Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2026 to Question 3663 on Liquefied Natural Gas: Russia, by when date does he expect to introduce the next phase of the implementation of the restrictions.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The ban on the maritime transportation of LNG under long-term contracts exceeding one year and signed before June 2025, is due to come into effect on 1 January 2027 in line with the timing of the EU’s ban on the same contracts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when does he expect the combat capable release of new software for the F-35B to be available to the UK Lightning Force.

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

The F-35B is an operationally deployable combat aircraft. Capability is enhanced through regular, incremental software releases delivered through the global F-35 programme, rather than a single combat capable release.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the full mission-capable rate was of the UK F-35B Lightning Force in a) 2024 and b) 2025.

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

I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or the security of the Armed Forces.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2026 to question 3166 on Repatriation: Syria, for what reason her Department does not record information on returning foreign fighters who have been a) arrested and b) prosecuted.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Secretary of State for Defence

Arrests and prosecutions are matters for the independent police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Where these relate to terrorism offences, the CPS provides relevant data to the Home Office for quarterly publication. This forms part of the official statistics publication on the Operation of Police Powers under the Terrorism Acts, which are published quarterly on gov.uk.

In 2023, the CPS’s oral evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights explained why they are unable to collect specific data on returning foreign fighters. The main reason for this was that the definition of a returning foreign fighter encompasses many variables, which can make it challenging to provide accurate data. For example, people may return via a third country or non-conflict zone, or may be convicted of offences before or after their travel.

Anyone who seeks to return from taking part in any conflict should expect to be investigated by the police where they are suspected of a crime and, where there is evidence that a crime has been committed, prosecuted.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 28 May 2026 to question 1738 on Food: Public Sector, by when will her department have collected new data on the extent to which public sector settings are serving food from local sustainable sources.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Home Office) (Security) (Jointly with the Cabinet Office)

Data collection on the extent to which public sector settings are serving food from local sustainable sources is currently underway. Defra expects the work to be completed by Summer 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, from what month and year will the first UK deployment of an Astute-class submarine to Submarine Rotational Force-West take place.

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

Submarine Rotational Force-West is on track to be established in 2027, as confirmed in the joint AUKUS Defence Ministers’ statement of 30 May 2026. The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain a rotational presence as part of Submarine Rotational Force-West. As I am certain the hon. Member will know already the specific scheduling of individual submarine deployments is not published, as to do so could prejudice operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2026 to Question 5114 on Hawk Aircraft, if he will list the tail numbers of the Hawk T1 aircraft removed from the Military Aircraft Register since 16 January 2025.

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

XX159 and XX301 have been deregistered and retired from service.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when he plans to procure the GBU-53 StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb II.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 26 May 2026 to Question 2224.

As the hon. Gentleman will understand I am withholding the date that this capability will be available as it would harm the capability, effectiveness, and security of the Armed Forces. The procurement has been prioritised through the Foreign Military Sales process, and the acquisition of this weapon will provide an interim stand-off capability for the F-35 Lightning fleet prior to the introduction of SPEAR 3

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3447 on AUKUS: Artificial Intelligence, whether AI has been deployed on Royal Air Force P8 aircraft to date.

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

The AI algorithms in question were developed trilaterally using expertise across all three AUKUS nations. The algorithms are planned to be flown on our P8 aircraft in the future. The UK are currently benefitting from access to data, insights and operational learnings generated through partner deployment of these capabilities. This work forms part of a broader programme to ensure interoperability across all three nations and to maximise the operational benefits of AUKUS-developed technologies as they are brought into service.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of the Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies Project Arrangement.

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

The Resilient Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Technologies Project Agreement (RAAIT PA) aims to accelerate and enhance the AUKUS partners’ ability to perform complex operations using Autonomous and Artificial Intelligence Systems and Technologies with greater trust, operational effectiveness, and resilience. The scope of the project agreement is to accelerate the joint development and integration of relevant autonomous and AI-enabled technologies, evaluate and improve the resilience and dependability of autonomous systems and enhance the interoperability of AUKUS nations and the collective ability to deploy winning autonomous and AI-enabled solutions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Modini DART 250 he has procured.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose details of munitions procured or held in service, as doing so could prejudice the operational effectiveness and security of the Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of reverting the order for 12 F-35As back to 12 F-35Bs on the public purse.

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

Future procurement for F-35A aircraft will be outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the scope of the Defence Energy Enterprise.

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

The Defence Energy Enterprise brings together operational and estates energy, the Oil and Pipelines Agency and the Defence Energy and Capability Centre of Excellence (DECX), enabling coordinated and coherent end‑to‑end management of energy.

The Enterprise’s scope spans policy, infrastructure, sustainability, and operational outcomes, to ensure secure and reliable energy supply for Defence capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date is HMS Iron Duke scheduled to retire.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 112210 on 18 February 2026 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-02-10/112210

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Russian-sanctioned vessels transiting UK waters have changed flag mid-voyage prior to entering UK waters since 24 March 2026.

Answered by Al Carns

The Ministry of Defence continually monitors all activity within UK waters. We will not provide details on the numbers of vessels or our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting our adversaries.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of the defence budget is dedicated to the Global Combat Air Programme.

