Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to procure a replacement for the Hawk jet trainer from a British company.

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

A plan to replace these aircraft will be detailed in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. All elements of this work, including the aircraft replacement, are progressing together. All decisions on future procurements will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1, Clause 1 (b), of the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 Mat 2025, whether unrestricted ability to control the storage of all goods, including but not limited to fuels, weapons and hazardous materials, includes the (a) storage and (b) presence of nuclear weapons.

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

Having said the answer three times in the debate and subsequently in the chamber too, I am surprised the hon. Gentleman needs me to say this again but.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave in the House of Commons on 28 January, column 959. It is longstanding UK policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has placed any restrictions on the number of reservist service days an individual can conduct in the current financial year.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made any changes to the number of reservist service days an individual can conduct in the current financial year.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised any reduction in reserve service days in the remainder of this financial year.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98834 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, how many of the capabilities that will form Atlantic Bastion are (a) new and (b) currently in service.

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

Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98834 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, if he will list the individual capabilities that form Atlantic Bastion.

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

Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98834 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, whether all individual capabilities that form Atlantic Bastion will be required to reach full operating capability in order to deliver Atlantic Bastion.

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

Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98834 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, whether Atlantic Bastion has a target delivery date.

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

Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the experimental stage of Atlantic Bastion to conclude.

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

Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made a cost impact assessment of announcing his Department's strategic partnership with Palantir on 18 September prior to signing a contract with Palantir on 30 December 2025.

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

The Strategic Partnership Arrangement announced on 18 September 2025 is a nonbinding statement of intent and did not create any financial commitments for the Department.

The subsequent contract signed on 30 December 2025 followed the Department’s full commercial and governance processes, including value for money and assurance checks, to ensure the best outcome for Defence and the taxpayer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the £240,600,000 cost of the MOD Palantir Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025 was budgeted in the (a) previous or (b) current financial year.

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

The £240,600,000 cost of the Palantir Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025 falls within the Department’s existing delegated budgets for the next three financial years. No separate HM Treasury approval was required, and the Agreement was funded through the Ministry of Defence’s established financial planning and governance processes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he discussed with HM Treasury the cost of the contract signed with Palantir on 30 December prior to its signature.

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

The Ministry of Defence followed all required approvals processes ahead of signing the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir on 30 December 2025. This included HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

All necessary commercial and financial scrutiny was completed before the Department entered into the agreement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will state when HM Treasury approved the budget for the MOD Palantir Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025.

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

There was no requirement for HM Treasury to approve a budget for the Palantir Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has met with the (a) Prime Minister and (b) Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss defence spending since 13 February 2026.

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

The Ministry of Defence remains in close contact with His Majesty's Treasury and No.10 at all levels of the Department on defence spending.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) she or (b) any of her ministerial colleagues have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since (i) 5 July 2024 and (ii) August 2025.

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

No meetings took place between ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius from the period 5 July 2024 to August 2025.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his EU counterparts on whether there is any unallocated money in the EU SAFE fund.

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

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts. We remain fully committed to our close cooperation with the EU and European partners to strengthen European security and continue to work to progress commitments on security and defence made at the 2025 UK-EU Summit.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his EU counterparts on whether there will be a second round of the EU SAFE fund.

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

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts. We remain fully committed to our close cooperation with the EU and European partners to strengthen European security and continue to work to progress commitments on security and defence made at the 2025 UK-EU Summit.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he received any advice from (a) Peter Mandelson or (b) Global Counsel on the decision to sign a £240,600,000 contract with Palantir.

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

Details of central Government contracts above £12,000 for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 are published on Contracts Finder. Contracts procured under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025, are published on the Central Digital Platform Find a Tender service. The details published online include whether each contract was let through competitive tendering or via direct award.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 5 January 2026 to Question 100908 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, if he will list the contracts that have been placed.

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

Under Project BRAKESTOP, 11 contracts have been placed covering development and production of prototype effectors, a bespoke warhead, test ranges and other ancillary services such as transportation and storage.

The entities with which these contracts have been placed cannot be named at this stage due to commercial sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has issued an extension for the signing of contracts for Project Brakestop.

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

Under Project BRAKESTOP, 11 contracts have been placed covering development and production of prototype effectors, a bespoke warhead, test ranges and other ancillary services such as transportation and storage. Some of these contracts have been extended as necessary to support the project’s activities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department received lobbying from (a) Peter Mandelson and (b) Global Counsel in relation to (i) Anduril, (ii) Palantir and (iii) other American companies between 10 February and 11 September 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry in the urgent question on 10 February 2026, if he will publish his Department's list of deliverables prior to the state visit conducted by the President of the United States between 16 and 18 September 2025.

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

The deliverables for the State Visit were developed and negotiated through a comprehensive cross-Government process. Press releases detailing those deliverables can be found on gov.uk.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the out of service date of HMS Iron Duke has changed.

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

As the hon. Member will recall from his time as a Defence Minister. The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish out-of-service dates for individual Royal Navy vessels.

