Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many designated immigration officers are there within Border Force.

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

Border Force operates a flexible resourcing model, regularly assessing operational needs and deploying staff dynamically in response to passenger volumes and security requirements. Maintaining the security and efficiency of the UK border remains a top priority, and we continue to allocate resources accordingly to ensure the smooth flow of passengers and goods.

The total number of people employed by Border Force is routinely published within the annual Home Office annual reports and accounts, available at Home Office annual reports and accounts.

Home Office annual reports and accounts - GOV.UK

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department plans to take to help support defence organisations to meet their obligations under the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Al Carns) on 16 July 2025 to Question 65995 to the hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Sorcha Eastwood).

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-07-08/65995

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to question 109652 on Artificial Intelligence, what progress she has made on scaling onshore compute.

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

Compute is a critical enabler for AI development and scientific research. This Government is committed to scaling this essential infrastructure to accelerate innovation, drive economic growth and better support our public services.

We are investing up to £2 billion in public compute through to 2030. This will deliver a new national supercomputer in Edinburgh and expand our AI Research Resource twentyfold by 2030 providing free access to compute for researchers, SMEs and the public sector.

The UK has also established five AI Growth Zones, including the Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone, announced this January. We will continue to work with these zones to secure them as the UK's AI powerhouses, as well as identifying new sites around the UK with the potential to become AI Growth Zones.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much is projected a) overall and b) core spending on defence in i) 2025/26, ii) 2026/27 and iii) 2027/28.

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

The Department does not routinely publish forecast figures. The Government is committed to defence spending reaching 2.6% of GDP in 2027 and is on track to do so.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions her Department had with the Ministry of Defence prior to the approval of the Afghan Response Route; and when they occurred.

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

The Afghanistan Response Route (ARR) was launched in April 2024 in response to a data incident by the Ministry of Defence. The scheme was launched by the last Government following appropriate discussions and collective agreement.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Afghan Response Route was approved by her Department.

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

The Afghanistan Response Route (ARR) was launched in April 2024 in response to a data incident by the Ministry of Defence. The scheme was launched by the last Government following appropriate discussions and collective agreement.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 37 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, whether the estimated cost of the 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections excluded the cost of the accompanying local elections.

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

The estimated cost of the 2024 Police and Crime Commissioner elections excluded the cost of the accompanying local elections, as those are met by the respective local authorities.

While the final cost of the 2024 PCC elections will not be known until all the claims have been reviewed and settled, the total estimated cost as set out in the relevant Charges Order was £87m.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, what the (a) minimum and (b) maximum size will be for each of the new forces.

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

The Police Reform White Paper, published on 26 January 2026, set out an ambition to significantly reduce the number of police forces across England and Wales by the end of next Parliament.

We will imminently launch an Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum number and configuration of forces. The specific end-state of policing will be informed by the Independent Review which is due to report in summer.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 14 January 2026 to Question 103530 on Firearms: Licensing, what discussions her Department has had with Hertfordshire Constabulary on reducing the time taken to renew shotgun licences in the tri-force area of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

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

The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. Hertfordshire Constabulary works with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Bedfordshire Police r as part of a tripartite arrangement intended to provide a firearms licensing service across the three police force areas. The arrangements are led by Hertfordshire Constabulary and report to the Chief Constables of all three forces.

The Chief Constables of the three forces received an accelerated cause of concern notice from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on 9 January 2026 relating to the management of firearms licensing across the three forces. As a result of the notice, the forces have been required to make changes to improve the situation and to report back to HMICFRS. The Government expects to see an improvement in performance.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 35 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, which police forces will transfer to the authority of (a) Strategic Authority Mayors and (b) Policing and Crime Boards.

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

The Government committed in the English Devolution White Paper to transfer Police and Crime Commissioner functions to mayors of strategic authorities by default, wherever possible. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently before Parliament, contains provisions 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.

In all other areas, Policing and Crime Boards will be established in May 2028 at the abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner model.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 41 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, what is meant by a pathfinder merger.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament. This included a commitment to explore opportunities to undertake pathfinder mergers by the end of this Parliament.

A pathfinder merger would take place with the support of local forces and make progress towards the proposed end state of regional forces across England and Wales.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 40 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, which central bodies will be replaced with the National Police Service.

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

The White Paper “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” sets out which central bodies are planned to be replaced by the National Police Service.

Further details will be set out in the legislation to create the National Police Service.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has she made of the potential implications for her policies of the provisional measures order from the International Court of Justice regarding the Chagos Islands.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Questions 114799 and 114800.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 111941.

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

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's question. The question was answered on 2 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many emails classified as (a) OFFICIAL, (b) OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE and (c) SECRET and above were sent to the Inter Mediate email address of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, in relation to the Chagos Islands, prior to his appointment to the position of PM’s Envoy for the British Indian Ocean Territory sovereignty negotiations.

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

Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many meetings has National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell attended with the Government of Mauritius, including in the period he spent working with her Department prior to the commencement of his appointment as a Special Envoy, regarding the Chagos Islands.

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

Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the National Security Advisor first received any (a) email and (b) other digital communications from her Department on the British Indian Ocean Territory prior to his commencement of the role as Special Envoy.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the first meeting with the Government of Mauritius, after 5th July 2024, attended by National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell in association with her department.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 62 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, how frequently will performance data from the Police Performance Dashboard be published.

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

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.

As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.

The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26^th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance Framework

Within this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.

We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.

I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will implement a new Police Performance Framework.

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

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.

As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.

The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26^th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance Framework

Within this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.

We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.

I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 62 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when will the Police Performance Dashboard be introduced.

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

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.

As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.

The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26^th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance Framework

Within this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.

We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.

I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will establish new policing guarantees.

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

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.

As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.

The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26^th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance Framework

Within this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.

We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.

I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Solicitor General, if the Attorney General whether he provided advice to (a) the Prime Minister and (b) the Secretary of State for Local Government on the original decision to cancel local elections in May 2026.

Answered by Ellie Reeves - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

By long standing convention, whether the Law Officers have been asked to provide advice, and the contents of any such advice, is not disclosed outside Government.

This convention protects the Law Officers’ ability as chief legal advisers to the Government to give full and frank legal advice and provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 43 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, what her planned timetable is for appointing an independent chair to conduct the Independent Review of Force Structures.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambitious package of reform, including an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament.

We will imminently launch the Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum configuration of fewer, larger forces, and the timetable for implementation.

We plan to publish the Terms of reference alongside the announcement of the Chair in the coming weeks. The Review is expected to report its findings by summer.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 44 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will publish the terms of reference for the Independent Review of Force Structures.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambitious package of reform, including an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament.

We will imminently launch the Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum configuration of fewer, larger forces, and the timetable for implementation.

We plan to publish the Terms of reference alongside the announcement of the Chair in the coming weeks. The Review is expected to report its findings by summer.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 41 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, when she plans to stand up an independent review of force structures.

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

The Police Reform White Paper set out an ambitious package of reform, including an ambition to move to fewer, larger forces by the end of next parliament.

We will imminently launch the Independent Review of Police Force Structures, which will make recommendations on the optimum configuration of fewer, larger forces, and the timetable for implementation.

We plan to publish the Terms of reference alongside the announcement of the Chair in the coming weeks. The Review is expected to report its findings by summer.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 43 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, whether Members of Parliament will be included within the scope of policing stakeholders.

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

We expect the Independent Review of Police Structures to engage extensively with a wide range of stakeholders to make recommendations on the optimum size and configuration of forces as well as their governance and accountability arrangements.

We expect that it will draw on the expertise and experience of a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to frontline officers, policing leaders and other representative bodies. We will expect the Chair of the Review to consider how to most appropriately engage with Members of Parliament, including engaging appropriate Ministers, shadow Ministers and Select Committees.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 43 of the policy paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP 1489, who the policing stakeholders are who will co-design the geographies.

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

We expect the Independent Review of Police Structures to engage extensively with a wide range of stakeholders to make recommendations on the optimum size and configuration of forces as well as their governance and accountability arrangements.

We expect that it will draw on the expertise and experience of a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited to frontline officers, policing leaders and other representative bodies. We will expect the Chair of the Review to consider how to most appropriately engage with Members of Parliament, including engaging appropriate Ministers, shadow Ministers and Select Committees.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she plans to establish the Home Office Police Performance Improvement Unit.

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

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.

As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.

The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26^th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance Framework

Within this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.

We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.

I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 61 of her Department's policy paper entitled From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, published on 26 January 2026, CP1489, when she will introduce a new tiered performance system.

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

The White Paper entitled “From Local to National: A New Model for Policing” contained announcements on the tiered performance system, the Police Performance Framework and the Police Performance Dashboard.

As part of the new performance system announced in the White Paper, we committed to launching a Police Performance Monitoring Group which will decide on where a force is placed within the tiering system. The new assessment and monitoring process will formally launch from April 2026, operating on a tri-annual cycle.

The Police Performance Framework was launched on the same day as the publication of the Home Office White Paper (26^th January). A link to the framework can be found here - Police Performance Framework

Within this document, we confirm that an initial Police Performance Dashboard will be introduced for the sector early in 2026. This will initially cover headline measures within the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee Performance Framework, but we will expand the dashboard iteratively to cover the breadth of the Performance Framework.

We also confirm in the Framework document that we will establish new Local Policing Guarantees that set out the minimum levels of service the public should expect to receive from their police force wherever in England and Wales they live by building on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. These guarantees will cover areas such as how the police will rapidly and effectively respond when the public need them, how victims of crime will be treated in accordance with the Victims’ Code of Practice and public protection.

I also refer the Honourable Gentleman to the answer which I gave to his question on 16 February 2026 (UIN 110965).

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many individuals arrived from Afghanistan to the UK between 25 October 2022 and 6 December 2023.

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

The Home Office publishes data on resettlement as part of the Immigration System Statistics quarterly release. Data on refugees resettled under the Afghan Resettlement Program is published in table Res_D02 of the resettlement detailed datasets. The latest data is available up to the end of December 2025.The latest data is available up to the end of December 2025.

The Immigration system statistics release also includes data on grants of entry clearance visas and arrivals by illegal entry routes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress has she made in building the new British Embassy in Beijing.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the response to Question 22931 on 16 January 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring the Leonardo Proteus helicopter.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 101435 provided on 8 January 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 11 February 2026 to question 111279 on Thatched Roofing, what steps is she taking to increase the number of thatching-straw growers in the UK.

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

Agricultural policy is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery. This includes the Government's Paludiculture Exploration Fund, which has been exploring opportunities to support multi-functional crops on rewetted lowland peatlands. One of the twelve trials, the Broads Authority's "FibreBroads", funded a series of workstreams including fibre products for building materials such as reed for thatch, as well as fibreboards and acoustic panels from other wetland crops.

DCMS supports thatching-straw growers through the work of Historic England, Government statutory advisors on the historic environment and arms length body of DCMS. Historic England is hosting a thatching-straw growers’ workshop on 11 March 2026, in Marlborough Wiltshire. The event is aimed at thatch straw growers, and will be a unique opportunity for them to meet one another, share knowledge, and hear updates from Historic England on the work being done to support the production of thatching straw. If you wish to find out more about the event and related issues you can contact the National Specialist Services Team at Historic England on nationalspecialistservices@historicengland.org.uk.

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 11 February 2026 to Question 111279 on Thatched Roofing, what is the date and location of the April 2026 thatching-straw growers workshop.

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

Agricultural policy is the responsibility of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Government has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery. This includes the Government's Paludiculture Exploration Fund, which has been exploring opportunities to support multi-functional crops on rewetted lowland peatlands. One of the twelve trials, the Broads Authority's "FibreBroads", funded a series of workstreams including fibre products for building materials such as reed for thatch, as well as fibreboards and acoustic panels from other wetland crops.

DCMS supports thatching-straw growers through the work of Historic England, Government statutory advisors on the historic environment and arms length body of DCMS. Historic England is hosting a thatching-straw growers’ workshop on 11 March 2026, in Marlborough Wiltshire. The event is aimed at thatch straw growers, and will be a unique opportunity for them to meet one another, share knowledge, and hear updates from Historic England on the work being done to support the production of thatching straw. If you wish to find out more about the event and related issues you can contact the National Specialist Services Team at Historic England on nationalspecialistservices@historicengland.org.uk.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of all central commands being led by the United States on NATO operations.

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

While the US will now command all of the Theatre Component Commands (TCC), the UK and other European allies will hold the respective Deputy Commander positions on rotation. This will give the UK insight and influence at these central commands.