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

Investment decisions will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will outline the department’s spending plans in line with the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review outcomes.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 3 June 2026, to question 3166 on Repatriation: Syria, for what reason her department is not recording information on returning foreign fighters who have been a) arrested and b) prosecuted.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Secretary of State for Defence

Arrests and prosecutions are matters for the independent police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Where these relate to terrorism offences, the CPS provides relevant data to the Home Office for quarterly publication. This forms part of the official statistics publication on the Operation of Police Powers under the Terrorism Acts, which are published quarterly on gov.uk.

In 2023, the CPS’s oral evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights explained why they are unable to collect specific data on returning foreign fighters. The main reason for this was that the definition of a returning foreign fighter encompasses many variables, which can make it challenging to provide accurate data. For example, people may return via a third country or non-conflict zone, or may be convicted of offences before or after their travel.

Anyone who seeks to return from taking part in any conflict should expect to be investigated by the police where they are suspected of a crime and, where there is evidence that a crime has been committed, prosecuted.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3899 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what progress he has made with the United States and with Mauritius on the way forward for the UK-Mauritius Agreement since 13 April 2026.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer mentioned in his question. Future updates will be provided to the House in the normal way in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the current route of the A1 at Biggleswade and Sandy on the viability of the delivery of the proposed new town at Tempsford; and whether she has assessed the potential merits of re-routing the A1 in this area given the proposed new town.

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

The Department recognises that some prospective new town and growth locations have particularly complex interfaces with the Strategic Road Network (SRN). National Highways is working closely with relevant partners to consider the impacts on the SRN of all proposed new town locations, including the A1 in the vicinity of Tempsford. The need for any changes to this stretch of the A1 will be considered as part of long-term investment planning for the SRN.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the answer of 19 May 2026 to question 747 on Special Educational Needs: Huntingdon, from which date is the 2026/27 funding for Experts at Hand available to local authorities in Cambridgeshire.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

On 15 April 2026, the department announced the Experts at Hand and Local Authority Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transformation Fund. This grant will be paid to local authorities, including in Cambridgeshire, in one annual instalment, at the end of June 2026.

More information on the distribution methodology, permitted use of funding as well as indicative allocations for local authorities can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/experts-at-hand-local-authority-send-transformation-fund/experts-at-hand-local-authority-send-transformation-fund-funding-for-local-authorities-2026-to-2027.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether legislation prevents the depiction of firearms being fired by service personnel in television advertising for the armed forces.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Advertising on television is co-regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Ofcom, independently of the Government. The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP), an organisation independent of government and a sister organisation to the ASA, sets the standards for advertising on TV through the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (‘BCAP Code’).

While the Advertising Codes do not contain specific provisions prohibiting a TV ad from featuring a firearm being fired in the context of the armed forces, they do contain rules regarding depictions of weapons and violence. Advertisers should ensure that their ads are prepared with a sense of responsibility to consumers and to society, and should not contain anything that encourages or condones anti-social behaviour or violence. Advertisers should also be aware that images of weapons and implied violence are likely to offend some consumers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 May 2926 to Question 3168 on Ammunition: Procurement, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting the 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge for use in specialist weapons.

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

The Ministry of Defence regularly assesses the effectiveness of small arms ammunition to ensure that personnel are equipped with the most appropriate capability. Current work is focused on assessing a range of calibres to improve the performance of some specialist weapons, particularly in terms of range, accuracy, and reliability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet vessels have transited through UK waters since 24 March 2026.

Answered by Al Carns

The Ministry of Defence continually monitors all activity within UK waters. We will not provide details on the numbers of vessels or our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, only benefitting our adversaries.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether patients are able to exercise the National Data Opt-Out from inclusion in the Federated Data Platform.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The National Data Opt-Out does not currently apply to the NHS Federated Data Platform (NHS FDP). This is not because of a direction but because there are currently no products within the NHS FDP which are required to apply the National Data Opt-Out. If the purpose of processing means that the National Data Opt-Out should apply, then the data controller must apply the opt-out. This is covered in the NHS FDP Information Governance Framework, which can be found at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/federated-data-platform-information-governance-framework/

Further information on where the National Data Opt-Out does not apply is available at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/where-your-choice-does-not-apply/

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Nyan one-way effectors he has procured for the Royal Artillery in 2026.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely release details of munitions procured or held in service, as the release of this information could prejudice the operational effectiveness and security of the Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the fleet of 47 F-35Bs have been upgraded to Technology Refresh 3.

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

Thirteen of the United Kingdom’s 47 F-35B aircraft have been upgraded to the Technology Refresh 3 standard.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress his Department has made in completing the design stage of HMP Kirklevington Grange, and what stage is the prison currently at.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress his Department has made in completing the design stage of the new prison in Buckinghamshire, and what stage is the prison currently at.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what progress his Department has made in completing the design stage of HMP Warren Hill, and what stage is the prison currently at.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether a new contractor has been appointed to deliver the expansion of HMP Guy's Marsh.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether a new contractor has been appointed to deliver the new prison places at HMP Kirklevington Grange.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether a new contractor has been appointed to deliver the new prison places at HMP Warren Hill.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether a new contractor has been appointed to deliver the new prison in Buckinghamshire.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether work to deliver the expansion at HMP Guy's Marsh has recommenced since 20 September 2024.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether work to deliver the expansion at HMP The Verne has recommenced since 20 September 2024.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether a new contractor has been appointed to deliver the expansion of HMP The Verne.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what is the current status of the expansion project at HMP The Verne.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMPs Guys Marsh, Kirklevington Grange, Warren Hill and the new prison in Buckinghamshire, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. Pre-construction work is either underway or complete at these sites, including design work, and all have been appointed a new contractor.