The precise out-of-service date will be determined through balancing operational requirements, maintenance schedules, and transition to modern and world leading capabilities introduced with the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates entering service.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the cost of extending the out of service date of Watchkeeper beyond March 2025.

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

The Army’s Watchkeeper Mk 1 Uncrewed Aerial System was due to be retired from service from March 2025 but will now remain in service until March 2027 to allow for the delivery of its replacement capability, Project CORVUS.

The cost of keeping the Watchkeeper programme in service for the additional two-year period is currently anticipated to be £ 95,659,000.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia, published on 8 December, whether there is a limit to how many of the 26 proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology can be accepted.

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

There is no predetermined limit on the number of proposals that could be taken forward. The number accepted will depend on the quality, technical maturity, and operational relevance of each submission, as well as overall value for money and alignment with Royal Navy capability requirements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December to Question 98827 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, whether the Defence Investment Plan will set the funding envelope for the full delivery of Atlantic Bastion.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), when published, will set the funding envelope for the programme. The Atlantic Bastion capability options submitted for consideration in the DIP include a blend of uncrewed systems, underwater payloads, options to increase lethality, and improvements to crewed platforms.

While unable to provide detailed information owing to commercial sensitivity, there has been significant interest from industry in Atlantic Bastion, with combined Ministry of Defence and industry investment of £14 million already committed this year to testing and development. Additionally, 26 consortia from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, with 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs already showcasing technology demonstrators.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the first flight trial for Project Brakestop has taken place.

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

The first flight trial under Project BRAKESTOP took place in December 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the British Army's use of the British Army Training Unit Kenya in the (a) current and (b) next Parliament.

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

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.

Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.

This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.

*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to use the British Army Training Unit Kenya for the testing of uncrewed systems in the current Parliament.

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

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.

Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.

This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.

*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the British Army is currently utilising the British Army Training Unit Kenya.

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

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.

Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.

This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.

*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98827 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, how much of the pre-concept funding for Atlantic Bastion had been spent as of 11 February 2026.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), when published, will set the funding envelope for the programme. The Atlantic Bastion capability options submitted for consideration in the DIP include a blend of uncrewed systems, underwater payloads, options to increase lethality, and improvements to crewed platforms.

While unable to provide detailed information owing to commercial sensitivity, there has been significant interest from industry in Atlantic Bastion, with combined Ministry of Defence and industry investment of £14 million already committed this year to testing and development. Additionally, 26 consortia from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, with 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs already showcasing technology demonstrators.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98827 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, how many contracts have been signed to deliver Atlantic Bastion as of 11 February 2026.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), when published, will set the funding envelope for the programme. The Atlantic Bastion capability options submitted for consideration in the DIP include a blend of uncrewed systems, underwater payloads, options to increase lethality, and improvements to crewed platforms.

While unable to provide detailed information owing to commercial sensitivity, there has been significant interest from industry in Atlantic Bastion, with combined Ministry of Defence and industry investment of £14 million already committed this year to testing and development. Additionally, 26 consortia from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, with 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs already showcasing technology demonstrators.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2025 to Question 98827 on Navy: North Atlantic Bastion, how many orders have been placed to deliver Atlantic Bastion as of 11 February 2026.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), when published, will set the funding envelope for the programme. The Atlantic Bastion capability options submitted for consideration in the DIP include a blend of uncrewed systems, underwater payloads, options to increase lethality, and improvements to crewed platforms.

While unable to provide detailed information owing to commercial sensitivity, there has been significant interest from industry in Atlantic Bastion, with combined Ministry of Defence and industry investment of £14 million already committed this year to testing and development. Additionally, 26 consortia from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, with 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs already showcasing technology demonstrators.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises will take place at the Land Regional Hub Oman in (a) the current financial year and (b) the next financial year.

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

The information requested is shown below.

Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. The Land Training Area titled ‘Ras Madrakah Training Area’, is part of GHO’s capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises have taken place at the Land Regional Hub Oman in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

The information requested is shown below.

Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. The Land Training Area titled ‘Ras Madrakah Training Area’, is part of GHO’s capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the total cost to his Department of running Land Regional Hub Oman for (a) the current financial year and (b) each remaining financial years of the current Parliament.

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

The forecast spend in financial year 2025-26 for running the Land Regional Hub Oman, now Global Hub Oman (GHO), is circa £11 million. Future costs for the GHO are under review as part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) and will be available following the announcement of the DIP.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to use the Land Regional Hub Oman for the testing of uncrewed systems.

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

The Global Hub Oman (GHO) has facilitated uncrewed systems testing at Ras Madrakah Training Area.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total cost to his Department of running British Army Training Unit Kenya for (a) the current financial year and (b) each remaining financial years of the current Parliament.

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

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.

Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.

This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.

*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises will take place at the British Army Training Unit Kenya in (a) the current financial year and (b) the next financial year.

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

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.

Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.

This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.

*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Kenya in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.

Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.

This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.

*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises have taken place at the Land Regional Hub Germany in each of the last 10 financial years.

