Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last held discussions with the (a) Scottish Government and (b) (i) further and (ii) higher education sector in Scotland to encourage the effective supply of skills for the defence industrial sector from Scotland.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
This Government recognises the critical importance of attracting new entrants into the defence sector in order to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to sustain a vibrant, innovative and competitive defence industrial base. While discussions with the Scottish Government and education establishments in Scotland have not been held by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Ministry of Defence welcomes engagement and consultation with stakeholders across the United Kingdom to ensure our defence sector has the right people and skills to meet the challenges of the future.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to announce the next stages of the Type 83 Destroyer programme.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The next stage of the Type 83 Destroyer programme, which is one element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, will be announced following the completion of the Strategic Defence Review.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what bases in the UK will have capability to hold Dreadnought class submarines for (a) repairs and (b) maintenance by 2035.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards.
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.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many docks in the UK are able to hold Dreadnought class submarines for (a) repairs and (b) maintenance.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards.
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.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many docks will be required to hold Dreadnought submarines by 2035.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
There is a strategy in place to upgrade infrastructure and provide suitable docking for the new Dreadnought Class submarines across existing UK naval bases and dockyards.
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.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will conduct an investigation of the potential national security threats posed by Chinese-made connected vehicles.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets and people very seriously, and has been working with other Government Departments to investigate any potential threats to national security and to ensure that policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, not just those made in China. Best practice guidance has been issued to staff clarifying appropriate behaviour for all drivers and passengers in vehicles to protect them from potential threats. The MOD is keeping this policy area under review.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential security risk posed by Chinese-made electric vehicles being used by (a) senior officers and (b) other security officials.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets and people very seriously, and has been working with other Government Departments to investigate any potential threats to national security and to ensure that policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, not just those made in China. Best practice guidance has been issued to staff clarifying appropriate behaviour for all drivers and passengers in vehicles to protect them from potential threats. The MOD is keeping this policy area under review.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the security risks posed by the use of Chinese-manufactured technology in (a) smart grids, (b) renewable energy systems and (c) the UK’s energy infrastructure.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department collaborates with other government departments, agencies and industry partners to understand and mitigate threats to energy infrastructure, setting robust regulatory standards for cyber through the Network and Information Systems Regulations. This includes working with regulators to ensure these regulations cover critical operators as the sector evolves.
Recognising the importance of renewable and smart energy systems for flexibility and decarbonisation, the department is working to ensure the system is developed in a way that is secure by design, and protects energy supply, infrastructure and consumers. As part of this work, Government has published two consultation packages which sets out proposals for minimum security and grid stability requirements, including for organisations remotely controlling electrical load.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will restrict Chinese-manufactured components in the UK’s energy infrastructure projects.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing relations with China and will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must.
As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment where it supports growth and jobs in the UK and meets our legal and regulatory requirements. We work closely with industry to build secure supply chains and back UK businesses. The government has also established Great British Energy to drive forward greater investment in clean, home-grown energy production and to build supply chains across the UK.
Asked by: Graeme Downie (Labour - Dunfermline and Dollar)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessmenhis Department has made of the (a) prevalence of and (b) security risks posed by Chinese-manufactured technology used in UK defence procurement and supply chains.
Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) welcomes foreign trade where it allows us to provide our Armed Forces with the equipment they require, meets our stringent legal and regulatory requirements and does not compromise our national security.
Transactions continue to be monitored where there are potential national security concerns from any country, and the Department will investigate and apply appropriate mitigations where required. Furthermore, the MOD regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability.