Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the strength of the Joint Expeditionary Force to deter Russian threats in the High North.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last met with his counterparts from countries involved in the Joint Expeditionary Force to discuss Russian threats in the High North.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Joint Expeditionary Force in deterring Russian threats in the High North.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he will next meet with his counterparts involved in the Joint Expeditionary Force to discuss Russian threats in the High North.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with Joint Expeditionary Force partners on shared ice cutter ship capability in the High North.

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

The Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements.

To deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, we are developing options through the Defence Investment Plan for future Ice Patrol Ship capability. These options will consider requirements for both the Antarctic and the High North.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many armed forces personnel have received training from the International Committee on the Red Cross on the laws governing armed conflict.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivers training to the UK Armed Forces on the Law of Armed Conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not deliver dedicated Law of Armed Conflict training to UK personnel but does provide inputs into multiple MOD training courses such as International Humanitarian Law and obligations of arms bearers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training is provided to UK armed forces by the International Committee of Red Cross on the laws governing armed conflict.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivers training to the UK Armed Forces on the Law of Armed Conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not deliver dedicated Law of Armed Conflict training to UK personnel but does provide inputs into multiple MOD training courses such as International Humanitarian Law and obligations of arms bearers.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with Parkinson's get contribution based Employment Support Allowance and are allocated to the Support Group.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

As of May 2025, there were 1,800 claimants in receipt of contributory Employment and Support Allowance in the Support Group with the main disabling condition ‘Parkinson’s disease or syndrome’. In the same month, there were 300 claimants in receipt of contributory Employment and Support Allowance in the Support Group with the main disabling condition ‘Parkinsonism’.

Data is based on primary medical condition as recorded on the ESA computer systems. Claimants may have multiple disabling conditions on which their entitlement is based but only the primary condition is available for statistical purposes and shown in these statistics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the number of people who can be accommodated at HMS Caledonia.

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

Accommodation requirements are kept under regular review to ensure they meet operational needs. The Ministry of Defence has no current plans to increase the permanent accommodation capacity at HMS Caledonia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the suitability of accommodation at HMS Caledonia.

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

As of December 2025, the Ministry of Defence has assessed the suitability of accommodation at HMS Caledonia as meeting the required standards for safety, security, and habitability according to Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations (JSP 464).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much money his Department has spent on (i) maintaining and (ii) improving accommodate at HMS Caledonia in each of the last 10 years.

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

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) do not specifically separate maintenance costs for the HMS Caledonia Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks from within the overall site infrastructure running costs. It is therefore not possible to give a figure for this part of the question.

We have inherited a situation where there has been no capital infrastructure investment in the last 10 years in improving the SLA blocks at HMS Caledonia. This is as a result of the site being planned for closure in the Better Defence Estates 2016 announcement, and not being removed from the disposals programme until it was transferred to the Royal Navy and recommissioned in April 2023.

Future planning requirements for the site are being developed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide a breakdown of the current accommodation available at HMS Caledonia including (i) room type, (ii) capacity and (iii) construction date.

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

HMS Caledonia has eight blocks of permanent accommodation, which can accommodate approximately 500 personnel. The majority of room types are single living accommodation, but there are also rooms for two personnel, three personnel and family rooms. The accommodation blocks were built between 1940 and 1970 and requirements are kept under regular review to ensure they meet operational needs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of UK ice cutter ship capacity for use in the High North.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of UK defence businesses working with the Office of Strategic Capital at the US Defense Department.

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

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase UK ice cutter ship capacity for use in the High North.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on UK defence companies working with the Office of Strategic Capital.

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

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what ice cutter capability the UK has for use in the High North.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his officials last met with counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital at the US Defense Department.

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

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the Office of Strategic Capital.

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

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the International Committee of the Red Cross on supporting UK businesses abroad who might be considered legitimate targets in conflict zones.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

UK Private Military Security Companies (PMSCs) are subject to extensive regulation and oversight through a mix of legal and voluntary mechanisms, including the requirement to ensure compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The UK also works closely with the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG), which represents the interests of its PMSC members, and works to raise standards across the sector.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a strictly humanitarian mandate, in line with the Geneva Conventions, to provide humanitarian assistance, protect lives, and uphold IHL worldwide. It does not have any role supporting the business activities of PMSCs.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with UK companies on understanding the law of armed combat.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

UK Private Military Security Companies (PMSCs) are subject to extensive regulation and oversight through a mix of legal and voluntary mechanisms, including the requirement to ensure compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The UK also works closely with the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG), which represents the interests of its PMSC members, and works to raise standards across the sector.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a strictly humanitarian mandate, in line with the Geneva Conventions, to provide humanitarian assistance, protect lives, and uphold IHL worldwide. It does not have any role supporting the business activities of PMSCs.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with Parkinson's Disease are in receipt of the Universal Credit health element.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information is not readily available.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last met with his US counterpart; and what issues were discussed.

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

The Defence Secretary regularly engages with the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. They most recently met on 10 December in Washington DC where they discussed a number of defence and security issues, including Ukraine, AUKUS, the upcoming US National Defense Strategy and strategic alignment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timescale is for the provision of the Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth.

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

The preliminary plans for infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth Dockyard have been approved and industry has been engaged to begin processing the scheme design.

Once the scheme design is complete, final costs for the project will be negotiated. The work will include the requirement to deliver a Contingent Docking Facility at Rosyth Dockyard for HMS Dreadnought during its sea trials. The planned timescale for the provision of the Contingent Docking Facility will coincide with Dreadnought’s exit from Barrow.

For operational security reasons further details cannot be released as to do so could be used to undermine the security and capability of our Armed Forces.

Found: Q407 Graeme Downie: Does anyone else want to come in?

Found: Q407 Graeme Downie: Does anyone else want to come in?