Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the time on wing was for the engines damaged by Palestine Action at Brize Norton.

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

The time on the wing for the engines that were damaged are - engine (a) 35 months 24 days, since 27 June 2022; engine (b) 15 months 8 days since 12 Mar 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether engines damaged by Palestine Action at Brize Norton were removed from the aircraft following the incident.

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

The affected engines have been removed following the incident.

Stanley Development Trust Lunch Club

Dying in Poverty 2025

Jock McInnes induction into the British Boxers' Hall of Fame

Two-child limit

Buying community energy locally

Proposed changes to STV News and STV North News at 6

Five-year indefinite leave to remain pathway for Skilled Worker visa holders

Found: Wednesday 18 June 2025 Members present Patricia Ferguson, in the Chair Maureen Burke Dave Doogan

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke, Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan

Found: I am going to pass now to my colleague, Dave Doogan.

Found: Chair) Maureen Burke (Labour; Glasgow North East) Harriet Cross (Conservative; Gordon and Buchan) Dave Doogan

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate he has made of the cost of repairs to military aircraft damaged by (a) acts of vandalism and (b) protest activity in 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 15 October 2025 to the hon. Member for Angus and Perthshire Glens (Dave Doogan) to Question 78509.

The UK Government has committed to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, with plans to reach 3% in the next Parliament. Given Scotland’s significant role in the UK’s defence sector, this inquiry will explore how Scotland’s economy and job market can benefit, particularly through the creation of highly skilled jobs. The Committee will examine existing skills gaps in the sector, how they can be addressed to maximise the economic impact of investment, and the UK Government’s role in supporting the creation and retention of the skilled jobs needed to grow the defence industry. It will also consider how Scotland can support the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence’s engagement with Scottish SMEs, which dominate the Scottish private sector, as well as the use of local supply chains.

In Scotland, as in other parts of the UK, concerns have been raised about how high streets and town centres are changing. Scotland’s high streets face multiple challenges, and many have been described as being in ‘decline’. However, possible new models for resilient and thriving high streets are emerging, while there continues to be interest in community-led regeneration. This inquiry will engage with local communities and other stakeholders to explore what a positive vision for the future of Scottish high streets and town centres might look like, and to examine what role government might play in making this vision a reality.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

Transport infrastructure plays an important role among island communities, supporting local economies and ensuring access to essential services. In Scotland, geographic barriers and limited transport options can restrict mobility and contribute to depopulation. This inquiry will examine the strategic case for permanent transport links—such as tunnels and bridges—between Scotland’s islands and assess whether there is a role for the UK Government in supporting such projects.

Submit Evidence (by 12 Dec 2025)

Reliable digital infrastructure is essential for enabling economic growth, public service delivery and social inclusion—especially in Scotland’s rural and island communities. These areas often face unique challenges due to geographic isolation and low population density, which can make the rollout of broadband and mobile networks more complex and costly. This inquiry will explore how digital connectivity can be improved across Scotland, and whether current UK and Scottish Government initiatives are delivering for the communities that need them most.