Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 7, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], which activities his Department considers risk conflicting with the obligations in Article 3(2)(b).

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

As set out in Annex 1, Clause 7 of the Treaty, the UK holds the right to notify Mauritius about any activity that is seen as potentially undermining, prejudicing or otherwise interfering with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia. Mauritius would then commence a Security Review in respect of these activities . This means that the UK will have an effective veto over any activity that presents a clear and direct threat to the base on Diego Garcia. There is no limit to the scope of activities considered under this condition.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to procure a land cruise missile.

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

The Strategic Defence Review signifies a landmark shift in our deterrence and defence: moving to warfighting readiness to deter threats and strengthen security in the Euro-Atlantic. Through the Strategic Defence Review, the UK’s defence and deterrence is being bolstered with 7,000 UK-built long-range weapons and a new £1.5 billion Government investment in munitions and energetics factories.

Complex weapons, of which cruise missiles are one option, are a necessary part of our warfighting and deterrence. The exact laydown of our complex weapons capability mix is confidential, and it would be inappropriate to comment outside of information that will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on the refit of HMS Dragon.

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

HMS Dragon has completed her Power Improvement Project (PIP) upkeep, which includes installation of three new diesel generators, an additional high voltage switchboard and broader control system dependencies.

HMS Dragon has returned to the Fleet having achieved Materiel Assessment Inspection on 1 May 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) ships and (b) submarines are currently (i) in-build and (ii) on order.

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

There are currently eight ships in build, with a further eight on order. These include the next-generation Type 31 General Purpose Frigates, Type 26 Anti-Submarine Frigates, and the Fleet Solid Support ships, to be crewed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

There are currently five submarines in build, and one on order. This includes the Dreadnought class, the replacement for the Royal Navy’s current Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, and Astute-Class attack submarines.

The above figures do not include programmes that are in development but not yet contracted for, such as SSN-AUKUS submarines, Multi Role Strike Ships and the Type 83 Air Defence Destroyer.

These ships and submarines, together with other capabilities, are a vital part of achieving the new hybrid navy as outlined recently in the Strategic Defence Review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 5, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], what the areas of assistance agreed to provide Mauritius to (a) monitor, (b) detect and (c) adjudicate security risks and conduct Security Reviews were.

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

As set out in the new UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework, Mauritius and the United Kingdom will cooperate on matters relating to maritime security. This includes the UK working with Mauritius to improve maritime surveillance, the tracking of suspicious vessels and data sharing. Further engagement on the details of this cooperation with Mauritius is ongoing.

Decisions on the areas of assistance required for Mauritius to adjudicate security risks and conduct Security Reviews will be made as part of the current implementation process.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 3, Clause 2, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], whether an official from his Department will sit on the Joint Commission.

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

As Annex 3 of the Treaty states, the UK delegation to the Joint Commission will consist of one senior representative (as co-chair with Mauritius) and four additional representatives.

Decisions on who will represent the UK side will be made in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the design of the Chagos Islands flag will change following the ratification of the Chagos treaty.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

A British flag will continue to be flown at the UK-US Base on Diego Garcia as it has always done.

The British Indian Ocean Territory will cease to exist as a British Overseas Territory upon ratification of the treaty agreed between the UK and Mauritius.

No decision has yet been taken on any future use or adaptation of the current BIOT flag.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 3, Clause 2, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], who will sit on the Joint Commission as representatives of the UK.

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

As Annex 3 of the Treaty states, the UK delegation to the Joint Commission will consist of one senior representative (as co-chair with Mauritius) and four additional representatives.

Decisions on who will represent the UK side will be made in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 3, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], which representatives from (a) the UK and (b) Mauritius will decide on authorisations permitting the presence of (i) non-United Kingdom, (ii) non-United States or (iii) non-Mauritian security forces on the Base.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 June 2025, to Question 57307.

Annex 1, Clause 3 does not apply to the base on Diego Garcia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 3, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], what assessment he has made of the potential impact of advising Mauritius on the location of UK equipment on the Base on operational security.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 June 2025, to Question 57307.

There is no requirement to advise Mauritius on the location of equipment on Diego Garcia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], if he will outline how the Agreement will ensure the long-term (a) secure and (b) effective operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.

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

The Treaty means that the UK will retain full operational control over Diego Garcia, and there are robust security provisions in place for the base and the rest of the Chagos Archipelago. Mauritius is committed to uphold the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base, and there is a binding obligation on them not to undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the base.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 10, Clause 1 of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], what are the requirements for Mauritian companies to be selected to contract services on the Base.