40 Rapid Deployment Cells have been delivered at HMP The Verne and are operational.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Kraken drone boats the Royal Navy holds.

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

The Ministry of Defence continues to take delivery of Project BEEHIVE craft in line with the approved programme schedule. Of the 20 vessels on order, 18 have already been delivered, with the remaining craft expected shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 29 May 2026 to Question 3026 on Men, what planning has taken place for the National Men and Boys Summit to date.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Prime Minister committed to holding a National Summit on Men and Boys in 2026 to bring together key sector partners and Government, to raise awareness and develop plans to tackle issues facing Men and Boys. He asked the Deputy Prime Minister to lead this work.

By convening Departments and partners under the Deputy Prime Minister’s leadership, we can ensure a joined-up approach that delivers meaningful, measurable impact.

A wider series of public facing events is being planned over the coming months, including regional roundtables with the men and boys’ sector and advocates, and meeting with stakeholders to discuss topics such as media literacy and masculinity; social connection and loneliness, and fatherhood to inform the National Summit later in 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what is the current status of the expansion project at HMP Guy's Marsh.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

At HMP Guy’s Marsh, work remains ongoing following ISG’s administration in September 2024. A new contractor has been appointed, and validation work is underway to deliver 180 places.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who was contractually responsible for the recovery of the Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II’s (a) ZM177 and (b) ZM179 from Lajes International Airport.

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

The US Government manages delivery transit flights via the F-35 Joint Programme Office and its suite of support contracts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the pilot-to-aircraft ratio is of the F-35B.

Answered by Al Carns

I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or the security of the Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, following the completion of the delivery of the 48th F-35B Lightning II, what is the distribution of F-35Bs across the Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm’s a) operational and b) training locations.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

Following delivery of the 48th UK F-35B Lightning aircraft, 42 are currently based at RAF Marham.

These aircraft are distributed between two frontline squadrons, 617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron, which provide operational capability and participate in exercises worldwide, and the Operational Conversion Unit, 207 Squadron, which is responsible for pilot training.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026, to question 5095 on Military Aircraft: Training, what is the average length of holdover time for pilots between UK Military Flying Training System courses.

Answered by Calvin Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans and People)

The current average cumulative holdover time for fast jet pilots between UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) courses is 690 days. This cumulative holdover duration is a result of trainees having faced extended legacy holdovers, which has now been resolved.

To ensure resilience and flexibility in the training pipeline, holdover periods of up to three months between UKMFTS courses, amounting to up to 300 days for trainee fast jet pilots, are planned into training journeys to provide trainees opportunity to take leave and complete essential pre-employment training courses.

Training timelines within UKMFTS continue to reduce, with trainee fast jet pilots who completed initial officer training in September 2025 forecast to complete their UKMFTS Phase 2 flying training in 46 months.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to reduce emergency hospital admissions for people with neurological conditions for a) urinary tract infections, b) respiratory infections or c) other complications.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises that people living with neurological conditions can be at increased risk of complications, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and other causes of avoidable emergency admission, and that reducing these admissions is an important part of improving outcomes and patient experience.

We are working with NHS England to support a more proactive and preventative approach to care. This includes strengthening community-based services, improving care coordination, and supporting earlier identification and management of deterioration. Integrated care boards are responsible for planning and commissioning services to meet the needs of their populations, including putting in place pathways that help prevent avoidable admissions for people with complex, long-term conditions, including neurological conditions.

NHS England is encouraging systems to adopt personalised care and support planning, including anticipatory care approaches for people at higher risk of admission. This can involve the use of care plans, rapid access to community teams, and closer monitoring to ensure issues such as infections are identified and treated promptly, reducing the need for hospital admission. National programmes such as Getting It Right First Time and NHS RightCare support systems to identify unwarranted variation and adopt best practice in managing long-term conditions, including neurological conditions.

NHS England’s service specification for adult neurology sets out clear expectations for proactive, coordinated care to reduce the risk of avoidable complications. It emphasises early identification of clinical risks, personalised care planning, and timely access to multidisciplinary support, including specialist nurses, therapists, and community services. By promoting regular monitoring, effective management of swallowing, mobility, and bladder function, and close coordination between primary, community, and specialist care, the specification supports early intervention and continuity of care. This approach helps to minimise preventable deterioration, reduce unplanned hospital admissions, and improve outcomes and quality of life for people.

Together, these measures support local systems to take a proactive, joined-up approach to care, helping people with neurological conditions remain well in the community for longer and reducing avoidable hospital admissions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the establishment of a Boxer Mechanised Infantry Regiment for a) vehicles and b) soldiers.

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

Under current plans, Boxer is initially being fielded as a supporting capability to Armoured Units within 3^rd (UK) Division, before being fielded to Mechanised Infantry Units between 2030 – 2035.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 4884 on Motor Vehicles: Secondhand Goods, by when she plans to consult further on the detailed regulatory approach for requirements post-2030.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We have a long-standing commitment to publish a review of the ZEV Mandate by early 2027. Following that review, we will consider any legislative changes as appropriate, with a Cost Benefit Analysis prepared for any relevant legislation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 4884 on Motor Vehicles: Secondhand Goods, by when does she assess the relevant legislation will be brought forward.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We have a long-standing commitment to publish a review of the ZEV Mandate by early 2027. Following that review, we will consider any legislative changes as appropriate, with a Cost Benefit Analysis prepared for any relevant legislation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 4884 on Motor Vehicles: Secondhand Goods, by when does she plan to start conducting a cost benefit analysis.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

We have a long-standing commitment to publish a review of the ZEV Mandate by early 2027. Following that review, we will consider any legislative changes as appropriate, with a Cost Benefit Analysis prepared for any relevant legislation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in re-establishing his Department's capability to produce nuclear fuel.

