Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the entitlement requirements for an application to live in Substitute Service Single Accommodation.

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

Individuals are permitted to occupy Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA) up to two working days prior to the date of posting to a new place of duty subject to the following criteria:

a. Single Living Accommodation (SLA) is not available (at the time of requirement) up to 45 minutes travelling time by public transport (or up to a 10 miles radius when there is no viable public transport at the discretion of the Local Service Commander) of the duty station (60 mins for London only).

b. They should expect to occupy SSSA for a minimum of six months and spend not less than four nights each week in the accommodation.

c. They are single or Serving unaccompanied; they must either be separated from their family who are residing in Service Family Accommodation (SFA), Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) or their own property which is more than 50 miles or 1½ hours travelling time (by public transport) from their duty station. If the Commanding Officer considers that due to exceptional circumstances these limits should be reduced, a case is to be submitted through the chain of command to the Ministry of Defence Project Manager. Where the Service Person’s (SP) family occupy surplus SFA and the SP is Serving unaccompanied at the duty station, and Notice to Quit has been served, the SP will be required to Serve accompanied.

d. Where both spouse/civil partner are Serving members of the Armed Forces and are Serving unaccompanied at different duty stations, where no SLA exists both have an entitlement to SSSA; they are awaiting allocation of SFA, where no SLA exists providing the waiting period is likely to exceed six months. However, entitlement to SSSA will cease when individuals are allocated SFA at the permanent duty station.

e. They are awaiting allocation of SFA, where no SLA exists providing the waiting period is likely to exceed six months. However, entitlement to SSSA will cease when individuals are allocated SFA at the permanent duty station.

The full entitlement requirements for Substitute Service Single Accommodation are set out in Joint Service Publication 464 (Tri-Service Accommodation Regulations), Volume 2, Part 1, Chapter 8, Para 8.200; and Annex A to Section 2, Chapter 8 sets out the levels of accommodation entitlement, which differs depending on rank. This information can be found at the following website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-464-tri-service-accommodation-regulations-tsars

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to tackle persistent absences in secondary schools in South Suffolk.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

This government is determined to tackle the generational challenge of school absence. Missing school regularly is harmful to a child’s attainment, safety and physical and mental health, which limits their opportunity to succeed. There is evidence that more students are attending school this year compared to last, thanks to the sector’s efforts, although 1.6 million children remain persistently absent, missing 10% or more of lessons.

The department has a national approach to supporting all schools to tackle absence, including those in the South Suffolk constituency. Central to this approach is stronger expectations of local authorities and schools, as set out in the ‘Working together to improve school attendance’ guidance which was made statutory on 19 August 2024 and can be accessed here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66bf300da44f1c4c23e5bd1b/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_-_August_2024.pdf. The guidance promotes a 'support first' approach, encouraging schools, trusts and local authorities to work with families in addressing attendance barriers.

Every state school in England should now be sharing their daily attendance register data with the department, local authorities and trusts. These bodies can access this data through a secure, interactive dashboard which is maintained by the department, allowing them to target attendance interventions more effectively.

The department recognises the importance of creating opportunities within the sector to share existing best practice on how to improve attendance. This is why the government set up a network of 31 attendance hubs, who have offered support to 2,000 schools and shared their strategies and resources for improving attendance.

In addition to this work, the department is improving the existing evidence on which interventions work to improve attendance. Over £17 million is being invested across two mentoring projects that will support at least 12,000 pupils in 15 areas. These programmes will be evaluated and the effective practice shared with schools and local authorities nationally.

The department recently announced that new regional improvement for standards and excellence (RISE) teams will support all state schools by facilitating networking, sharing best practice across areas, and empowering schools to better access support and learn from one another. Improving school attendance is one of four national priorities for RISE teams.

School attendance is also supported by broader investments, such as funded breakfast clubs across all primary schools to ensure children start their day ready to learn.

The department will provide access to specialist mental health professionals in every school, new Young Futures hubs, including access to mental health support workers, and an additional 8,500 new mental health staff to treat children and adults.

Schools can also allocate pupil premium funding, which has now increased to over £2.9 billion for the 2024/25 financial year, to support pupils with identified needs to attend school regularly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the forecasted cost of the Rented Living Accommodation Project has changed since 5 July 2024.

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

The average annual cost of the Rented Living Accommodation Project (RLAP) is £80 million.

The RLAP Contract is due for renewal on 1 April 2027.

The overall forecast cost for RLAP has not changed since 5 July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost is of the Rented Living Accommodation Project.