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

Future contracts falling under Article 10 of the treaty shall be subject to normal scrutiny and award processes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May 2025 to Question 52287 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, what the emerging technologies are.

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

The Royal Navy continues to work collaboratively with the Royal Air Force to investigate the potential for fixed wing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) to enhance the strike capabilities of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

ACPs provide the opportunity to generate additional combat mass, improve operational persistence, and offer more choice to the operational commander by reducing risk to life. The physical ability for ACPs to operate from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers is an essential attribute to enable their deployment by the Royal Navy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 57297 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, what the total cost to his Department’s budget in the latest spending review arising from the Chagos Treaty is; and if he will provide a breakdown of that cost in each year of the Spending Review.

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

The Government has acted to secure our national interest, strengthen our national security, and to protect the British people.

As set out by the Secretary of State in his statement, this is at a cost of less than 0.2% of the annual defence budget.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 10, Clause 1 of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], if he will estimate the cost of employing Mauritian nationals to be employed as contractors on the Base.

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

As set out in the 1966 UK-US Exchange of Notes, including the 1976 amendment, the Government of the United States shall bear the cost of developing, operating and maintaining the facility. Mauritian nationals who are employed as contractors in existing roles will not result in any additional costs to the UK or US.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage service personnel to submit responses to the Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey.

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

The Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey 2025 was launched on 20 May 2025. It remains open for six weeks, closing on 1 July 2025.

A comprehensive internal communications plan proactively encourages all Regular and Reserve Service personnel to take part. It has been designed to ensure a wide range of responses across the Armed Forces. The communications plan uses a phased approach: marking the launch, mid-way point, and one week to go. An agile approach is used to ensure communication can be adapted to ensure Defence achieves a broad range of responses.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the latest Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey was launched.

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

The Armed Forces Sexual Harassment Survey 2025 was launched on 20 May 2025. It remains open for six weeks, closing on 1 July 2025.

A comprehensive internal communications plan proactively encourages all Regular and Reserve Service personnel to take part. It has been designed to ensure a wide range of responses across the Armed Forces. The communications plan uses a phased approach: marking the launch, mid-way point, and one week to go. An agile approach is used to ensure communication can be adapted to ensure Defence achieves a broad range of responses.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he, (b) his then political advisor and (c) any other person employed in his parliamentary office received a hard copy of the MOD policy paper entitled, Defence Command Paper 2023: defence's response to a more contested and volatile world, published on 18 July 2023, on the morning of 18 July 2023.

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

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Point of Order raised by my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary (John Healey) on 23 June 2025 (Official Report, column 903).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a strategy to implement the Strategic Defence Review.

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

Yes. This Government endorses the Strategic Defence Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review’s vision and recommendations and turn them into a line-by-line delivery plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to invest pension funds in UK defence companies.

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

The Government is committed to increasing private sector investment in the UK defence sector, recognising its vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing national security. This commitment was underscored by the Defence Secretary’s speech at the London Stock Exchange on 13 May 2025, the roundtable he chaired with private investors on 2 April, and the establishment of the UK Defence Economic and Growth Taskforce, chaired by the Defence Secretary and the Chancellor.

The Strategic Defence Review recommended the Ministry of Defence develop a dedicated financial services strategy by March 2026. We will consult a wide range of stakeholders during the production of this strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, how many years will be covered by the £1.5bn always on pipeline for munitions.

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

Defence is investing £6 billion in munitions this Parliament, including an extra £1.5 billion in an 'always on' pipeline for munitions and building at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK, generating over 1,000 jobs, and boosting export potential.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025 in which year the new £11bn Invest annual budget will commence.

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

Under Defence Reform, the Department's investment funding has been brought together in one place under the National Armaments Director Group from this financial year. Further details of this invest budget will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan this autumn.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, in which year the £1.5bn always on pipeline will commence.

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

Defence is investing £6 billion in munitions this Parliament, including an extra £1.5 billion in an 'always on' pipeline for munitions and building at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK, generating over 1,000 jobs, and boosting export potential.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to publish a defence command paper to outline how his Department plans to implement the Strategic Defence Review.

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

This Government endorses the Strategic Defence Review’s (SDR) vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. A Defence Investment Plan, which will be published in the autumn, will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a line-by-line delivery plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to hold discussions with local authorities that have voted to divest pension funds from UK defence companies.

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

The Government is committed to increasing private sector investment in the UK defence sector, recognising its vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and enhancing national security. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommended the Ministry of Defence develop a dedicated financial services strategy by March 2026. We will consult a wide range of stakeholders during the production of this strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Strategic Defence Review - Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, updated on 11 June 2025, what assessment he has made of the merits of the US Government's decision to launch a review of the AUKUS partnership.

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

AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies. It is one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades, supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic, while also delivering jobs and economic growth in communities across all three nations.

AUKUS holds bipartisan support in the United States, and we are engaging effectively with the US Administration at every level. The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary regularly discuss AUKUS with their US and Australian counterparts and will continue to do so during the review process.

It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK has done through the Lovegrove Review. The UK will continue to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities which AUKUS presents for our three nations.

AUKUS has already strengthened our collective defence industries, generating thousands of new jobs. In the UK, we expect over 21,000 people to be working on SSN-AUKUS programmes at its peak, both in UK shipyards and across the supply chain.

The commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will only serve to enhance AUKUS. Continuous submarine production, through investments in Barrow and Raynesway, will enable us to produce a submarine every 18 months. This will allow us to grow our nuclear powered submarine fleet by up to 12 (SSNs), with a final decision made through the Defence Investment Plan. This will reinforce our Continuous at-Sea Deterrent (CASD) and position the UK to deliver the AUKUS programme with the US and Australia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the US Government's decision to launch a review into the AUKUS partnership on the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review.

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

AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies. It is one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades, supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic, while also delivering jobs and economic growth in communities across all three nations.

AUKUS holds bipartisan support in the United States, and we are engaging effectively with the US Administration at every level. The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary regularly discuss AUKUS with their US and Australian counterparts and will continue to do so during the review process.

It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK has done through the Lovegrove Review. The UK will continue to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities which AUKUS presents for our three nations.

AUKUS has already strengthened our collective defence industries, generating thousands of new jobs. In the UK, we expect over 21,000 people to be working on SSN-AUKUS programmes at its peak, both in UK shipyards and across the supply chain.

The commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will only serve to enhance AUKUS. Continuous submarine production, through investments in Barrow and Raynesway, will enable us to produce a submarine every 18 months. This will allow us to grow our nuclear powered submarine fleet by up to 12 (SSNs), with a final decision made through the Defence Investment Plan. This will reinforce our Continuous at-Sea Deterrent (CASD) and position the UK to deliver the AUKUS programme with the US and Australia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his (a) Australian and (b) United States counterpart on the US Government's decision to launch a review into the AUKUS partnership.

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

AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies. It is one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades, supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic, while also delivering jobs and economic growth in communities across all three nations.

AUKUS holds bipartisan support in the United States, and we are engaging effectively with the US Administration at every level. The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary regularly discuss AUKUS with their US and Australian counterparts and will continue to do so during the review process.

It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK has done through the Lovegrove Review. The UK will continue to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities which AUKUS presents for our three nations.

AUKUS has already strengthened our collective defence industries, generating thousands of new jobs. In the UK, we expect over 21,000 people to be working on SSN-AUKUS programmes at its peak, both in UK shipyards and across the supply chain.

The commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will only serve to enhance AUKUS. Continuous submarine production, through investments in Barrow and Raynesway, will enable us to produce a submarine every 18 months. This will allow us to grow our nuclear powered submarine fleet by up to 12 (SSNs), with a final decision made through the Defence Investment Plan. This will reinforce our Continuous at-Sea Deterrent (CASD) and position the UK to deliver the AUKUS programme with the US and Australia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the US Government's decision to launch a review into the AUKUS partnership on jobs.

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

AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies. It is one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades, supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic, while also delivering jobs and economic growth in communities across all three nations.

AUKUS holds bipartisan support in the United States, and we are engaging effectively with the US Administration at every level. The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary regularly discuss AUKUS with their US and Australian counterparts and will continue to do so during the review process.

It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK has done through the Lovegrove Review. The UK will continue to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities which AUKUS presents for our three nations.

AUKUS has already strengthened our collective defence industries, generating thousands of new jobs. In the UK, we expect over 21,000 people to be working on SSN-AUKUS programmes at its peak, both in UK shipyards and across the supply chain.

The commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will only serve to enhance AUKUS. Continuous submarine production, through investments in Barrow and Raynesway, will enable us to produce a submarine every 18 months. This will allow us to grow our nuclear powered submarine fleet by up to 12 (SSNs), with a final decision made through the Defence Investment Plan. This will reinforce our Continuous at-Sea Deterrent (CASD) and position the UK to deliver the AUKUS programme with the US and Australia.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 2, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], what protections are in place to ensure that Mauritius does not pass on information relating to an armed attack to any (a) third parties and (b) other nations.

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

Article 3(2) of the Treaty states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the military base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end. This will ensure that military operations are not compromised in any way. In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 June 2025 to Question 57298, any notification to Mauritius will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of submarine docking availability, in the context of his Department’s announcement to produce up to 12 attack submarines.

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

The Government is committed to ensuring the availability of submarine berths to support all submarine operations. We are focussed on the long-term infrastructure development of His Majesty's Naval Bases Clyde and Devonport to support the United Kingdom's future fleet of submarines.

For reasons of operational security, further details on specific berths cannot be disclosed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 5 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, who the new National Armaments Director appointed on 1 April 2025 is.

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

Andy Start is acting National Armaments Director (NAD). He is also the Chief Executive of the Defence Equipment and Support organisation.

This is to ensure that the momentum of Defence Reform is sustained while we recruit for a permanent NAD.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for publishing the Veterans' Strategy.

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

This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country. I am leading work across Government and with Civil Society with a strategy that outlines our vision for these remarkable men and women and the outcomes we wish to achieve. Announcements will be made in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June to Question 56844 on Strategic Defence Review, if he will list the trade unions that received unredacted hard copies of the Strategic Defence Review before 3.00pm on 2 June 2025.

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

For the launch of the Strategic Defence Review, the Government offered embargoed briefings to our people and senior defence leaders, plus certain Parliamentarians, trade unions, businesses, allies and media. This was broadly consistent with the approach for previous defence reviews. At no point did stakeholders receive any commercially sensitive information ahead of publication.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, whether the new CyberEM Command will be a distinct entity to the National Cyber Force.

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

Yes, the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will be a distinct entity to the National Cyber Force (NCF). It will put the UK at the forefront of cyber operations.

The Strategic Defence Review is clear that the new Cyber and EM Command will not affect the NCF’s authorities or how it conducts operations, but it will cohere and oversee cyber operations for Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, how much of the £11bn Invest annual budget represents new money.

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

We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to deliver the Strategic Defence Review’s vision. We will ensure the Plan is deliverable and affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technology opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. This will supersede the old-style Defence Equipment Plan.

This will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our front-line forces at speed and, importantly, invest in and grow the UK economy. The Defence Investment Plan will be completed later this year.

The plan will highlight how the Government's historic investment in defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive defence as an engine for jobs and growth.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that people eligible for the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme receive payments in a timely manner.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The delivery of compensation is a matter for the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) as an operationally independent arm's-length body. As of 17 June, IBCA has contacted 1,707 people to start their compensation claim, and 1,346 have started the claim process. 462 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £395 million, and so far 310 people have accepted their offers with more than £231 million paid in compensation. Going forward, IBCA is aiming to contact an average of 100 people to begin their claim every week. At that rate, they expect to have brought in to claim all those infected people who are registered with a support scheme this calendar year.

Whilst the roll out of the Scheme is an operational decision for IBCA as an independent body, I fully support their commitment to moving forward as swiftly as possible and as the Minister, I stand ready to help and assist in any way I can to speed up the payments. I am restless for the speed of delivery to increase, but I respect that operational independence going forward, as it is important that I do.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, how much of the £6bn announced for munitions this Parliament has been accounted for in his Department’s budget.

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

We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to deliver the Strategic Defence Review’s vision. We will ensure the Plan is deliverable and affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technology opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. This will supersede the old-style Defence Equipment Plan.

This will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our front-line forces at speed and, importantly, invest in and grow the UK economy.

The plan will highlight how the Government's historic investment in defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive defence as an engine for jobs and growth. The Defence Investment Plan will be published later this year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 6 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, how many years will be covered by the £11bn Invest annual budget.

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

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence.

We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to deliver the SDR’s vision. We will ensure the Plan is deliverable and affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technology opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. This will supersede the old-style Defence Equipment Plan.

