ensure policing can keep up with the fast-changing nature of crime.

This is a once-in-a-generation moment for policing, and it is important that the reforms reflect the Home Secretary’s ambition. We will publish the White Paper in early 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2025 to question 91710 on HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, what financial gain was made from the sale of a) HMS Albion and b) HMS Bulwark to offset against the write down of the remaining value of the vessels.

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

Discussions with potential international partners remain commercially sensitive, and it would not be appropriate to provide details of any prospective proceeds while these engagements are ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what his Department's timetable is for publishing its response to the Fair Funding Review 2.0 consultation.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

On Thursday 20 November 2025 the government published the response to the Fair Funding Review 2.0 alongside the local government finance policy statement 2026-27 to 2028-29.

On Wednesday 17 December 2025 the government published the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-2027 to 2028-2029, with a 4-week consultation period, that is seeking views by 14 January 2026.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the outcome of his Department's internal investigation on Matthew Doyle before he was nominated for a peerage.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As a matter of policy we do not publish information relating to individuals' peerage nominations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Ministry of Defence accounts 2024-25, what the retirement of Project Chinook and constructive losses of £129,469,000 relate to.

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

The figure of £129,469,000 recorded as constructive losses in the Ministry of Defence accounts for 2024-25 relates to the early retirement of 14 of the oldest Chinook aircraft and associated equipment announced in November 2024. This ageing equipment is being removed from service to optimise the sustainment of the remaining Chinook fleet. The associated financial adjustment ensures that the Department's accounts accurately reflect the revised date of retirement for these assets.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2025, to question 68113 on Army, what progress has he made in developing the next iteration of Project Asgard.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to his questions 68113, 73577 and 79396 which remains extant and explains the current position for the Army’s project ASGARD.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2025, to question 95176 on Ministers: Official Residences, whether tax is payable on residences owned by the State.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) will be paid by property owners, and official residences operate through a range of different ownership structures, including leases and trusts. The details of the HVCTS are to be consulted upon shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made in replacing the FV430 series Mk3 Bulldog.

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

The long-term replacement for the FV430 series Bulldog is being considered as part of the Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme, within the Land Mobility Programme.

The Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme is in its Concept Phase and is currently evaluating the Finnish led Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) Programme’s suitability in meeting UK’s Heavy Protected Mobility requirements.

The programme is being considered and is part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, under the Lunna House Agreement, by when will the Royal Navy adopt advanced Norwegian naval strike missiles and what existing capability will they replace.

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

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a Norwegian anti-ship and land attack missile, which has been acquired for the Royal Navy’s escort force. It replaces the Harpoon anti-ship missile, which went out of service in December 2023. The NSM is 20 years newer, has greater range, and is far more capable than the system it replaces.

The Royal Navy completed its first successful launch of an NSM missile from HMS SOMERSET in Norway in September 2025 at Exercise AEGIR. Test firings are now complete and the NSM is expected to enter service later this year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of procuring the RCT30 turret for the Boxer platform.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 6805 on 4 October 2024 which confirms the British Army has conducted operational analysis, lethality and survivability studies, which includes analysing potential turreted options. The British Army will continually review the capabilities, priorities and affordability choices that will be provided by BOXER and other platforms to ensure that its armoured Fighting Vehicle fleet best meets Defence and NATO's needs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the capability differences between Challenger 2 and Challenger 3.

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

The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank will deliver a significant improvement in capability over its predecessor, the Challenger 2. Enhancements include a digitalised turret fitted with the latest 120mm smoothbore gun paired with the most lethal ammunition available; world-class UK-designed armour and an Active Protection System; and improved automotive performance. New advanced sighting systems, sensors and processing capabilities will improve situational awareness and interoperability with other units.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in procuring the Patria 6x6 armoured vehicle.

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

In December 2025, the UK joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System research and development programme, a multinational initiative with Finland, centred around the Patria 6x6 armoured vehicle. The programme is in the assessment phase.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of procuring the BAE CV90 as a replacement infantry fighting vehicle for Warrior.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 98364 on 17 December 2025, which remains extant:

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses its current and planned capabilities to ensure that it is appropriately equipped to face any adversary.

The CV90 was one of the vehicles considered during the competition for the Scout Specialist Vehicle. An evaluation has not occurred since the Ajax contract was awarded.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date his Department was first informed a) informally and b) formally by General Dynamics that Initial Operating Capability for Ajax had been achieved.

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

Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) was announced on 5 November 2025 by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry. IOC was not declared by General Dynamics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 18th December 2025, to question 100119 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what discussions his Department has had with (a) General Dynamics, (b) the Senior Responsible Officer and (c) the British Army on the Ajax programme between 23 July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm.

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

As the hon. Member is aware I have directed a Ministerial review that covers elements of his question. I will update the House in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his plans are for the 140 Challenger 2 tanks not due to be upgraded to Challenger 3.

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

A decision on what will happen to the Challenger 2 platforms not being used as part of the Challenger 3 programme has not yet been taken.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation HCWS1212, published on 18 December 2025, how much delay to the investigations will the suspension of Ajax trials cause.

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

Ongoing investigations into the safety of the Ajax platform remain on track.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the total number of remedial tasks conducted by each unit receiving Ajax vehicles in order to make them usable on exercise as of 31 December 2025.

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

All Army vehicles and equipment are subject to before use and routine maintenance schedules to ensure serviceability. Where faults are identified, these are rectified as part of business as usual activity.

Information relating to each remedial task carried out on Ajax platforms is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the feasibility of replacing the Army’s formation reconnaissance capability via Project ASGARD.

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

Project ASGARD is not a replacement for the Army's formation reconnaissance capability; it enhances and improves it. It provides the digital backbone that links our reconnaissance and strike systems at machine speed. Formation reconnaissance remains essential: it finds enemy targets, and ASGARD uses that information to deliver rapid, integrated effects through a range of precision weapons.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the contribution of the Minister for Policing and Crime during the Third Delegated Legislation Committee on 17 December 2025, when she plans to send a command paper to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the use of public order legislation.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The government has committed to undertake post legislative scrutiny of the Public Order Act 2023. This process began in May.

When complete, we will send the command paper to the Home Affairs Select Committee as is routine and in line with the guidance on completing post legislative scrutiny.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what specific changes have been made by General Dynamics in the last five years to resolve issues related directly to noise and vibration identified with the Ajax programme prior to the declaration of Initial Operating Capability.

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

A significant and in-depth review of the platform was undertaken by a joint Authority and General Dynamics team in 2020 -2021 to confirm the causes of noise and vibration, identify solutions and validate them through extensive testing.

The Ajax platforms were thoroughly assessed using a Noise and Vibration calculator (in line with Health and Safety Executive advice) to determine the safe operating envelopes for the platform across different speeds and terrains. Whole Body and Hand Arm Vibration levels were well understood, and effective mitigations were in place. Noise levels have been well documented, and an effective hearing protection and combined communication system has been implemented.

Following this review several actions were taken to reduce crew exposure to noise and vibration.  These included:

• Improving overall Ajax build quality.
• Review and amendment of build tolerances for key crew interfaces such as seats and control handles.
• Changes to seat structures to provide greater vibration attenuation.
• Improvements to track tensioning procedures to ensure correct track tension which reduces vibration.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the draft Public Order Act 2023 (Interference With Use or Operation of Key National Infrastructure) Regulations 2025 covers online activity.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

On Thursday 27 November 2025, the Home Office laid an affirmative Statutory Instrument in Parliament to amend Section 7 and Section 8 of the Public Order Act 2023 (“POA”). This will amend the list of key national infrastructure within Section 7 of the POA, to add the life sciences sector and define the life sciences sector in Section 8 of the POA.

Under Section 7 POA, a person commits an offence if:

• They do an act which interferes with the use or operation of any key national infrastructure in England and Wales, and
• They intend that act to interfere with the use or operation of such infrastructure or are reckless as to whether it will do so.

Whether an activity, online or otherwise, meets the criminal threshold within section 7 POA will be fact specific and is an operational matter for the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts, who are all operationally independent from the government.

Found: The debate will be led by Ben Obese-Jecty MP.