Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the Defence Investment Plan will support the reduction of supply chain delays in the defence sector, including by addressing supply chain delays to the Challenger programme.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will help reduce supply chain delays by providing industry with greater certainty over future demand, enabling investment in skills, capacity and infrastructure. The DIP is supported by wider procurement reforms and supply chain resilience initiatives that will improve forecasting, strengthen critical industrial capabilities, and allow Defence and industry to identify and mitigate risks before they affect programme delivery.
As I have previously acknowledged, the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank has been impacted by some supply chain delays. However, the announcement of the DIP, including its commitment to completing Challenger 3, provides stability and certainty to industry working on the programme and will enable industry to sustain and invest in the people, skills, and materials needed to deliver the programme.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps are being taken to address delays to the Aircrew Helmet programme, and how he will make sure his department's approach to the procurement aligns with the objectives of the Defence Investment Plan to promote to British manufacturing, sovereign capability and SME participation.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The procurement strategy for the Aircrew Helmet Programme will align with the objectives of the Defence Investment Plan in promoting British manufacturing, sovereign capability, and SME participation, whilst also ensuring that the required safety and capability requirements are met, and that the procurement ultimately delivers value for money to the UK taxpayer.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of a) new build and b) repaired old military homes, have been constructed using timber since the publication of the Defence Housing Strategy in December 2025, and whether his Department is considering strengthening the duty to 'have consideration' to the use of timber for construction as part of the overall strategy.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Since the publication of the Defence Housing Strategy in November 2025, the Department has not purchased any new build Service Family Accommodation (SFA) of timber frame construction. In relation to the repair or refurbishment of SFA, the Department is in the early stages of the renovation programme and most of the existing military housing stock is predominately solid wall or brick and block construction.
Decisions on the materials used in future Defence housing developments and major refurbishments will continue to be taken on a case-by-case basis, balancing factors including safety, performance, sustainability, value for money and operational requirements.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has considered the potential merits of using timber to a) build new and b) repair old military homes.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Housing Strategy published on 3 November 2025, sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Department is in the early stages of the renovation programme.
As we look to apply modern methods of construction to sustain and renew the Service Family Accommodation estate, timber may be considered, where it is determined to be the most cost effective and sustainable solution. This approach will be underpinned by thorough planning and stringent quality control to ensure it effectively supports military capability.