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

The Nuclear Fuels programme is in its early development phase, and we are currently working with industry to develop options for its delivery. These options will inform the timescales for completion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of mortuary affairs qualified personnel within the Armed Forces.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish the number of qualified personnel in niche operational capability areas, as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of the Armed Forces.

However, I can confirm that work is ongoing through Future Force Design and Capability Development to assess and refine the requirement for Mortuary Affairs personnel and equipment in support of future warfighting demands.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2026, to question 1530 on Air Ambulance Services: Fuels, which air ambulance charities has he engaged with regarding fuel resilience.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

To date, we have primarily engaged with air ambulance charities on fuel resilience through Air Ambulances UK, which supports the work of air ambulance charities. We have also facilitated additional engagement with individual air ambulance charities where requested, including London’s Air Ambulance.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the UK National Screening Committee on its decision not to recommend screening for spinal muscular atrophy.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises the challenges faced by those living with rare diseases and their families and is committed to improving outcomes. For very rare conditions, it is difficult to generate robust evidence to demonstrate the value of screening, because so few babies are affected. This is why we are funding a large-scale in-service evaluation (ISE) of screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in newborn screening services, to fill the remaining evidence gaps, as recommended by the UK National Screening Committee.

The ISE, which was due to start in January 2027, will now start three months earlier in October 2026. The evidence from this ISE will inform a decision on whether to extend the National Health Service’s newborn blood spot screening programme and include screening for SMA.

We are aware that families are concerned that the evaluation will only cover part of the country and, as such, some babies may be diagnosed too late for effective treatment. This is why we have asked officials to work at pace to determine if the ISE can be expanded to cover all of England.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what dates the George Cross Committee has met to assess gallantry award submissions since 12 December 2024.

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

The George Cross Committee has met on three occasions since 12 December 2024: Thursday 13 March 2025, Thursday 18 September 2025 and Thursday 19 March 2026.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 5066 on Gymnastics: Huntingdon, what is the breakdown of the £116,588 of funding in the constituency of Huntingdon during 2024/2025.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

A breakdown of the £116,588 of Sport England funding in the constituency of Huntingdon during 2024/2025 is below:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 5077 on F-35 Aircraft, by when does he expect the F-35B production line to close.

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

The decision on when to close the F-35B production line will be for the UK F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) to make. The requirement for F-35 Lightning aircraft through the life of the programme is well understood by the multi-national JPO.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in procuring a replacement for CROWSNEST.

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

The Royal Navy is investigating successor systems for the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning system, including the potential use of Uncrewed Air Systems.

This approach is consistent with the development of Hybrid Air Wing as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and it is subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's Transparency Notice 715870491-Procurement of General-Purpose Machine Gun L7A2 weapon systems (GPMG System) and associated ancillaries, published on 5 June 2026, what is the full specification of the L7A2 Mid-Life Improvement configuration; and how is it a different technical baseline than the previous configuration.

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

The recently published Voluntary Transparency Notice for the General-Purpose Machine Gun contract arrangement does not impact the planned Out of Service Date of 2035.

I am unable to provide details relating to the detailed technical specification of the L7A2 Mid-Life Improvement due to operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what impact the awarding of a 10 year contract for supply of General-Purpose Machine Gun L7A2 weapon systems will have on the planned out-of-service date of the L7A2 of 2035.

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

The recently published Voluntary Transparency Notice for the General-Purpose Machine Gun contract arrangement does not impact the planned Out of Service Date of 2035.

I am unable to provide details relating to the detailed technical specification of the L7A2 Mid-Life Improvement due to operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of the Ministry of Defence budget was spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise in 2024-25.

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

In 2024-25, 18% of the Ministry of Defence budget was spent on the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is a hugely complex, scientifically advanced and risky portfolio which spans decades. As a Government we are undertaking significant recapitalisation as it renews the UK's nuclear deterrent as a major national endeavour and Defence's top priority.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate has she made of the number of spouses and children of current or former service personnel who have paid for Indefinite Leave to Remain since 5th July 2024.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The information requested is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

The Government has committed to scrap visa fees for non‑UK veterans who have served for four years or more and their dependants. The Home Office has led work with the Ministry of Defence to deliver this joint commitment. This work is ongoing, and the Department will update Parliament in the usual way once cross‑Government decisions have been finalised.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her planned timetable is for delivering the pledge to waive Indefinite Leave to Remain fees for the spouses and children of current and former service personnel.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The information requested is not currently available from published statistics, and the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

The Government has committed to scrap visa fees for non‑UK veterans who have served for four years or more and their dependants. The Home Office has led work with the Ministry of Defence to deliver this joint commitment. This work is ongoing, and the Department will update Parliament in the usual way once cross‑Government decisions have been finalised.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what date she plans to publish the next Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Work to finalise the upcoming Statement of Changes is continuing at pace, and will be published in due course in the usual way.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the comments from Sir Mark Rowley on Times Radio on 11 June 2026, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of the decision by the Mayor of London not to adopt technology from Palantir on the level of police numbers in the Metropolitan Police.

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

The government does not direct what technology police forces can procure and deploy. This is a matter for operationally independent Chief Constables, accountable to locally elected Police and Crime Commissioners. However, the Home Office recognises the importance of being able to better link data across multiple systems and using cutting edge technology to improve operational outcomes. That’s why in the White Paper From Local to National: A New Model for Policing published in January this year we announced reforms to policing including launching a new National Data Integration and Exploitation Service, introducing a new National Centre for AI in Policing (“PoliceAI”) which is investing £115 million over the next 3 years. Police AI will provide a platform for identifying, testing and then scaling AI technology, as well as enabling Chief Constables to deploy AI responsibly and in a way which builds and maintains public consent.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he can confirm what the budget allocation for funding the British Army’s active reserve is for this reporting period.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Strategic Defence Review is clear that Reserve Forces are integral to a future force, with an emphasis on increasing the proportion of trained, deployable and routinely utilised personnel. This Government is committed to increasing the proportion of active reserves by 20%, when funding allows.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026, to question 3444 on Animal Experiments, what progress has she made in considering how the UK’s 2027 G20 presidency could help convene regulators to advance international harmonisation of alternative methods.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is strengthening international collaboration on the development, validation and acceptance of alternative methods, including through engagement with regulators and key international partners. We are currently exploring how the UK’s 2027 G20 Presidency could support these efforts, including by convening regulators to advance international harmonisation. This builds on ongoing work to develop a coordinated international engagement approach and identify priority areas for regulatory cooperation. Further detail on international activity, including potential forums and timelines, will be set out in the delivery update to the Replacing Animals in Science strategy, to be published later in 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 4912 on Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety, what recent progress he has made on the Ajax programme; and what the outcome was of the IEPR.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 June 2026, to Question 4912, which remains extant.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to address variation in the proportion of people with multiple sclerosis starting a high-efficacy disease modifying therapy.

Answered by Sharon Hodgson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises that there is geographical variation in England in the proportion of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are started on high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMDs) and is committed to improving equitable access to the most appropriate treatments in line with clinical need.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence provides evidence-based guidance on the use of DMDs for MS, including both high-efficacy and escalation approaches, to support clinicians and commissioners in making treatment decisions. NHS England’s treatment algorithm for MS DMDs provides a framework to aid decision-making for MS specialists and patients, to help reduce excessive variation in practice, and to ensure safe and effective prescribing. NHS England is also supporting improvement through programmes such as Getting It Right First Time, which help identify unwarranted variation and promote best practice across systems.

In addition, national audit and data collections, including the UK MS Register, provide insights into treatment patterns and outcomes, supporting clinicians and systems to benchmark performance and drive improvement.

Through these combined measures, the Department and NHS England are working to reduce unwarranted variation and ensure that people with MS are able to access the most appropriate therapies for their condition, based on clinical evidence and individual circumstances.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of of 8 June 2026 to question 4902 on Military Aircraft: Fuels, by when he plans to write regarding the requested information.

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

The requested information is now available and is given below.

The Ministry of Defence does not undertake the blending of SAF with conventional jet fuel; therefore, the current impact on the services is negligible. The fuel used at Main Operating Bases is pre-blended and subsequently supplied by Exolum as a completed and certified product. Whether there is a logistical burden on the armed services as the mandated percentage increases, and there is a requirement to assess the suitability of legacy refuelling vehicles and storage mediums for SAF would require further analysis.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry to the Hon. Member for Huntingdon during the Urgent Question on the Defence Investment Plan on 10 June 2026, by when will he write to the Hon. Member detailing the number of MOD contracts a) cancelled or b) allowed to expire since 1 April 2026.

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

Since 1 April 2026, 0 Ministry of Defence procurement contracts have been cancelled. Data relating to the number of contracts delayed or renegotiated is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost and not within the requested timescale.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 4 June 2026 to question 1023 on HMS Bulwark: Repairs and Maintenance, what progress he has made in identifying a vendor for the purchase of HMS Bulwark.

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

A vendor has been secured and a final announcement will be made shortly.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 8 June 2026 to Question 4885 on Transport: Global Navigation Satellite Systems, by when will she have assessed the options for access to a Satellite Based Augmentation System.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department will undertake a review of the transport case and the practicalities of gaining access to a Satellite Based Augmentation System, principally the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS). This work will be carried out in 2026 with the aim of enabling a decision to be made by the end of the year on whether to seek to rejoin the EGNOS programme.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 5064 on Public Houses: Codes of Practice, by what date will she set out further conclusions.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

As set out in the answer of 8 June 2026 to Question 5064, the department continues to consider evidence on beer market access as part of a broader and ongoing process. Given the complexity of the issues involved, including the need to balance the interests of pub‑owning businesses, tenants and consumers, Ministers are carefully assessing the available evidence before setting out further conclusions.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many L129A1 Sharpshooter Rifles have been (a) lost and (b) stolen since 5 July 2024.

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

The security of small arms is taken very seriously within the MOD, and we have robust procedures in place to deter, detect and prevent loss and theft which are constantly reviewed.

Given the frequency and dynamic nature of military training, exercises and operations it is impossible to mitigate against all risk of loss. When losses of small arms are identified, a search will be conducted, and the loss is reported upwards. All losses and thefts of small arms are investigated, in partnership with Ministry of Defence Police, Service Police and Home Office Police Forces as appropriate.

The table below details MOD small arms lost, stolen and recovered from 2021-2026. This includes from military establishments, ranges, training areas and on operations.