By focusing on the Component Commands, the US have ceded 4* command of the Joint Force Commands (JFC), which control operations in their respective areas of operations. This will allow greater 4* representation for the largest Allies and enables burden shifting to European nations, with the UK taking command of JFC Norfolk.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK taking command of Joint Force Command Norfolk on the UK's role as lead nation within the Joint Expeditionary Force.

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

The UK taking command of Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk will not impact the UK’s role as Framework Nation within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the role of UK-based (a) manufacturing, (b) testing and (c) assurance activities under Project GRAYBURN.

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

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.

There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.

With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what definition his Department uses of export potential in the context of Project GRAYBURN.

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

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.

There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.

With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by what date SONUS acoustic weapon detection will be issued to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.

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

The SONUS system is an Acoustic Weapon Locating capability and part of a wider programme which is delivering the next generation of Weapon Locating Systems.

The first SONUS equipment delivery date has been accelerated and is now currently scheduled for early 2026, five years earlier than planned. This equipment will be issued to 5^th Regiment Royal Artillery for use in training and User Acceptance Trials. Full Deployable Capability is forecast for early 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on delivering Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems.

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

Over the past three years, the Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems project has delivered a range of enhanced capabilities to the UK's Armed Forces which are now in service on systems including Heavy Machine Gun, Grenade Machine Gun, and General-Purpose Machine Gun. Further work is ongoing through a Surveillance and Target Acquisition framework to enable the wider rollout of capabilities across Front Line Command support weapon systems.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Queen Elizabeth will be seaworthy.

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

HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry dock in Rosyth on 29 August 2025 to undertake planned maintenance. Information relating to the maintenance status and movements of warships are not published to avoid compromising operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry-dock.

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

HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry dock in Rosyth on 29 August 2025 to undertake planned maintenance. Information relating to the maintenance status and movements of warships are not published to avoid compromising operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of replacing the Royal Navy’s Automated Small Calibre Gun.

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

The Automated Small Calibre Gun (ASCG) continues to provide a reliable, stabilised, and remotely‑operated capability for close‑in defence across a range of Royal Navy (RN) platforms. As part of routine capability planning, the RN is assessing future requirements for shipborne small‑calibre weapons, including potential enhancements to sensors, fire‑control systems, and lethality.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the ability of Defence Equipment and Support to incorporate a UK sovereign component into all upcoming body armour procurement programmes.

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

Defence Equipment & Support works within operative procurement rules and frameworks, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the Land Industrial Strategy, which encourage compliant bids from UK suppliers in the delivery of Defence equipment programmes, including body armour.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what Chinese made electric vehicles are currently leased by his Department through the Phoenix II white fleet contract.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle) on 29 April 2025 to Question 45896 to the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Alicia Kearns).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the ability of Defence Equipment and Support to incorporate a (a) UK manufacturing and (b) Land Industrial Strategy components into all procurement programmes.

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

Defence Equipment & Support works within operative procurement rules and frameworks, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the Land Industrial Strategy, which encourage compliant bids from UK suppliers in the delivery of Defence equipment programmes, including body armour.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Maritime Fighting Web is part of the Digital Targeting Web.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Question 112332 on 18 February 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring the Lockheed Martin Lamprey Multi-Mission Autonomous Undersea Vehicle.

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

The Department keeps under review the potential operational benefits of emerging autonomous maritime systems, including autonomous undersea vehicles, as part of wider capability development.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the delivery date is of Project Shrinker.

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

I would like to refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 5 November 2025 to Question 85996.

Owing to reasons of operational security, as I hope the hon. Member will understand, I cannot provide any further details on Project Shrinker.

Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Solicitor General, on how many occasions the Attorney General held discussions with Dapo Akande on the Chagos Islands.

Answered by Ellie Reeves - Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)

The Attorney General has never engaged in discussion with Dapo Akande on the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of the 10% Wear and Tear allowance on childminders transitioning to Making Tax Digital.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Childminders make a significant contribution to children’s development, learning, and wellbeing. The Government has eased rules on working from schools and community centres and increased early years funding rates above 2023 average fees. These increases reflect increased costs, and from April 2026, local authorities must pass at least 97 per cent of funding to providers.

Only a small proportion of childminders with qualifying income over £50,000 will be mandated into Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax from April 2026. Childminders moving to MTD for income tax can continue to claim tax relief for household costs, wear and tear of household items and furniture, and food and drink, by deducting actual business costs. This ensures childminders receive tax relief for all of the costs that they incur in relation to their childminding business.

The Government will monitor the impact of MTD for income tax on childminders and other home-based childcare providers in the same way as it will for all sole traders moving to MTD for income tax.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what decision framework is being used to assess potential future calibre changes within Project Grayburn.

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

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.

There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.

With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2026 to question 111268 on Ministry of Defence: Redundancy, how many civil service redundancies within his Department he plans to achieve through a) the targeted voluntary exit scheme and b) additional redundancies.

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

Applications for the voluntary exit scheme closed on 23 January 2026.

This is not a redundancy process but provides eligible employees with the opportunity to leave the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on a voluntary basis. The scheme is targeted at specific in-scope groups, based on future organisational needs, protecting areas of growth and retaining skills and talent.

As stated in my response to Question 111268, this exercise is ongoing and the number of exits will not be known until later in the year.

The Ministry of Defence will look to avoid redundancies wherever possible. If this becomes unavoidable, this will follow full and meaningful consultation with affected employees and Trade Unions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the UK contribution is to Operation Firecrest.

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

Operation FIRECREST will be delivered by the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales.

I am unable to provide further detail of Operation FIRECREST in order to maintain the Operational Security of His Majesty's Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2026 to question 111268 on Ministry of Defence: Redundancy, when the targeted voluntary exit scheme launched on 6 January 2026 will close.

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

Applications for the voluntary exit scheme closed on 23 January 2026.

This is not a redundancy process but provides eligible employees with the opportunity to leave the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on a voluntary basis. The scheme is targeted at specific in-scope groups, based on future organisational needs, protecting areas of growth and retaining skills and talent.

As stated in my response to Question 111268, this exercise is ongoing and the number of exits will not be known until later in the year.

The Ministry of Defence will look to avoid redundancies wherever possible. If this becomes unavoidable, this will follow full and meaningful consultation with affected employees and Trade Unions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, which Parachute Regiment battalion the single battalion group will be based upon.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to his Question 79685 on 17 October 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what United States Marine Corps aviation assets will operate from HMS Prince of Wales during Operation Firecrest.

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

Operation FIRECREST will be delivered by the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales.

I am unable to provide further detail of Operation FIRECREST in order to maintain the Operational Security of His Majesty's Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Operation Firecrest will a) commence and b) end.

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

Operation FIRECREST will be delivered by the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales.

I am unable to provide further detail of Operation FIRECREST in order to maintain the Operational Security of His Majesty's Armed Forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many contracts have been awarded to Leonardo since 1 January 2026; and what the whole life value of those contracts is.

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

The Department has awarded two contracts to Leonardo, both commencing after 1 January 2026, with current total values of £4,795,802 and £24,963,000.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the medical discharge process on (a) financial, (b) housing and (c) wellbeing outcomes for Service families.

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

Tri-Service Medical Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950) sets out the standards and guidance for assessing medical conditions across the Armed Forces. Whilst JSP 950 provides consistency across the Services in terms of procedures and governance, each Service applies these standards according to its own operational demands given that personnel may find themselves subject to significantly different environments and roles. This includes medical boards which have the authority to recommend medical categories that may result in a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises that discharge for medical reasons can have implications for financial stability, housing, and wellbeing. The discharge process is therefore designed to mitigate these risks through coordinated case management, warm handovers to civilian services, and the provision of compensation where eligible, based on a structured timeline of actions commencing nine months prior. Actions include final medical and dental reviews, resettlement interviews, pension and administrative preparation, and tailored support for those who are wounded, injured, or sick.

All personnel discharged for medical reasons are automatically referred to Veterans Services to ensure that they and their families can continue to access tailored support with health, housing, employment, and welfare as they transition into civilian life. Feeback is collected from those using Veterans Services, as well as the Career Transition Partnership, both of which routinely capture insight on the challenges encountered during discharge and subsequent transition to civilian life.

This feedback informs continuous improvement work within both Defence medical pathways and transition policy. We recognise the need to develop a cohered Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and processes, improve patient experience, and better support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. The new Joint Defence Termination check list, being created in conjunction with the single Services aims, in particular, to protect those leaving Service earlier than they expected by ensuring all safeguarding steps are completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of North Korean military personnel who have become casualties during the conflict in Ukraine.

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

It is highly likely that DPRK forces sustained more than 6,000 casualties in offensive combat operations against Ukrainian forces in the Russian oblast of Kursk, amounting to more than half of the approximately 11,000 DPRK troops initially deployed to the Kursk region. Russia has since publicly announced a further 6,000 deminers and reconstruction workers to be deployed to the Kursk region of Russia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a ceasefire in Ukraine on the UK’s ability to sustain commitments to a) Operation Firecrest, b) Operation Cabrit and c) the JEF commitment to Arctic Sentry.

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

Defence conducts continuous review of all current and planned commitments in accordance with established protocols, ensuring that each task can be fully and appropriately resourced by the single Services. This process incorporates dynamic, ongoing assessment and the allocation of resources as new requirements arise.

Defence’s commitments relating to Ukraine have been appropriately resourced and deconflicted, with no identified concurrency risks affecting the Department’s ability to sustain planned outputs for Operation FIRECREST, Operation CABRIT, or the Joint Expeditionary Force contribution to ARCTIC SENTRY. As operational planning for the Ministry of Defence’s contribution to a ceasefire in Ukraine progresses, any additional requirements will be assessed, deconflicted, and resourced through established mechanisms to ensure Defence continues to deliver the highest standards of operational output.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, whether parachute regiment soldiers will continue to complete a) Pegasus Company and b) the Basic Parachute Course.

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

Parachute Regiment soldiers will continue to complete both Pegasus Company and the Basic Parachute Course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in reducing the time taken by Veterans UK in case handling for medically discharged personnel.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Armed Forces and Veterans Services (AFVS), known as Veterans UK, administer the War Pension Scheme and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Medical discharge cases are prioritised following the claims consideration process. This involves establishing Service-related factors linked to the discharge, often requiring information from third parties. Awaiting the return of these records does take time and, regrettably, this is something the MOD cannot influence.

Where additional information is required, requests are sent with a specified timeframe for response, and follow-up action is taken if responses are not received within this period. Once all necessary evidence is received, the case is assessed, and the decision is communicated to the Service person.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the medical discharge process on (a) recruitment and (b) retention across all three services.

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

Tri-Service Medical Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950) sets out the standards and guidance for assessing medical conditions across the Armed Forces. Whilst JSP 950 provides consistency across the Services in terms of procedures and governance, each Service applies these standards according to its own operational demands given that personnel may find themselves subject to significantly different environments and roles. This includes medical boards which have the authority to recommend medical categories that may result in a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises that discharge for medical reasons can have implications for financial stability, housing, and wellbeing. The discharge process is therefore designed to mitigate these risks through coordinated case management, warm handovers to civilian services, and the provision of compensation where eligible, based on a structured timeline of actions commencing nine months prior. Actions include final medical and dental reviews, resettlement interviews, pension and administrative preparation, and tailored support for those who are wounded, injured, or sick.

All personnel discharged for medical reasons are automatically referred to Veterans Services to ensure that they and their families can continue to access tailored support with health, housing, employment, and welfare as they transition into civilian life. Feeback is collected from those using Veterans Services, as well as the Career Transition Partnership, both of which routinely capture insight on the challenges encountered during discharge and subsequent transition to civilian life.

This feedback informs continuous improvement work within both Defence medical pathways and transition policy. We recognise the need to develop a cohered Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and processes, improve patient experience, and better support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. The new Joint Defence Termination check list, being created in conjunction with the single Services aims, in particular, to protect those leaving Service earlier than they expected by ensuring all safeguarding steps are completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what feedback is collected by his Department from medically discharged personnel following the completion of the process.

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

Tri-Service Medical Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950) sets out the standards and guidance for assessing medical conditions across the Armed Forces. Whilst JSP 950 provides consistency across the Services in terms of procedures and governance, each Service applies these standards according to its own operational demands given that personnel may find themselves subject to significantly different environments and roles. This includes medical boards which have the authority to recommend medical categories that may result in a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises that discharge for medical reasons can have implications for financial stability, housing, and wellbeing. The discharge process is therefore designed to mitigate these risks through coordinated case management, warm handovers to civilian services, and the provision of compensation where eligible, based on a structured timeline of actions commencing nine months prior. Actions include final medical and dental reviews, resettlement interviews, pension and administrative preparation, and tailored support for those who are wounded, injured, or sick.