This will deliver the best kit and technology into the hands of our front-line forces at speed and, importantly, invest in and grow the UK economy. The Defence Investment Plan will be completed later this year.

The plan will highlight how the Government's historic investment in defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive defence as an engine for jobs and growth.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 3, Clause 2, of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], when the Joint Commission will first meet.

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

The date of the first meeting of the Joint Commission has not been set. Once the Treaty enters into force, the Joint Commission shall meet at least twice a year or more frequently on the request of either the UK or Mauritius.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what the requirements are for membership of the Defence Investors’ Advisory Group.

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

The SDR recognises that today, much of the best innovation is found in the private sector, while the increasing prevalence of dual-use technologies has widened the net of potential suppliers that can contribute to Defence outcomes. The Review is clear that Defence must embrace its role in seeding innovation and growth, rapidly adopting new technology to keep the Integrated Force at the forefront of warfare.

It specifically recommends that external expertise should be systematically accessed through a new Defence Investors' Advisory Group. This will be an important starting point in boosting private investment in the defence and dual-use technology sectors, and in supporting new entrants and innovation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's messenger service routinely keeps records of when departmental hard copy (a) documents and (b) publications were sent to (i) parliamentarians and (ii) external stakeholders.

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

The Department’s messenger service does not hold specific records of what is delivered and to whom.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, who will sit on the Defence Investors’ Advisory Group.

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

As set out when the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was published, the Government accepts the vision and recommendations of the Review, including the establishment of a Defence Investors' Advisory Group.

The SDR suggests that Defence should build relationships with the investors behind the innovators. The Review recommends that external expertise should be systematically accessed through a new Defence Investors' Advisory Group whose membership includes venture capital and private equity investors.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, how frequently the Defence Investors’ Advisory Group will meet.

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

The frequency of meetings of the Defence Investors' Advisory Group has yet to be determined.

The Defence Investors’ Advisory Group will be an important element in supporting the Government’s aim of boosting private investment in the defence and dual-use technology sectors, and in supporting new entrants and innovation.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 18 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what information his Department holds on when it will receive funding to increase the number of active reserves by 20%.

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

Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way. The diversity of knowledge, skills, experience, and behaviours that Reserves bring from their outside jobs are an invaluable strength.

We have received the recommendation and are looking at how to undertake this in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 18 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, which back-office functions will be transferred to front-line roles.

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

The Government is endorsing the vision and accepting the Strategic Defence Reviews's 62 recommendations, including the recommendation that the MOD should seek to release all Regular personnel from administrative into front-line roles and should automate at least 20% of Human Resources, Finance, and Commercial functions by July 2028.

Military personnel in administrative roles perform them with pride and skill. As we return to rebuilding warfighting readiness, it is important that we are using our highly trained and highly skilled military personnel for the roles only they can do. The Strategic Defence Review sets the vision; more detailed workforce planning will now be conducted within the department to make these changes in a deliberate, phased way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 18 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025 what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of increasing the number of active reserves by 20%.

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

Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way. The diversity of knowledge, skills, experience, and behaviours that Reserves bring from their outside jobs are an invaluable strength.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) presents an exciting opportunity to invest in our Active Reserve, and the Secretary of State for Defence has agreed to all the SDR recommendations.

We anticipate it will become necessary to increase the UK’s Active Reserve forces by at least 20%. We have received the recommendation and are looking at how to undertake this in due course.The Ministry of Defence is not in a position to comment on when exactly that will be, as this will be dictated by a range of internal and external factors.

In the meantime, to restore mass and resilience in a crisis, Defence must make much better use of the resources available by urgently reinvigorating how it engages with the Strategic Reserve and improving recruitment and retention within the Active Reserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, what steps he is taking to increase security (a) RAF bases (b) Army bases and (c) Royal Navy bases.

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

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of a security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, when the review will (a) report to him and (b) be shared with parliamentarians.

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

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how he will prioritise the order in which bases are reviewed.

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

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, which bases will be covered by the review.

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

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, who will conduct that review.

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

As per my statement on Monday 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. Work has initially focused on Brize Norton but extends to all UK bases. The SDR identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus. Further plans will be announced in due course after the completion of the review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, who will command the Defence Research and Evaluation organisation.