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

The average annual cost of the Rented Living Accommodation Project (RLAP) is £80 million.

The RLAP Contract is due for renewal on 1 April 2027.

The overall forecast cost for RLAP has not changed since 5 July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Rented Living Accommodation Project is due for renewal.

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

The average annual cost of the Rented Living Accommodation Project (RLAP) is £80 million.

The RLAP Contract is due for renewal on 1 April 2027.

The overall forecast cost for RLAP has not changed since 5 July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the entitlement requirements are for an application to live in Substitute Service Family Accommodation.

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

When Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is unavailable on assignment to a new duty unit, Service personnel who are married and accompanied by their family, registered in a civil partnership, a lone single parent, or are married unaccompanied fulfilling certain key appointments are entitled to apply for Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) broadly equivalent to SFA entitlement. SSFA is provided by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) contractor responsible for sourcing suitable properties from the commercial rental market, subject to the following criteria:

1. The applicant must be entitled to SFA in accordance with MOD regulations;
2. The MOD contractor must have issued a non-availability certificate in respect of the applicant;
3. They expect to occupy the property for a minimum of six months.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost to his Department for Substitute Service Single Accommodation is, by region.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 31 March 2025, to Question 41231.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 38649 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, if he will provide a date.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I have nothing to add to the answer given on 24 March to Question 38649 on Unmanned Air Systems Procurement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on (a) current, (b) pending and (c) future contracts held by his Department.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Officials remain engaged with our suppliers to continually monitor the situation. This Government will continue to hold discussions with the US administration on a wider economic deal that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether the Military Strategic Headquarters will have its own secretariat.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The detailed requirement for the Military Strategic Headquarters organisational structure is in development and will include a secretariat function. This will be drawn from existing resource within the Department.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether he plans to publish the Defence Industrial Strategy before the post of National Armaments Director has been filled.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The National Armaments Director Group, set up on 1 April 2025, will fix the broken procurement system within the Ministry of Defence and make defence an engine for economic growth in every corner of the UK. It will bring together teams delivering the national 'arsenal', the Government's Defence Industrial Strategy and end to end acquisition under one leader, the National Armaments Director.

Recruitment for a permanent National Armaments Director is ongoing. They will take up the role after appointment once the appropriate notice period from any previous employment has been served.

On current plans, the Defence Industrial Strategy will be published in late-Spring 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, whether he plans to publish the Defence Industrial Strategy (a) before or (b) after the creation of the National Armaments Director Group.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The National Armaments Director Group, set up on 1 April 2025, will fix the broken procurement system within the Ministry of Defence and make defence an engine for economic growth in every corner of the UK. It will bring together teams delivering the national 'arsenal', the Government's Defence Industrial Strategy and end to end acquisition under one leader, the National Armaments Director.

Recruitment for a permanent National Armaments Director is ongoing. They will take up the role after appointment once the appropriate notice period from any previous employment has been served.

On current plans, the Defence Industrial Strategy will be published in late-Spring 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37603 on Ammunition: Lost Property and Theft, if he will list incidents recorded on the Defence Incident Management Database since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 5 July 2024 to 31 March 2025 11,763 security incidents have been raised and recorded in the Defence Incident Management Database. When any type of security incident is raised, it is reviewed by security personnel and subjected to an initial security risk assessment, with further action taken on a proportionate basis. As has been the policy for successive Governments, for security reasons we would not publish details of suspected or reported security incidents.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of restricting the patient’s Right To Choose service on people with ADHD in South Suffolk.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to patients, including those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in South Suffolk, having the right to choose their provider when referred to consultant-led treatment, or to a mental health professional, for their first appointment as an outpatient. A patient’s right to choose is set out in legislation, and no changes are being made to this legal right. Further information on the choices available for patients can be found on the NHS Choice framework, which is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has has with his US counterpart on a security guarantee in the event of a UK peacekeeping or reassurance force in Ukraine.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Secretary regularly speaks with his US and international counterparts, including on our collective support to Ukraine’s armed forces.