All personnel discharged for medical reasons are automatically referred to Veterans Services to ensure that they and their families can continue to access tailored support with health, housing, employment, and welfare as they transition into civilian life. Feeback is collected from those using Veterans Services, as well as the Career Transition Partnership, both of which routinely capture insight on the challenges encountered during discharge and subsequent transition to civilian life.

This feedback informs continuous improvement work within both Defence medical pathways and transition policy. We recognise the need to develop a cohered Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and processes, improve patient experience, and better support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. The new Joint Defence Termination check list, being created in conjunction with the single Services aims, in particular, to protect those leaving Service earlier than they expected by ensuring all safeguarding steps are completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when was the last end-to-end review of the medical discharge process undertaken.

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

Tri-Service Medical Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950) sets out the standards and guidance for assessing medical conditions across the Armed Forces. Whilst JSP 950 provides consistency across the Services in terms of procedures and governance, each Service applies these standards according to its own operational demands given that personnel may find themselves subject to significantly different environments and roles. This includes medical boards which have the authority to recommend medical categories that may result in a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces.

Defence recognises that discharge for medical reasons can have implications for financial stability, housing, and wellbeing. The discharge process is therefore designed to mitigate these risks through coordinated case management, warm handovers to civilian services, and the provision of compensation where eligible, based on a structured timeline of actions commencing nine months prior. Actions include final medical and dental reviews, resettlement interviews, pension and administrative preparation, and tailored support for those who are wounded, injured, or sick.

All personnel discharged for medical reasons are automatically referred to Veterans Services to ensure that they and their families can continue to access tailored support with health, housing, employment, and welfare as they transition into civilian life. Feeback is collected from those using Veterans Services, as well as the Career Transition Partnership, both of which routinely capture insight on the challenges encountered during discharge and subsequent transition to civilian life.

This feedback informs continuous improvement work within both Defence medical pathways and transition policy. We recognise the need to develop a cohered Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and processes, improve patient experience, and better support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. The new Joint Defence Termination check list, being created in conjunction with the single Services aims, in particular, to protect those leaving Service earlier than they expected by ensuring all safeguarding steps are completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what procedures are in place to enable effective handover of medical records from Defence Medical Services to the NHS for medically discharged personnel.

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

When an individual leaves the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of facilitating the transfer of healthcare information to their civilian healthcare provider(s).

On leaving Defence Medical Services (DMS) care, Service personnel are provided with a medical care summary, known as an FMed133, and advised to register with an NHS GP and provide them a copy of their FMED 133. If a patient’s full DMS health record is required, this is provided on request to their NHS GP.

To improve the transfer of healthcare information, DMS is working towards the greater interoperability with NHS systems and the electronic transfer of medical records from DMS to NHS GPs.

Under Programme CORTISONE, the MOD has awarded a £7.8 million contract to Leeds software company, The Phoenix Partnership, to provide a modern electronic healthcare records system for the Armed Forces. Scheduled for roll out in 2027, this will digitalise military medical records and integrate MOD systems with the NHS.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Basic Parachute Courses a) took place in 2024, b) took place in 2025 and c) are due to take place in 2026 at No 1 Parachute Training School, Brize Norton.

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

The number of Basic Parachute Courses (BPCs) by year at Brize Norton are as follows:

2024: 9

2025: 5

2026: 7 forecast

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the approval of Italy’s €8.77 billion in initial funding on the progress of the Global Combat Air Programme.

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

All three trilateral partners are making significant investments in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with the partnership itself designed to enhance affordability through shared development and delivery.

The precise investment profiles of our international partners are matters for their respective Governments to comment on.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the Callen-Lenz Nyan One-Way Effector will play in the Army’s deep fires capability.

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

The Army intends to field an initial One-Way Effector capability, including the Callen Lenz NYAN effector, as part of the UK Forces’ deep fires contribution on Operation CABRIT.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the speech by the Prime Minister at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026, on which US capabilities he plans to decrease dependence.

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

The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity.

While the UK-US defence relationship remains foundational to our defence and national security, and the UK derives great benefit from it, it is right that the UK continues to invest in a balanced mix of sovereign, bilateral and multilateral programmes. This ensures our Armed Forces can operate effectively with allies, lead when necessary, and maintain freedom of action in any future strategic environment.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much of the Connect the Classroom funding will be spent on schools in the Huntingdon constituency.

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

The Renewal and Retrofit Programme, backed by £710 million to 2029/30, will be launched from April 2026 to improve the condition of school and college buildings and increase resilience to climate change so that buildings can last for decades and are net zero ready. This funding will also help protect more schools from flooding. The Programme will start with schools in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the South East, and will be expanded from 2027 to other regions in England. The department will set out further details in due course on how schools and colleges can join the Programme from 2027.

We are providing £325 million in additional targeted investment for digital connectivity until 2029/30, including expanding the Connect the Classroom programme. To date, almost £600,000 of Connect the Classroom funding has been provided to schools in the Huntingdon constituency. Through 2026/27, Connect the Classroom will continue to support schools on the regional improvement for standards and excellence programme, with additional selection criteria to be announced in the summer.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much of the Renewal and Retrofit Programme's funding will be spent on schools in the Huntingdon constituency.

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

The Renewal and Retrofit Programme, backed by £710 million to 2029/30, will be launched from April 2026 to improve the condition of school and college buildings and increase resilience to climate change so that buildings can last for decades and are net zero ready. This funding will also help protect more schools from flooding. The Programme will start with schools in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the South East, and will be expanded from 2027 to other regions in England. The department will set out further details in due course on how schools and colleges can join the Programme from 2027.

We are providing £325 million in additional targeted investment for digital connectivity until 2029/30, including expanding the Connect the Classroom programme. To date, almost £600,000 of Connect the Classroom funding has been provided to schools in the Huntingdon constituency. Through 2026/27, Connect the Classroom will continue to support schools on the regional improvement for standards and excellence programme, with additional selection criteria to be announced in the summer.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions did the National Security Advisor, Jonathan Powell, have with then UK Ambassador to the United States, Lord Mandelson, regarding the Chagos Islands.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the National Security Advisor was (a) appointed and (b) commenced his role.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The National Security Adviser was appointed on the 8th November 2024 (as announced on gov.uk) and commenced his role on the 2nd December 2024.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to shotgun licensing will have on the time taken to process shotgun licence renewals in Cambridgeshire.