Most of these figures have already been published by the MOD.

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many SA80 rifles have been (a) lost and (b) stolen since 5 July 2024.

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

The security of small arms is taken very seriously within the MOD, and we have robust procedures in place to deter, detect and prevent loss and theft which are constantly reviewed.

Given the frequency and dynamic nature of military training, exercises and operations it is impossible to mitigate against all risk of loss. When losses of small arms are identified, a search will be conducted, and the loss is reported upwards. All losses and thefts of small arms are investigated, in partnership with Ministry of Defence Police, Service Police and Home Office Police Forces as appropriate.

The table below details MOD small arms lost, stolen and recovered from 2021-2026. This includes from military establishments, ranges, training areas and on operations.

Most of these figures have already been published by the MOD.

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason have Royal Air Force F-35B Lighting IIs ZM177 and ZM179 been at Lajes International Airport since 9th March 2026.

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

As set out in my reply to the hon. Member's question in the Commons the aircraft are now in the UK. Issues relating to the platforms have been resolved. It is not common practice to reveal those issues in the public domain as I am sure the hon. Member will understand.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Committee of Public Accounts Fifth Report of Session 2026-27 (HC95), paragraph 2, for what reason did the department not have adequate accounting records in relation to audit evidence that £6.1 billion of assets under construction had been classified correctly.

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

The Department did not maintain appropriate accounting records to support the classification of £6.1 billion of AWE assets under construction due to inadequate legacy record-keeping. Many of these costs are historic, some dating back to 15 years old, and were capitalised by the Department as infrastructure, but not subject to regular review to confirm their validity or current value.

Strengthened governance and review processes are now in place to ensure this expenditure is appropriately assessed, consistently classified, and aligned to correct accounting standards.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 4 June 2026 to question 1023 on HMS Bulwark: Repairs and Maintenance, by when the regeneration of HMS Bulwark will be completed.

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

The regeneration of HMS Bulwark is expected to complete this year.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 May 2026 to Question 3018 on Air Ambulance Services: EGNOS, whether her Department has commenced negotiations with the European Union to rejoin the EGNOS programme.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department will undertake a review of the transport case and the practicalities of rejoining the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS). This work will be carried out in 2026 with the aim of enabling a decision to be made by the end of the year on whether to seek to rejoin the EGNOS programme. Any detailed negotiations with the European Union would be subject to the outcome of the review.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, on what date the beer market access review was published.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

As set out in the answer of 8 June 2026 to Question 5064, the department continues to consider evidence on beer market access as part of a broader and ongoing process. Given the complexity of the issues involved, including the need to balance the interests of pub‑owning businesses, tenants and consumers, Ministers are carefully assessing the available evidence before setting out further conclusions.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK military firearms have been a) lost and b) stolen and not recovered in the last five years by year and weapon type.

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

The security of small arms is taken very seriously within the MOD, and we have robust procedures in place to deter, detect and prevent loss and theft which are constantly reviewed.

Given the frequency and dynamic nature of military training, exercises and operations it is impossible to mitigate against all risk of loss. When losses of small arms are identified, a search will be conducted, and the loss is reported upwards. All losses and thefts of small arms are investigated, in partnership with Ministry of Defence Police, Service Police and Home Office Police Forces as appropriate.

The table below details MOD small arms lost, stolen and recovered from 2021-2026. This includes from military establishments, ranges, training areas and on operations.

Most of these figures have already been published by the MOD.

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many a) lost and b) stolen UK military firearms have been recovered in the last five years by year and weapon type.

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

The security of small arms is taken very seriously within the MOD, and we have robust procedures in place to deter, detect and prevent loss and theft which are constantly reviewed.

Given the frequency and dynamic nature of military training, exercises and operations it is impossible to mitigate against all risk of loss. When losses of small arms are identified, a search will be conducted, and the loss is reported upwards. All losses and thefts of small arms are investigated, in partnership with Ministry of Defence Police, Service Police and Home Office Police Forces as appropriate.

The table below details MOD small arms lost, stolen and recovered from 2021-2026. This includes from military establishments, ranges, training areas and on operations.

Most of these figures have already been published by the MOD.

2026

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2026 to Question 1023 on HMS Bulwark: Repairs and Maintenance, what the projected net return for his Department is of the sale of HMS Bulwark.

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

HMS BULWARK is currently in HMNB Devonport undergoing regeneration. Regeneration costs are not yet confirmed and will be announced in due course. The cost of generating her will be offset by any agreed sales figure which we expect will represent a net return for the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Committee of Public Accounts Fifth Report of Session 2026-27 (HC95), paragraph 11, what are the nine DNE programmes have whole-life costs of more than £10 billion.

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

The following nine Defence Nuclear Enterprise programmes have whole-life costs exceeding £10 billion:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the scope of the Army Warfighting Experiment.

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

The Army Warfighting Experiment is a continuous programme that tests and develops emerging military technologies and warfighting concepts. It brings together industry and military partners to evaluate capabilities to enhance operation effectiveness and inform future capability development.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what date is the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme due to deliver its key milestones.

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

Detailed delivery timelines for the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme remain in development.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, how will the Royal Navy be able to integrate payloads from the US and Australia.