The UK, along with a number of allies and partners, held further discussions this week at the Permanent Joint Headquarters to consider in detail how best to ensure Ukraine can defend itself from future Russian aggression. We will continue to keep the US informed on that planning process.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has had discussions on the rules of engagement for a potential UK peacekeeping or reassurance force in Ukraine.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK is playing a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. Operational planning continues but it is long-standing Government policy not to comment on Rules of Engagement. The only person who would benefit from that is Putin.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to order additional A400M aircraft this Parliament.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

All capability requirements, including those for tactical airlift, are being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review process.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of SEND funding in South Suffolk.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

Following the Autumn Budget 2024, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year. Together with additional funding for schools’ increased National Insurance contributions costs announced recently, this brings total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to over £12 billion. Of that total, Suffolk County Council is being allocated over £124 million through the high needs funding block of the dedicated schools grant (DSG), an increase of £10.3 million on the 2024/25 DSG high needs block, calculated using the high needs national funding formula (NFF). This NFF allocation is an 9% increase per head of their 2 to 18 year-old population, on their equivalent 2024/25 NFF allocation.

In addition to the DSG, local authorities will also receive a separate core schools budget grant (CSBG) in the 2025/26 financial year. This CSBG continues the separate grants payable in 2024/25, which are to help special schools and alternative provision with the costs of teachers’ pay and pension increases and other staff pay increases, as well as the additional funding in respect of the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions. The department plans to publish individual local authorities’ allocations of this funding for 2025/26 in May 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a UK peacekeeping or reassurance force in Ukraine would in principle cover (a) land, (b) sea, (c) air, (d) space and (e) cyber domains.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Prime Minister has been clear that we must all come together to support Ukraine to remain in the fight and back US efforts to make real progress to ensure Ukraine can defend itself from future Russian aggression.

Planning so far has looked across the full range of European military capabilities including aircraft, tanks, troops, intelligence and logistics capabilities – and discussions have centred on how European nations can contribute their own capabilities to support any future force.

Discussions continue around military planning of air, sea and land forces that would be required to support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the other countries in the coalition of the willing that have committed in principle to deploy troops to Ukraine in a peacekeeping or reassurance capacity.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

With France, the UK is leading plans to put together a Coalition of the Willing. 31 nations joined a planning meeting last week at the Permanent Joint Headquarters, with over 200 military planners convening this week for further meetings focused on how we keep the skies, the seas and the border safe, looking across the full range of European military capabilities including aircraft, tanks, troops, intelligence and logistics.

We can not provide a list of the countries that have committed in principle to deploy troops to Ukraine. That is a matter for those countries to provide details on.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the Royal Marines.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Neither the Royal Navy (RN) nor Royal Marines (RM) currently offer an Officer Internship scheme similar to the Army.

However, the RN does offer several different schemes such as A-Level Scholarships, Accelerated Apprenticeship Schemes, Defence Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Schemes and Cadetship Entry. All of these give generous annual bursary payments and the opportunity to complete Naval Service training every year alongside their studies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a programme similar to the Army Officer Internship scheme exists in the Royal Navy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Neither the Royal Navy (RN) nor Royal Marines (RM) currently offer an Officer Internship scheme similar to the Army.

However, the RN does offer several different schemes such as A-Level Scholarships, Accelerated Apprenticeship Schemes, Defence Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Undergraduate Schemes and Cadetship Entry. All of these give generous annual bursary payments and the opportunity to complete Naval Service training every year alongside their studies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have applied for an (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, providing individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after university.

The department does not hold data related to applications for the entire period requested. Applications for the Army Officer Internship Programme commencing from September 2022 onwards are as follows:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have subsequently joined the Army Reserve after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission or (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have subsequently joined the Regular Army after completing the (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

This information is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with (a) the Chief of Defence People, (b) the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and (c) other military representatives on changing elements of the Army Officer Internship scheme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have completed a (a) Gap Year Commission and (b) Army Officer Internship since 2015.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what remuneration package comes with the Army Officer Internship programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there are any benefits that are provided to a service person living in Substitute Service Single Accommodation that would not be provided to a service person living in private accommodation.

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

Substitute Service Single Accommodation (SSSA) exists to accommodate Service personnel who are entitled to Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at their primary duty unit where none is available. SSSA is intended to mirror the conditions of SLA in so far as possible and cannot be compared like-for-like with private accommodation.

There are a wide range of allowances available to Service personnel to meet the costs incurred in carrying out their duties, and eligibility will depend on a number of permutations, not just the type of accommodation in which they are resident.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel were living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation by rank as of 27 March 2025.

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

As of 28 March 2025, there were 174 Service personnel and their families, living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA).

Information on the number of Service personnel living in SSFA by rank or by the number of dual Serving Service personnel is not held.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many dual serving service personnel are living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation.

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

As of 28 March 2025, there were 174 Service personnel and their families, living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA).