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

The Government response to the 2023 firearms licensing consultation, published on 13 February 2025, included a commitment to having a public consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns to bring them more into line with the controls on other firearms in the interests of public safety. We will publish the consultation in due course.

We will also provide an impact assessment in relation to any changes that we intend to bring forward after the consultation, including on police firearms licensing departments, in the normal way.

The issuing of firearms certificates, resourcing of firearms licensing teams and the efficiency of police forces, including the timeframe taken for processing shotgun licence renewals, is a matter for individual Chief Officers of Police and Police and Crime Commissioners. Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Bedfordshire Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary work together as part of a tripartite arrangement intended to provide a consistent firearms licensing service across the three police force areas. The arrangements are led by Hertfordshire Constabulary and report to the Chief Constables of all three forces.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 106659.

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

The Department has answered Question 106659 on 24 February 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the focus on a single battalion group on the number of Basic Parachute Courses available to Parachute Regiment soldiers.

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

The Strategic Defence Review position on military parachuting capabilities represents no change to the current Defence parachuting provision. Therefore, there is no anticipated change to the number of All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection courses or the Basic Parachute Course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the focus on a single battalion group on the number of All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection courses run each year.

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

The Strategic Defence Review position on military parachuting capabilities represents no change to the current Defence parachuting provision. Therefore, there is no anticipated change to the number of All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection courses or the Basic Parachute Course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) operational, (b) logistical and (c) legal constraints on the the ability of the Royal Navy to conduct (i) deterrence or (ii) interdiction operations against small boat migrant people-smuggling activities within UK territorial waters in the English Channel.

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

The Home Office, through the Border Security Command, is the lead Government Department responsible for tackling illegal migration and people‑smuggling in the English Channel. His Majesty’s Coastguard is responsible for search and rescue at sea. Their responses to the issue of small boat migration are underpinned by the UK’s legal obligations as a responsible maritime nation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many intercept scrambles of Russian military aircraft by USAF aircraft have taken place from a) RAF Lakenheath and b) RAF Mildenhall since 2020.

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

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information in relation to foreign nations’ military operations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 111474.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's questions. The questions were answered on 27 February.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 111266.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's questions. The questions were answered on 27 February.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 111265.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's questions. The questions were answered on 27 February.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 110949.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's questions. The questions were answered on 27 February.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Youth Justice in the Sunday Times on 15 February 2026, by what date he plans to establish the advisory panel on preventative analytics for youth justice.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Government is in the process of establishing a Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Advisory Panel. As the Panel has not yet been established, no recommendations have been made on specific data sources or the sharing of data with youth justice partners for the purposes of support and safeguarding.

At this early stage, we are not able to state the specific datasets which will be accessed. Exploratory work is required to identify what data would be useful for the purposes of prevention, where it is held, and how to use it responsibly, ethically, and legally. However, it is anticipated that the programme will draw on data already held by government departments, local youth justice services, and local authorities. This may include information about a child’s contact with the youth justice system, education, health services, social care, or other relevant services.

Where data is shared between public authorities, we expect this will take place under established legal gateways for example the Digital Economy Act or the UK General Data Protection Regulation. Where additional permissions are required (e.g. due to the terms of a privacy notice), then such permissions will be sought. The Department will ensure appropriate governance arrangements are made and documented (e.g. through Data Protection Impact Assessments and Data Sharing Agreements).

At this stage, we are not able to describe how the data will be used in the sense of defining specific processing techniques. The purpose of the advisory panel is to guide the development of these techniques in an effective, ethical, and legal manner. That said, the programme will not make automated decisions about individual children or replace professional judgement; rather it will provide evidence-based insights to help practitioners identify where interventions may be most effective. Strong safeguards will be sought to ensure fairness, transparency and protection against bias.

The Government intends to establish the Advisory Panel on preventative analytics for youth justice by spring. Work is already underway and further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Youth Justice in the Sunday Times on 15 February 2026, what permissions do the Government require in order to access personal data for use in preventative analytics “to identify children who need targeted interventions to stop them falling into a life of crime”.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Government is in the process of establishing a Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Advisory Panel. As the Panel has not yet been established, no recommendations have been made on specific data sources or the sharing of data with youth justice partners for the purposes of support and safeguarding.

At this early stage, we are not able to state the specific datasets which will be accessed. Exploratory work is required to identify what data would be useful for the purposes of prevention, where it is held, and how to use it responsibly, ethically, and legally. However, it is anticipated that the programme will draw on data already held by government departments, local youth justice services, and local authorities. This may include information about a child’s contact with the youth justice system, education, health services, social care, or other relevant services.

Where data is shared between public authorities, we expect this will take place under established legal gateways for example the Digital Economy Act or the UK General Data Protection Regulation. Where additional permissions are required (e.g. due to the terms of a privacy notice), then such permissions will be sought. The Department will ensure appropriate governance arrangements are made and documented (e.g. through Data Protection Impact Assessments and Data Sharing Agreements).

At this stage, we are not able to describe how the data will be used in the sense of defining specific processing techniques. The purpose of the advisory panel is to guide the development of these techniques in an effective, ethical, and legal manner. That said, the programme will not make automated decisions about individual children or replace professional judgement; rather it will provide evidence-based insights to help practitioners identify where interventions may be most effective. Strong safeguards will be sought to ensure fairness, transparency and protection against bias.

The Government intends to establish the Advisory Panel on preventative analytics for youth justice by spring. Work is already underway and further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Youth Justice in the Sunday Times on 15 February 2026, what personal data will be accessed by the Ministry of Justice preventative analytics programme “to identify children who need targeted interventions to stop them falling into a life of crime”.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Government is in the process of establishing a Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Advisory Panel. As the Panel has not yet been established, no recommendations have been made on specific data sources or the sharing of data with youth justice partners for the purposes of support and safeguarding.

At this early stage, we are not able to state the specific datasets which will be accessed. Exploratory work is required to identify what data would be useful for the purposes of prevention, where it is held, and how to use it responsibly, ethically, and legally. However, it is anticipated that the programme will draw on data already held by government departments, local youth justice services, and local authorities. This may include information about a child’s contact with the youth justice system, education, health services, social care, or other relevant services.

Where data is shared between public authorities, we expect this will take place under established legal gateways for example the Digital Economy Act or the UK General Data Protection Regulation. Where additional permissions are required (e.g. due to the terms of a privacy notice), then such permissions will be sought. The Department will ensure appropriate governance arrangements are made and documented (e.g. through Data Protection Impact Assessments and Data Sharing Agreements).