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

In response to the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendations, and as part of Defence Reform, the department is currently making substantive changes to the end-to-end process for Science, Technology, Innovation, Integration, Acquisition and Support. These changes will ensure Defence: better adopts leading edge research from academia, allies and wider government; works more closely with UK based industry especially SMEs to mature leading edge technology; better leverages the UK’s leading financial sector for the benefit of defence; and catalyses UK based industry to execute differentiating innovation; all at a pace to enable us to react to the threats faced by the nation.

The DRE will be formed by an evolution of Dstl and Defence Science and Technology. There is still design work to be completed and will be announced in due course. The intention remains to focus the organisation on that work that must be done in Government for UK defence and security, including: early-stage research that must be led by officials; maintaining critical national capabilities in essential areas such as chemical and biological defence, novel and unconventional weapons, explosives and energetics and counter-terrorism technology where the market cannot sustain; and ensure Ministry of Defence is an intelligent customer for Science and Technology.

The SDR stated that the department may wish to keep the Dstl brand. Dstl is a widely respected brand internationally and nationally.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, how many staff will be employed as part of the Defence Research and Evaluation organisation.

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

In response to the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendations, and as part of Defence Reform, the department is currently making substantive changes to the end-to-end process for Science, Technology, Innovation, Integration, Acquisition and Support. These changes will ensure Defence: better adopts leading edge research from academia, allies and wider government; works more closely with UK based industry especially SMEs to mature leading edge technology; better leverages the UK’s leading financial sector for the benefit of defence; and catalyses UK based industry to execute differentiating innovation; all at a pace to enable us to react to the threats faced by the nation.

The DRE will be formed by an evolution of Dstl and Defence Science and Technology. There is still design work to be completed and will be announced in due course. The intention remains to focus the organisation on that work that must be done in Government for UK defence and security, including: early-stage research that must be led by officials; maintaining critical national capabilities in essential areas such as chemical and biological defence, novel and unconventional weapons, explosives and energetics and counter-terrorism technology where the market cannot sustain; and ensure Ministry of Defence is an intelligent customer for Science and Technology.

The SDR stated that the department may wish to keep the Dstl brand. Dstl is a widely respected brand internationally and nationally.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, what the cost of establishing the Defence Research and Evaluation organisation will be.

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

In response to the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendations, and as part of Defence Reform, the department is currently making substantive changes to the end-to-end process for Science, Technology, Innovation, Integration, Acquisition and Support. These changes will ensure Defence: better adopts leading edge research from academia, allies and wider government; works more closely with UK based industry especially SMEs to mature leading edge technology; better leverages the UK’s leading financial sector for the benefit of defence; and catalyses UK based industry to execute differentiating innovation; all at a pace to enable us to react to the threats faced by the nation.

The DRE will be formed by an evolution of Dstl and Defence Science and Technology. There is still design work to be completed and will be announced in due course. The intention remains to focus the organisation on that work that must be done in Government for UK defence and security, including: early-stage research that must be led by officials; maintaining critical national capabilities in essential areas such as chemical and biological defence, novel and unconventional weapons, explosives and energetics and counter-terrorism technology where the market cannot sustain; and ensure Ministry of Defence is an intelligent customer for Science and Technology.

The SDR stated that the department may wish to keep the Dstl brand. Dstl is a widely respected brand internationally and nationally.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 16 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, when the Defence Research and Evaluation organisation will be established.

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

In response to the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendations, and as part of Defence Reform, the department is currently making substantive changes to the end-to-end process for Science, Technology, Innovation, Integration, Acquisition and Support. These changes will ensure Defence: better adopts leading edge research from academia, allies and wider government; works more closely with UK based industry especially SMEs to mature leading edge technology; better leverages the UK’s leading financial sector for the benefit of defence; and catalyses UK based industry to execute differentiating innovation; all at a pace to enable us to react to the threats faced by the nation.

The DRE will be formed by an evolution of Dstl and Defence Science and Technology. There is still design work to be completed and will be announced in due course. The intention remains to focus the organisation on that work that must be done in Government for UK defence and security, including: early-stage research that must be led by officials; maintaining critical national capabilities in essential areas such as chemical and biological defence, novel and unconventional weapons, explosives and energetics and counter-terrorism technology where the market cannot sustain; and ensure Ministry of Defence is an intelligent customer for Science and Technology.

The SDR stated that the department may wish to keep the Dstl brand. Dstl is a widely respected brand internationally and nationally.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when did the Armed Forces cease to offer gap year commissions.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 3 April 2025 to Question 41496 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).