Information on the number of Service personnel living in SSFA by rank or by the number of dual Serving Service personnel is not held.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel live in Substitute Service Family Accommodation.

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

As of 28 March 2025, there were 174 Service personnel and their families, living in Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA).

Information on the number of Service personnel living in SSFA by rank or by the number of dual Serving Service personnel is not held.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff will sit on the defence growth board.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The membership of the Defence Growth Board consists of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. They will be supported by Departmental officials, including the National Armaments Director and MOD Permanent Secretary. Meetings of the Defence Growth Board will be scheduled as required.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Permanent Secretary will sit on the defence growth board.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The membership of the Defence Growth Board consists of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. They will be supported by Departmental officials, including the National Armaments Director and MOD Permanent Secretary. Meetings of the Defence Growth Board will be scheduled as required.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how regularly the defence growth board will meet.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The membership of the Defence Growth Board consists of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. They will be supported by Departmental officials, including the National Armaments Director and MOD Permanent Secretary. Meetings of the Defence Growth Board will be scheduled as required.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the maximum capacity is of the Army Officer Internship programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are enrolled on the Army Officer Internship programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Army Officer Internship has replaced the Gap Year Commission.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Army still offers a Gap Year Commission.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Since 2021, the Gap Year Commission has been integrated into the Army Internship Programme, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to experience a challenging and rewarding year with the Army in the role of an Army Officer for 12 months before, during or after University.

The Army offers up to 30 places per year on the Internship programme. 52 different opportunities are provided to allow applicants their choice of role.

Whilst we do not hold data for the entire period requested, below are the number of completions for each academic year since 2017-18. Courses start in September and conclude the following year.

There are currently fewer than 10 active Service personnel enrolled on an internship for the 2024-25 scheme.

Those awarded an internship are paid a spot rate at Pre-Career officer rates and are non-pensionable. These rates are reviewed annually on the recommendations of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. Internship officers are also provided with an accommodation solution in accordance with Joint Service Policy. Furthermore, any internship officers who become ill or are injured are eligible to receive benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

There have been no recent discussions or proposed changes to the Internship scheme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many procurement orders have been submitted by his Department for approval by (a) HM Treasury and (b) Cabinet Office since 5th July 2024 for a value of (i) over £1 million, (ii) £500,000-1 million, (iii) under £500,000.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

From 5 July 2024 to date, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has submitted 39 business cases to His Majesty's Treasury (HMT) and 68 to the Cabinet Office, all of which were for expenditure over £1 million.

As regards approvals by HMT, it is important to note that only those business cases relating to programmes with whole life costs above MOD’s Delegated Authorisation Levels (DAL) require HMT approval. These levels are as follows:

£1 billion CDEL or £800 million RDEL for Equipment or Service Provision programmes, £250 million (either DEL) for Information & Communications Technology programmes, and £100 million (either DEL) for Infrastructure programmes. All programmes within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise have a DAL of £1billion.

Therefore, all business cases below these thresholds are approved internally within MOD.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Spring Statement on 26 March 2025, how the £2.2bn for financial year 2025-26 will be spent by his Department.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The £2.2 billion will support the Government in building a modern and resilient Armed Forces, including by enhancing the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies, allowing investment in advanced technology such as Directed Energy Weapons, and refurbishing the defence estate to provide our military families with the homes they deserve. We will also establish the UK Defence Innovation, to help secure competitive advantage whilst driving wider growth.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Substitute Service Family Accommodation properties are in use in the United Kingdom.

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

As of 28 March 2025, 174 Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) properties are in use in the United Kingdom.

The cost of SSFA for financial year 2024-25 is £1.28 million.

Information regarding the annual cost of SSFA by region is not held.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost is of Substitute Service Family Accommodation by region.

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

As of 28 March 2025, 174 Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) properties are in use in the United Kingdom.

The cost of SSFA for financial year 2024-25 is £1.28 million.

Information regarding the annual cost of SSFA by region is not held.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the annual cost is of Substitute Service Family Accommodation.

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

As of 28 March 2025, 174 Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) properties are in use in the United Kingdom.

The cost of SSFA for financial year 2024-25 is £1.28 million.