At this stage, we are not able to describe how the data will be used in the sense of defining specific processing techniques. The purpose of the advisory panel is to guide the development of these techniques in an effective, ethical, and legal manner. That said, the programme will not make automated decisions about individual children or replace professional judgement; rather it will provide evidence-based insights to help practitioners identify where interventions may be most effective. Strong safeguards will be sought to ensure fairness, transparency and protection against bias.

The Government intends to establish the Advisory Panel on preventative analytics for youth justice by spring. Work is already underway and further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Youth Justice in the Sunday Times on 15 February 2026, how will individual’s personal data be used in preventative analytics “to identify children who need targeted interventions to stop them falling into a life of crime”.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Government is in the process of establishing a Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Advisory Panel. As the Panel has not yet been established, no recommendations have been made on specific data sources or the sharing of data with youth justice partners for the purposes of support and safeguarding.

At this early stage, we are not able to state the specific datasets which will be accessed. Exploratory work is required to identify what data would be useful for the purposes of prevention, where it is held, and how to use it responsibly, ethically, and legally. However, it is anticipated that the programme will draw on data already held by government departments, local youth justice services, and local authorities. This may include information about a child’s contact with the youth justice system, education, health services, social care, or other relevant services.

Where data is shared between public authorities, we expect this will take place under established legal gateways for example the Digital Economy Act or the UK General Data Protection Regulation. Where additional permissions are required (e.g. due to the terms of a privacy notice), then such permissions will be sought. The Department will ensure appropriate governance arrangements are made and documented (e.g. through Data Protection Impact Assessments and Data Sharing Agreements).

At this stage, we are not able to describe how the data will be used in the sense of defining specific processing techniques. The purpose of the advisory panel is to guide the development of these techniques in an effective, ethical, and legal manner. That said, the programme will not make automated decisions about individual children or replace professional judgement; rather it will provide evidence-based insights to help practitioners identify where interventions may be most effective. Strong safeguards will be sought to ensure fairness, transparency and protection against bias.

The Government intends to establish the Advisory Panel on preventative analytics for youth justice by spring. Work is already underway and further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Times Radio interview with preventative analytics advisory panel lead Professor Mark Mon Williams at 0727 on 16 February 2026, what children’s health data will be shared with a) schools and b) police forces as part of the preventatives analytics programme.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Government is in the process of establishing a Preventative Analytics for Youth Justice Advisory Panel. As the Panel has not yet been established, no recommendations have been made on specific data sources or the sharing of data with youth justice partners for the purposes of support and safeguarding.

At this early stage, we are not able to state the specific datasets which will be accessed. Exploratory work is required to identify what data would be useful for the purposes of prevention, where it is held, and how to use it responsibly, ethically, and legally. However, it is anticipated that the programme will draw on data already held by government departments, local youth justice services, and local authorities. This may include information about a child’s contact with the youth justice system, education, health services, social care, or other relevant services.

Where data is shared between public authorities, we expect this will take place under established legal gateways for example the Digital Economy Act or the UK General Data Protection Regulation. Where additional permissions are required (e.g. due to the terms of a privacy notice), then such permissions will be sought. The Department will ensure appropriate governance arrangements are made and documented (e.g. through Data Protection Impact Assessments and Data Sharing Agreements).

At this stage, we are not able to describe how the data will be used in the sense of defining specific processing techniques. The purpose of the advisory panel is to guide the development of these techniques in an effective, ethical, and legal manner. That said, the programme will not make automated decisions about individual children or replace professional judgement; rather it will provide evidence-based insights to help practitioners identify where interventions may be most effective. Strong safeguards will be sought to ensure fairness, transparency and protection against bias.

The Government intends to establish the Advisory Panel on preventative analytics for youth justice by spring. Work is already underway and further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the press release titled “10-year plan to revitalise schools and colleges for every child”, published on 11 February 2026, by when does the government expect every secondary school to have an inclusion base.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

On Wednesday 11 February, the department set out our ambition that, in time, every secondary school will have an inclusion base.

Where new places are needed, this can be supported by the £3.7 billion in high needs capital that we are investing between 2025/26 and 2029/30. This funding is allocated to local authorities, who know their schools and will determine how best to spend funding to meet local need. £740 million of this funding has already been allocated, and allocations for 2026/27 will be published in the spring.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many meetings his Department has had with Leonardo since 1 January 2026.

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

Leonardo is one of Defence’s key suppliers and therefore Ministers and officials have consistently met with representatives from the company since 1 January 2026. The Department continues to have conversations at every level regarding current programmes and wider business interests across the UK, though the total number of meetings is not centrally recorded.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the press release titled “10-year plan to revitalise schools and colleges for every child”, published on 11 February 2026, what is the estimated total cost of establishing an inclusion base in every secondary school.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

On Wednesday 11 February, the department set out our ambition that, in time, every secondary school will have an inclusion base.

Where new places are needed, this can be supported by the £3.7 billion in high needs capital that we are investing between 2025/26 and 2029/30. This funding is allocated to local authorities, who know their schools and will determine how best to spend funding to meet local need. £740 million of this funding has already been allocated, and allocations for 2026/27 will be published in the spring.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111937, what the outcome was of the meetings with Mauritius in a) January and b) July 2009 on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to question 109314 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, with reference to the Answer of 26 January 2010 to Question HL1306, what the respective positions on sovereignty were that were set out.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111937, which Ministers were present at the meetings with Mauritius in a) January and b) July 2009.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111937, what the respective views on the issue of sovereignty at that time were.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2025 to Question 92643, by when will she have made an assessment on the feasibility of a prevalence study for forced marriage and FGM.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

In 2023, the Home Office commissioned the University of Birmingham to conduct a study on the feasibility of producing a prevalence estimate of forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales.

Published in December 2025, the “Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls” committed to conducting an additional study to explore the viability of the approach recommended by the University of Birmingham in producing a national prevalence estimate for forced marriage and FGM.

This study is due to conclude in March after which the Government will review the findings of both studies in the round and consider next steps, including publication.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 19 February 2026 to Question 111928 on Taxis: Members and Ministers, whether he has issued guidance on the use of London Electric Vehicle Company taxis by (i) Ministers and (ii) hon. Members.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office provides comprehensive security guidance to ministers on the protection of sensitive information, which includes advice for undertaking travel. These overarching security measures apply to all modes of transport. The security and provision of guidance to Hon Members is a matter for the House Authorities and the Parliamentary Security Department.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to question 109314 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, what were the objections expressed by Mauritius regarding the creation of the Marine Protected Area.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces personnel have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction.