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

The AUKUS Pillar 2 signature project will enable the Royal Navy to integrate payloads from the United States and Australia through the development of interoperable systems for uncrewed underwater vehicles. The AUKUS partners will agree interface standards upfront to ensure payloads are designed from the outset to be interoperable and capable of integration across allied platforms.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when will he publish the board of enquiry report into the crash of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 in the English Channel on 4 September 2024.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The Defence Safety Authority Service Inquiry into the loss of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 on 4 September 2024 is nearing completion and will be published as soon as practicable.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2026 to Question 3663 on Liquefied Natural Gas: Russia, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the general trade licences for refined oil and liquid natural gas on the level of (a) (i) targeted and (ii) temporary flexibility to safeguard UK energy supply and (b) global market stability.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

On 20 May 2026, the UK introduced new sanctions to further target Russian revenues and degrade its ability to wage its illegal war in Ukraine. Alongside these measures, general trade licences for refined oil and liquid natural gas (LNG) were issued to ensure a managed and phased implementation of complex restrictions. We will continue to assess the energy market and maintain communication with industry.

I committed to fortnightly review of these licences, which will expire on 1 January 2027. This review will consider the impact of the licences on UK energy supply and global markets.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 29 May 2026 to Question 3026 on Men, if he will list the key sector partners he plans to invite to the National Summit on Men and Boys.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Prime Minister committed to holding a National Summit on Men and Boys in 2026 to bring together key sector partners and Government, to raise awareness and develop plans to tackle issues facing Men and Boys. He asked the Deputy Prime Minister to lead this work.

By convening Departments and partners under the Deputy Prime Minister’s leadership, we can ensure a joined-up approach that delivers meaningful, measurable impact.

We have not yet set an invitation list for the Men and Boys Summit but will be seeking to convene a wide range of stakeholders – including from businesses, charities, and other relevant organisations.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the National Security Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World, CP1338, published on 24 June 2025, what progress she has made in enhancing collaboration with Canada on AI.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The UK is pleased to collaborate with a number of international partners through bilateral and multilateral activity, including Canada. The UK and Canada share common values and are working together to promote the safe, secure and responsible development of AI. This includes collaboration between the UK's AI Security Institute and Canada's AI Safety Institute, as well as furthering cooperation on supercomputing. In December 2025, building upon 2024's Compute MoU, the UK and Canada agreed a partnership between the UK's National Supercomputing Centre, based at the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre, and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, which will advance the delivery of large-scale compute for research.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential benefit to the UK of joining the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The UK announced that it is exploring setting up the Multilateral Defence Mechanism with Finland, the Netherlands and other partners by 2027. This will be designed to improve value for money and increase standardisation in the defence sector through joint procurement. It will enhance collaboration among allies and improve interoperability. It will aim to increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most and aim to support a more resilient and efficient defence industrial sector, underpinned by more certainty of orders from aggregated demand through joint procurement from its members.

The Chancellor regularly discusses with NATO allies the need to meet the challenge jointly of increasing expenditure on our defence and resilience.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussion has she has had with NATO-Partner countries on membership of the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The UK announced that it is exploring setting up the Multilateral Defence Mechanism with Finland, the Netherlands and other partners by 2027. This will be designed to improve value for money and increase standardisation in the defence sector through joint procurement. It will enhance collaboration among allies and improve interoperability. It will aim to increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most and aim to support a more resilient and efficient defence industrial sector, underpinned by more certainty of orders from aggregated demand through joint procurement from its members.

The Chancellor regularly discusses with NATO allies the need to meet the challenge jointly of increasing expenditure on our defence and resilience.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice, 2026/S 000-050599, published on 29 May 2026, what National Policing functions under the Metropolitan Police Service use a) .300BLK supersonic and b) .300BLK subsonic.

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

The Home Office does not hold information on the specific firearms and ammunition held by the Metropolitan Police Service. Decisions about the types of firearms and ammunition used by police forces are operational matters for forces’ chief officers.

Chief officer procurement decisions are informed by operational requirements and individual forces’ strategic threat and risk assessments.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice, 2026/S 000-050599 published on 29 May 2026, what firearms does the Metropolitan Police Service hold chambered in .300BLK.

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

The Home Office does not hold information on the specific firearms and ammunition held by the Metropolitan Police Service. Decisions about the types of firearms and ammunition used by police forces are operational matters for forces’ chief officers.

Chief officer procurement decisions are informed by operational requirements and individual forces’ strategic threat and risk assessments.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2026 to Question 2959 on Shipping: Russia, which specific articles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea have been used by the Royal Navy to justify conducting maritime interdiction operations since 2000.

Answered by Al Carns

The Royal Navy (RN) supports enforcement bodies in their maritime interdiction operations in accordance with the United Kingdom’s obligations and rights under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It does not rely on a single provision, but on the relevant article depending on the circumstances of each operation.

The articles most commonly used in interdiction operations by the RN are UNCLOS Article 110(1)(a) and UNCLOS Article 110(1)(d).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, what are the first capabilities expected to be in service by 2027.

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

The first capabilities expected to be in service by 2027 will focus on rapidly deployable, interoperable payloads that deliver immediate operational benefit.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the answer of 1 June 2026 to question 3663 on Liquefied Natural Gas: Russia, what specific Russian LNG has been permitted for maritime transportation on the spot market.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The LNG maritime services ban licence temporarily authorises UK service provision in relation to spot market trade (under contracts of less than a year) from Russian LNG projects Sakhalin-2 and Yamal until 1 January 2027. The licence does not authorise any activities not described in the licence that would otherwise be prohibited under the Russia Regulations. Any person who does not comply with the conditions of the licence may be committing an offence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 28 May 2026 to question 2968 on Defence: Space Technology, which EU member states is his department exploring opportunities for engagement with.