Information regarding the annual cost of SSFA by region is not held.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Chief of the Defence Staff will sit on the defence growth board.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The membership of the Defence Growth Board consists of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. They will be supported by Departmental officials, including the National Armaments Director and MOD Permanent Secretary. Meetings of the Defence Growth Board will be scheduled as required.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the National Armaments Director will sit on the defence growth board.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The membership of the Defence Growth Board consists of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. They will be supported by Departmental officials, including the National Armaments Director and MOD Permanent Secretary. Meetings of the Defence Growth Board will be scheduled as required.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Second Permanent Secretary will sit on the defence growth board.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The membership of the Defence Growth Board consists of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. They will be supported by Departmental officials, including the National Armaments Director and MOD Permanent Secretary. Meetings of the Defence Growth Board will be scheduled as required.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a summary of his discussions with his Estonian counterpart that took place on 26 March 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand, we do not routinely publish readouts after individual bilateral meetings. The Secretary of State had productive discussions with his Estonian counterpart about our bilateral cooperation with Estonia and our cooperation through the JEF and NATO.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, what his planned timetable is for achieving pace-setting modular upgrades to have an average of one year to contract.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, drive productivity and secure the best possible value for money, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

A timescale for practical application of a segmented approach to procurement will be developed in consultation with industry and closely integrated with implementation of wider defence reforms, the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, when he plans to achieve his target for major platforms to have an average of two years to contract.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, drive productivity and secure the best possible value for money, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

A timescale for practical application of a segmented approach to procurement will be developed in consultation with industry and closely integrated with implementation of wider defence reforms, the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, what his Department's definition of novel technology is.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

At the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence (MOD) committed to establishing UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will simplify and consolidate the current MOD structures for innovation.

The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel technology. Novel technology investments include dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. This list is not exhaustive, and work is ongoing to establish a formal definition of novel technology that UKDI and the wider Department will work against.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, what his planned timetable is to achieve his target for rapid commercial exploitation to have a three-months cycle.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, drive productivity and secure the best possible value for money, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

A timescale for practical application of a segmented approach to procurement will be developed in consultation with industry and closely integrated with implementation of wider defence reforms, the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which sites will be included in the refurbishment of military housing.

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

We are unable to give details of our future plans for specific sites at this time.

The Defence Housing Strategy Review to determine how the Department will utilise its properties reacquired from Annington following the completion of the deal in January 2025 is now underway.

The Military Housing Strategy planned for publication in Summer 2025 will set out a roadmap to deliver a generational renewal of military accommodation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether any of the funding for military housing will go towards finalising the Annington transaction.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 31 March 2025 to Question 41492.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last met with the lead members of the Strategic Defence Review team.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Defence Secretary, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Review will be published in the Spring. As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is advanced, and he will lay it in Parliament as soon as he can. It will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has plans to establish a new framework for independent institutions.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department expects independent educational institutions to be regulated under the same framework which exists for independent schools under Part 4 of Chapter 1 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.

The department keeps policy regarding independent educational institutions under review to ensure that appropriate action can be taken to provide the best education and opportunities for all children and young people.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support the well-being of children returning to school following a period of home education in South Suffolk constituency.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Supporting the wellbeing of children in schools is central to their ability to achieve and thrive. That is why the department encourages schools to ensure a calm, orderly, safe and supportive environment where all pupils want to be are ready to learn. The department also provides a range of guidance and practical resources on promoting and supporting pupils’ wellbeing, including a resources hub for mental health leads and a toolkit to help choose evidence-based early support for pupils.

The information that local authorities will collect through the Children Not in School statutory registers, which the department are introducing under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, will help to build a clearer picture of the child’s individual needs and circumstances and enable the local authority or school to provide the tailored support required to best meet those needs.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill also introduces a duty on local authorities to provide advice and information to parents of children on their registers, should the parents request it.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of the Sustainable Farming Initiative was spent on family-owned farms in financial year 2024-2025.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We do not hold information on ownership arrangements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 18 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the funding for the regeneration of His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth will be allocated.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The funding for the regeneration of His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth will be allocated towards three main areas: refurbishment and upgrade of accommodation, jetty upgrade programme, and wider estate development.