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

It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to him when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed strike action by Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers on Royal Navy operations.

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

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary remains essential in supporting operations alongside the Royal Navy and our global allies. They continue to meet their operational commitments, and we are dedicated to resolving this dispute through ongoing dialogue with their trade unions.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Tech challenge launched to counter drone threats in prisons, published on 4 November 2025, on what date is the 12-week Counter-Drone Challenge due to end.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

We have recently launched a new innovation challenge with His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC) Co-Creation aimed at combatting the growing threat of drones around prisons.

The Counter-Drone Challenge competition closed on 4 December 2025. Selected industry partners will receive up to £60,000 funding to develop proof-of-concept systems over a 12-week period.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of RAF Fairford by the United States Air Force to launch offensive military action on UK security.

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

The United States requested permission to use British bases for the limited, defensive purpose of preventing Iranian missiles from killing civilians, British nationals, or our allies in countries that played no part in the initial strike. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependant on the nature and purpose of their activity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question 112783 on Prisons: Unmanned Air Systems, what is the full scope of the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation.

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

This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the Home Office, the Police, Innovate UK, and wider UK security stakeholders.

It is seeking proposals that offer innovative, low-collateral solutions to counter or defeat hostile drones targeting secure sites and locations. Drones, or ‘uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS), pose a growing challenge when used for contraband delivery, surveillance and disruption near prisons, sensitive sites or critical national infrastructure, including in congested urban areas.

The users for the solutions would include HMPPS security teams, MOD, police, law enforcement agencies, and operational staff, these groups need solutions to work alongside existing ‘last line of defence’ technology that are activated when other mitigation measures fail.

Technologies in this area are developing rapidly. UKDI is keen to understand how innovation can keep up with the pace of development while remaining legally and ethically compliant, fully considering operational constraints, and integrating easily into existing security frameworks such as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), SAPIENT (Situational Awareness and Preparedness for Improved Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency), the Prison Act 1952, and the Police Act 1997. The calling notice can be found on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of the bilateral Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty regarding the a) design, b) build, c) operation, d) sustainment and e) disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines.

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

The Government is fully committed to AUKUS. The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Partnership and Collaboration Treaty is a key part of this partnership and will enable comprehensive cooperation between the UK and Australia on the design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal of our SSN-AUKUS submarines. This includes port visits, and notably HMS ANSON has recently arrived in Perth, Australia – a major milestone that will see Australian personnel conducting maintenance on the Astute Class submarine.

The text of the treaty can be found here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b1814ecc8356c3c882a8dc/CS_Australia_2.2025_Nuclear_Powered_Submarine_Partnership_Agreement.pdf

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of (a) workforce skills, (b) industrial capacity and (c) sustainment of specialist manufacturing expertise on the effective delivery of Project GRAYBURN.

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

Project GRAYBURN is in the formal concept phase and therefore the scope, timeline and complexity are yet to be determined. Project GRAYBURN will deliver against the Defence Industrial Strategy and our strategic partnership with industry will generate new long-term skilled jobs, including in STEM, and increase our industrial capacity and resilience.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the flight testing performance of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Collaborative Combat Aircraft YFQ-42A Dark Merlin.

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

The RAF continues to monitor the development of the global collaborative combat air market and develop advanced capabilities to augment crewed combat air as part of the Future force mix that will deliver control of the air for the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what British Army units form the Global Response Force.

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

The Army’s contribution to the Global Response Force is the Air Manoeuvre Task Force (AMTF). The AMTF is comprised of force elements from 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team (16 AABCT), a task dependent Task Force formed from 1 Aviation Brigade, and specialist capabilities drawn from across the Army (including, but not limited to: Military Intelligence, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Air Defence, Electronic Warfare, and Military Working Dogs) .

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what permissions the US requires from the UK Government in order to launch offensive operations from United States Visiting Force bases in the UK.

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

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress has she made in maturing the eVisa programme.

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

eVisas were introduced in 2018 and are replacing physical evidence of immigration status such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), Biometric Residence Cards (BRCs) and vignettes.

The Minister for Migration and Citizenship provided an update on the transition to a digital immigration system, which included progress made in the latest transition phase of the rollout of eVisas, in his statement made on 25 February 2026: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.

There are now over 10 million eVisa holders, including approximately 6 million EUSS status holders. Over 5 million online (UKVI) accounts were created between March 2024 and January 2026, enabling people to access their eVisa.

The transition to eVisas is being carefully delivered in phases, with the latest significant milestone reached on 25 February 2026, from when successful applicants for visit visas will receive an eVisa instead of a vignette, as set out in the Minister’s statement. Vignettes for most other routes have already been phased out.

By the end of 2026, the Government intends to stop issuing all physical visa vignette stickers in passports, with all successful visa applicants receiving an eVisa.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in developing interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade and (a) the US 82nd Airborne Division and (b) the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste.

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

We continue to develop interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade, the 82^nd Airborne Division and the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste. These links are strong and will continue to be demonstrated during 2026.

16 Air Assault Brigade will participate in the 82^nd Airborne Division’s validation exercise for its Immediate Reaction Force role in March 2026; this is the culmination of a number of preparatory exercises throughout 2025-2026 which has seen tangible links developed between the two Headquarters. The US relationship is also reinforced annually as part of Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE, which are a series of exercises alongside NATO partners and has been confirmed through to 2027.

The relationship with 11e Brigade Parachutiste is focused around the Airborne Combined Joint Force which is formally recognised within the Lancaster House Treaty. This is a bi-annual alternating responsibility to command a combined brigade. This is achieved through a series of low-level bilateral exercises and culminates in a confirmatory exercise. Furthermore, there are exchange officers between the two brigades who maintain the relationship, offering parachuting and coordinate capability development opportunities.

Found: Samantha Dixon MP Zöe Franklin MP Dr Rupa Huq MP Leigh Ingham MP Jessica Morden MP Ben Obese-Jecty

Found: Ealing Central and Acton) Leigh Ingham (Labour; Stafford) Jessica Morden (Labour; Newport East) Ben Obese-Jecty

Found: Ealing Central and Acton) Leigh Ingham (Labour; Stafford) Jessica Morden (Labour; Newport East) Ben Obese-Jecty