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

The UK frequently explores opportunities for engagement with EU Members States on space security. This includes engagement with France, Germany and Italy through the Combined Space Operations Initiative and Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender. This approach enables joint capability development and supports a stronger European contribution to space security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out the (a) Royal Navy and (b) RAF's commitments to the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative.

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

As a leading European Carrier Strike nation, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force play a key role in the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative, contributing to multinational efforts that strengthen interoperability and enable more effective and rapid integration of multinational Carrier Strike Groups when required.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will set out which month in 2026 he will publish the Energy Resilience Strategy.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government is working closely with industry, the National Energy System Operator, and the regulator to develop the Energy Resilience Strategy to ensure it is comprehensive, robust and reflects the full range of risks and opportunities facing the energy system. We expect to publish the strategy in Autumn 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the UK's NATO Force Model contributions of the decision by the US of rightsizing its own contributions, as announced at NATO headquarters in Brussels on 22 May 2026.

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

We welcome the US’s briefing which enables NATO Allies to plan and sequence the shift as part of greater European burden sharing.

The UK is a fully committed Ally; we offer almost all our Armed Forces and significant capability contributions to NATO. Currently, the UK Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the North Atlantic and High North, working with NATO Allies to deter Russian threats.

We are working with the US to ensure all Allies are contributing fairly through NATO Force Sourcing processes, and we remain committed to working with Allies to strengthen NATO by ensuring Europe is more capable, more resilient, and better able to shoulder the Alliance’s shared security burdens.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what are the seven mission sets for the UK Lightning Force.

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

The United Kingdom aligns its multi‑role aircraft with NATO air doctrine as set out in the Allied Joint Doctrine for Air and Space Operations (AJP-3.3).

Within this framework, air power is organised into seven core tactical mission sets:

1. Offensive Counter‑Air
2. Defensive Counter‑Air
3. Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defences
4. Air Interdiction
5. Close Air Support
6. Tactical Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare
7. Strategic Attack

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 1 June 2026 to Question 3663 on Liquefied Natural Gas: Russia, by what date he plans to (a) amend, (b) suspend and (c) revoke the licences.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

As he will see from the statutory instrument, the general trade licence for the maritime transportation of liquefied natural gas, under contracts with a duration of one year or less, will expire on 1 January 2027, although it can be varied, revoked or suspended at any time at the discretion of the Secretary of State. We are keeping it under fortnightly review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many procurement contracts have been (a) cancelled, (b) delayed or (c) renegotiated by his department since 1 April 2026.

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

Since 1 April 2026, zero Ministry of Defence procurement contracts have been cancelled.

Data relating to the number of contracts delayed or renegotiated 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, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 5082 on Antitank Missiles: Procurement, how many Lightweight Command Launch Units have been ordered; and whether they will replace all of the current Command Launch Units held.

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

The UK’s existing Javelin Command Launch units will be gradually phased out, to be replaced by the new Lightweight Command Launch Unit. Javelin capability will be maintained by a mixed fleet during this transition. As I am certain the hon. Member will understand I am withholding further detail on fleet composition due to operational and national security sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026 to question 106284 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Decommissioning, what progress he has made on identifying a vehicle platform to replace Stormer.

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

As he will know the long-term replacement for Stormer is under consideration as part of the Heavy Protected Mobility (PM) sub-programme, within the Land Mobility Programme.

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in delivering a short take-off and landing, jet powered Autonomous Collaborative Platform capable of operating from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier via Project VANQUISH.

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

Progress on Project VANQUISH is focused on feasibility, industry engagement, and option development ahead of any acquisition decisions. While investment decisions remain subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan, the Royal Navy, working with industry, intends to conduct an embarked demonstration of an uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier within the next 18 months.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3445 on Electric Vehicles: Charging Points, how many charge points will be in Huntingdon constituency.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

As of 1 April 2026, there are at least 300 public charge points in Huntingdonshire.

The Government expects most charge points to be delivered by the private sector, which has announced £6 billion of investment in charging infrastructure by 2030.

The Huntingdon constituency will also benefit from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s over £6 million allocation from the Government’s £480 million Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The Combined Authority is currently undertaking procurement of charge points. This will help attract private investment and expand local charging infrastructure, particularly for those without access to off-street parking.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 29 May 2026 to Auestion 3018 on Air Ambulance Services: EGNOS, what is her Department's timetable for the completion of the review of the (a) case and (b) viability of rejoining the EGNOS programme.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The department will undertake a comprehensive review of the transport case and practicalities for rejoining the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS). This work will be carried out in 2026 with the aim that a decision can be taken by the end of the year on whether to seek to rejoin the EGNOS programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 June 2026 to question 4921 on Reserve Forces, by when he will have assessed the feasibility of developing a new force modelled on the Reserves which connects local communities with Defence.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

On SDR recommendation 27, MOD is developing options for the protection of critical national infrastructure in the event of crisis or conflict, including exploring the development of a new force that is modelled on the Reserves and connects local communities with Defence. We remain on track to present plans to the Secretary of State by December 2026 and will provide public updates in due course.

Energy Conservation

Found: Labour, Coatbridge and Bellshill) (added 16 Dec 2024; removed 27 Oct 2025) 26 of 34 (76.5%) Ben Obese-Jecty

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department remains committed to the acquisition of 12 additional F-35A aircraft.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 10 June 2026 to Question 6574.