This allocation aims to provide good quality, safe accommodation, ensure the jetties can better meet the demand of the surface fleet, and create a resilient, efficient, and sustainable Naval Base. This funding does not cover the totality of the regeneration needs, and future requirements will be determined following the Strategic Defence Review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how many Royal Navy ships will operate a Directed Energy Weapon by 2027.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As announced in the Spring Statement, part of the additional funding for Defence will be invested in advanced technology, including putting the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons on four Royal Navy ships, starting from 2027. This is not the totality of the Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s investment in DEW, and we will wait for the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review before making further announcements on plans for DEW capability. Defence remains committed to bringing novel capabilities to our Armed Forces faster than before, and our Defence Reform efforts will help to set MOD up to deliver this.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which class of Royal Navy ships will operate a directed energy weapon.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Our DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be fitted to four Royal Navy ships starting from 2027. Type 45 destroyers are being explored as the most suitable platform. The Ministry of Defence is maturing plans for future DEW capabilities alongside DragonFire delivery and in conjunction with the Royal Navy will ensure that the most suitable Royal Navy ships are selected.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the investment in Directed Energy Weapons will be spent.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The additional funding announced in the Spring Statement is contributing to advanced technology within Defence, including securing the in service date for the DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapons (DEW). This investment will continue development of software and overall lethality, integration of the system, and will support the UK industrial base and specialist skills. DragonFire is an example of our commitment to developing UK sovereign capability, and is not the totality of MOD’s investment in DEW. We will wait for the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review before making further announcements on plans for DEW capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that proposed increases in defence spending create economic growth in all regions.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

In the recent announcements of an extra £5 billion for defence next year and setting a pathway to spend 2.5% of GDP by 2027, this Government recognised that Defence and national security are foundational for economic growth across the UK. We are determined to go further and use Defence procurement and investment to actively generate wealth, boost export potential and create high quality jobs across all the nations and regions of our country.

This Government is hard-wiring growth considerations into Defence processes. The new Defence Growth Board, which will be co-chaired by the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Defence, will ensure growth considerations are central to our decision-making.

The Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent, published in December 2024, identified spreading prosperity as one of six key priorities. The new UK Defence Innovation organisation and the associated commitment to spend 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s budget on novel technologies, together with fundamental reforms to defence procurement and a new small and medium sized enterprises hub will benefit industry across the UK.

The Ministry of Defence continues to engage with industry, devolved Governments and local authorities to better understand the regional opportunities and barriers for growth in the defence sector. We are working with partners across Government to determine how these can best be addressed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's recruitment targets for the armed forces are for 2025-26.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve recruitment since July 2024.

The 2025-26 Single Service recruitment targets are detailed below:

Royal Navy – 3,890

Army – 10,200

Royal Air Force – 3,230

These figures are the totals for Regular Service personnel only and are rounded to the nearest 10.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 01 April 2025 to Question 41483 on Defence: Procurement, what the (a) eight business cases waiting for approval with His Majesty's Treasury and (b) seven cases waiting for approval with the Cabinet Office are.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The eight cases with HM Treasury are as follows:

1) Sheffield Forgemaster Recapitalisation

2) Future Maritime Support Programme

3) Project BRAMLEY (ICT infrastructure)

4) Defence Marine Services – Next Generation

5) Astute

6) Dreadnought Support

7) Future Combat Air System/Global Combat Air Programme

8) Submarine Disposal Capability (NB - this case was approved by HM Treasury on 1 Apr 25).

The seven cases with Cabinet Office are as follows:

1) Defence Marine Services Next Generation

2) AWE Client Partnership Framework

3) Future Maritime Support Programme

4) Land Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Mounted SHORAD

5) HESTIA (Facilities Management) - All regional contracts - UK MOD Estate: South West; South; South East; East; North; Wales & W Midlands; Scotland and North Ireland

6) Project “Appivate” - RAF Digital Technology Contract

7) Defence Digital ICT manage services project.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.7 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how the UK’s programme of joint exercises with NATO allies will be enhanced.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK will participate in exercises with NATO Allies to build and enhance interoperability in multi-domain operations, key to NATO’s operational effectiveness. This will be demonstrated through participation in Exercises Hedgehog and Steadfast Deterrence in May of this year, which aim to strengthen NATO’s defence and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.9 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether the Defence Reform Model will include a target for spending on UK Defence SMEs.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence have announced that, along with other Government Departments, the Ministry of Defence will publish a target for direct spend with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by June 2025.

This forms part of broader Defence Reform and complements the commitments within the Spring Statement regarding ringfenced funding for innovation. The Department is committed to a stretching but achievable target to meet this requirement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 3.29 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether he plans to set a formal target for end to end procurement time for pace-setting modular upgrades.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

These reforms will enable the end-to-end procurement approach to be tailored according to the nature of each programme, delivering capability into the hands of the war fighter more quickly to maintain operational advantage.

As set out in the Spring Statement, the department will set targets for time to contract as part of its new segmented approach to procurement. While larger, complex platforms, such as those in the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will often take longer to deliver, we will look for opportunities to drive pace at every stage of the acquisition process.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, whether he plans to set a formal target for end to end procurement time for rapid commercial exploitation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

These reforms will enable the end-to-end procurement approach to be tailored according to the nature of each programme, delivering capability into the hands of the war fighter more quickly to maintain operational advantage.

As set out in the Spring Statement, the department will set targets for time to contract as part of its new segmented approach to procurement. While larger, complex platforms, such as those in the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will often take longer to deliver, we will look for opportunities to drive pace at every stage of the acquisition process.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, whether he plans to set a formal target for end to end procurement time for major platforms.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is reforming its acquisition system to deliver defence capabilities at greater pace, secure the best possible value for money and support growth, under the leadership of a new National Armaments Director.

These reforms will enable the end-to-end procurement approach to be tailored according to the nature of each programme, delivering capability into the hands of the war fighter more quickly to maintain operational advantage.

As set out in the Spring Statement, the department will set targets for time to contract as part of its new segmented approach to procurement. While larger, complex platforms, such as those in the Government Major Projects Portfolio, will often take longer to deliver, we will look for opportunities to drive pace at every stage of the acquisition process.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether the £400m ringfenced budget for UK Defence Innovation will be ringfenced for UK Defence SMEs.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether his Department has been set a target by which to increase Defence exports.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK Government continually assesses the defence export market and plays an important role in supporting industry partners with the export of UK defence equipment. Alongside other measures announced in the Spring Statement, defence exports will play a key role in supporting the Government’s Growth agenda. Improving export performance will be a key role for the National Armaments Director.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, how UK Defence Innovation will engage with his Department.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, whether a board will be created for UK Defence Innovation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what the annual budget for UK Defence Innovation will be.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what will be the governance of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI).

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Prime Minister last met with the lead members of the Strategic Defence Review team.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As the Prime Minister reported in his Statement on Defence and Security in the House of Commons, the Strategic Defence Review is being finalised. The Reviewers are reporting regularly on progress to the Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Review will be published in the Spring. It will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, if he will fully define each of the areas of investment to be covered by the 10% of his Department’s equipment procurement that will be spent on novel technologies.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what the cash terms figure is for the 10% of his Department’s equipment procurement that will be spent on novel technologies.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, if he will list all the arms-length bodies which will be rolled in to UK Defence Innovation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what will be the construct of UK Defence Innovation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of (a) civil servants, (b) service personnel, (c) contractors and (d) others who will be employed by UK Defence Innovation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 2.8 of the Spring Statement, published on 26 March 2025, what the forecasted annual administration cost of UK Defence Innovation is.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the National Armaments Director will interact with UK Defence Innovation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how Defence Equipment and Support will interact with UK Defence Innovation.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As set out in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement the Ministry of Defence will establish UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). This new body will consolidate, cohere and simplify the current Ministry of Defence (MOD) structures for innovation. As well as capitalise on lessons from Ukraine. It supports the Government’s wider agenda for greater departmental agility, driven by advances in technology and increased productivity. UKDI will be granted greater freedoms to exploit and capitalise on new ideas, equip Britain’s Armed Forces with cutting-edge tech faster, support the growth of high-tech businesses across the UK and demonstrate the UK’s ability to respond at pace to external threats.

UKDI will report under the new National Armaments Director (NAD) and sit within the Ministry of Defence as part of the new operating model being established through Defence Reform. Its output will be fully accountable to Ministers and Parliament. UKDI will be part of cross Government growth boards. UKDI is not a new Arm's Length Body, nor will it pull in any existing Arm’s Length Bodies. UKDI is a key part of the biggest overhaul of Defence for over 50 years and will be an essential part of reforming defence acquisition.

UKDI will reach initial operating capability in July 2025, that output will provide more detail on the admin and running costs of UKDI, the detailed design and interactions with MSHQ, other Government departments and industry. This work will look at the size and shape of the workforce needed to deliver the ambition. UKDI will be given the appropriate delegation, resources and authority to achieve its goals.

To achieve these aims UKDI will be given a ringfenced budget to give confidence to industry in the acquisition programme and to be able to move from concept to delivery at pace. Investment cases will prioritise UK SMEs. The Spring Statement also confirmed that from next year the MOD will spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel tech including dual-use technologies such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. UKDI will be closely linked to the DE&S and DASA teams which have recently been involved in recent rapid procurement activities where appropriate.

The creation of UKDI underlines this Government's commitment to exploiting new ideas and technologies to equip our Armed Forces with cutting edge tech and grow high tech businesses across the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the creation of the National Armaments Director Group on the number of senior civil servants in other organisations within his Department.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Under Defence Reform, Civil Servants and Service personnel in organisations across the Ministry of Defence are re-aligning under four Areas – Department of State, Military Strategic Headquarters, National Armaments Director Group, and Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

In the first phase of implementation, teams are mostly moving as complete units. As new ways of working bed in, and in response to operational and policy needs, the Department will continue to assign roles in the most effective and efficient way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the creation of the National Armaments Director Group on the number of military posts in other organisations within his Department.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Under Defence Reform, Civil Servants and Service personnel in organisations across the Ministry of Defence are re-aligning under four Areas – Department of State, Military Strategic Headquarters, National Armaments Director Group, and Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

In the first phase of implementation, teams are mostly moving as complete units. As new ways of working bed in, and in response to operational and policy needs, the Department will continue to assign roles in the most effective and efficient way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his proposed Departmental reforms on the number of civil servants employed by his Department.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

We are undertaking the biggest UK defence reforms for more than 50 years, including building an Armed Forces and Defence Civil Service workforce which will be more skilled, agile and which better exploits technology.

This means tackling bureaucracy and streamlining processes to increase productivity.

This Government inherited a crisis in Armed Forces recruitment and retention and Ministers are determined to stop the long term decline in troop numbers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS 573, whether he plans to make any service personnel redundant as part of his reforms.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

We are undertaking the biggest UK defence reforms for more than 50 years, including building an Armed Forces and Defence Civil Service workforce which will be more skilled, agile and which better exploits technology.

This means tackling bureaucracy and streamlining processes to increase productivity.

This Government inherited a crisis in Armed Forces recruitment and retention and Ministers are determined to stop the long term decline in troop numbers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) of his Department's civilian personnel, (b) Armed Forces personnel and (c) external private contractors work on recruitment for the (i) Royal Navy, (ii) British Army, (iii) Royal Air Force and (iv) Royal Marines.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is presented in the table below. A separate return for the Royal Marines is not available as Royal Navy and Royal Marines recruiting are combined under the Royal Navy Recruit and Attract organisation.

*Note: contractors provide a range of outsourced Services, some held jointly. For the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force we hold no details on the numbers of individuals who work for the provider on each contract.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) full time and (b) reservist armed forces personnel were working on recruitment for the (i) British Army, (ii) Royal Navy, (iii) RAF and (iv) Royal Marines as of 01 April 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The requested information is presented in the table below. A separate return for the Royal Marines is not available as Royal Navy and Royal Marines recruiting are combined under the Royal Navy Recruit and Attract organisation.

*Note: contractors provide a range of outsourced Services, some held jointly. For the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force we hold no details on the numbers of individuals who work for the provider on each contract.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March to Question 39042 on Helicopters: Finance, if he will outline the prioritisation decisions made by the multiple front line commands to lay out an estimated budget for (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Prioritisation decisions made by front line commands regarding spending on rotary wing will take account of capability requirements, as well as the Accounting Officer principles set out in Managing Public Money.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38652 on Multi-role Support Ships: Procurement, whether external consultants were involved in the renaming process.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The name change from Multi-role Support Ship to Multi-role Strike Ship (MRSS) took effect on 25 February 2025. No external consultants were involved.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38652 on Multi-role Support Ships: Procurement, on what date it was renamed.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The name change from Multi-role Support Ship to Multi-role Strike Ship (MRSS) took effect on 25 February 2025. No external consultants were involved.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to extend the National Insurance contributions holiday for businesses that employ veterans after April 2026.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government keeps all taxes under review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Victorious since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Vengeance since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Vigilant since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Vanguard since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Audacious since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Artful since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Ambush since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Astute since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Queen Elizabeth since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Prince of Wales since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Dauntless since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Anson since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of Daring since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Iron Duke since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Somerset since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Richmond since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Lancaster since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Duncan since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Defender since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Dragon since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Diamond since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Bulwark since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on the (a) upkeep and (b) maintenance of HMS Tracker since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The volume of detailed information requested is such that it will take time to consider in full. Consequently, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the new support hub for SMEs will be operational.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 March 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 34903.

Found: Letter dated 11/04/2025 from Alistair Carns MP to James Cartlidge MP regarding the status of the recommendations