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

Exercises that took place at the Land Regional Hub Germany over the last ten years are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. The number of field training exercises conducted are as follows:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has ever conducted a conflict-of-interest assessment of Peter Mandelson.

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

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process for complying with the Humble Address motion. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any spending commitments for his Department will not be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will provide a comprehensive overview of the Department’s forward investment priorities across equipment, infrastructure, people, and supporting capabilities. It will be published shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the British Army's use of the Land Regional Hub Oman in the (a) current and (b) next Parliament.

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

Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. For example, last year, the GHO provided crucial support to Op HIGHMAST, the passage of the UK Carrier Strike Group.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Army is using the Land Regional Hub Oman.

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

Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. For example, last year, the GHO provided crucial support to Op HIGHMAST, the passage of the UK Carrier Strike Group.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he discussed the contract signed by his Department with Palantir on 30 December 2025 with the CEO of Palantir in his meeting in London on 28 September 2025 when the strategic partnership with Palantir was announced.

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

No. The internal briefing provided to the Defence Secretary ahead of the 28 September meeting referenced the subsequent Enterprise Agreement. However, it was not discussed in the meeting itself on the 28 September. This meeting related solely to the announcement of the non-binding Strategic Partnership Arrangement (SPA), which does not constitute a contract, and does not commit the Department to any programme or expenditure.

The subsequent Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025 was negotiated following the SPA, through the Department’s formal commercial and governance processes, separate from the earlier SPA announcement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, whether training of service personnel to be deployed as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine has begun.

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

The UK consistently maintains the training and readiness of its armed forces to deliver against our national interests, and the Government has allocated £200 million of funding to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U).

The MNF-U Operational Head Quarters continues to refine specific plans for a deployment in the event of a ceasefire and as and when conditions are met.

Whilst planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including any updates on training of Service personnel.

As stated by the Prime Minister, he will keep the House updated as the situation develops and were troops to be deployed under the declaration signed [Declaration of Intent], that matter would be put to the House for debate beforehand and for a vote on that deployment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide an update on Iron Titan.

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

TITAN is the exercise name given to the biennial validation of Divisional Troops which started with 3rd (United Kingdom) Division in 2023 on exercise IRON TITAN. The prefix TITAN changes as part of the exercise naming convention depending on the unit being exercised. The success of the initial Exercise TITAN in 2023, has resulted in an annual cadence of exercises to facilitate the training and validation of both 1^st and 3^rd (United Kingdom) Division.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the last Iron Titan exercise took place.

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

TITAN is the exercise name given to the biennial validation of Divisional Troops which started with 3rd (United Kingdom) Division in 2023 on exercise IRON TITAN. The prefix TITAN changes as part of the exercise naming convention depending on the unit being exercised. The success of the initial Exercise TITAN in 2023, has resulted in an annual cadence of exercises to facilitate the training and validation of both 1^st and 3^rd (United Kingdom) Division.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a reduction in the number of armoured vehicles in use at British Army Training Unit Suffield since 5 July 2024.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS). Equipment levels remain under regular assessment to support required training outputs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what quantity of military equipment he estimates will be used at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the remaining years of the current Parliament.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS). Equipment levels remain under regular assessment to support required training outputs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the military equipment currently stationed at the British Army Training Unit Suffield.

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

The Army continually reviews equipment allocations to ensure training needs are met. For operational security reasons, we do not release details of equipment holdings, changes in quantities, or future allocations at specific locations, including the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS). Equipment levels remain under regular assessment to support required training outputs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to publish the Defence Investment Plan in the form of a single document.

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

We are working flat out and intend to publish the Defence Investment Plan as soon as possible.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any spending commitments for his Department will not be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will provide a comprehensive overview of the Department's forward investment priorities across equipment, infrastructure, people, and supporting capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost to his Department is of running Land Regional Hub Germany for (a) this financial year and (b) each remaining financial year of this Parliament.

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

The Land Regional Hub in Germany is a vital asset for the British Army, providing a forward-deployed presence to support NATO's collective defence and enabling rapid responses to potential threats in Europe. It serves as a key logistics and operational hub, supporting training, exercises, and deployments, while fostering interoperability with allied forces. The Hub is actively utilised for multinational training and exercises, and its role in enhancing readiness and collaboration with European partners remains a priority. Future use of the Hub will continue to align with the UK's defence commitments and NATO objectives.

Exercises at the Land Regional Hub Germany are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the Army continues to adapt its training programme to support NATO requirements, enhance land forces competency, and deliver wider defence engagement.

For calendar year 2026, 14 exercises are currently planned. These activities are designed to be larger in scale and longer in duration, reflecting our focus on more complex and demanding training to meet NATO’s evolving needs.

Exercise plans are kept under regular review to ensure they remain aligned with Defence priorities. Planning for 2027 is ongoing and final exercise numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Uncrewed systems will be utilised in exercises as part of routine Army Training.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold centralised records for the overall operating costs of the Land Regional Hub Germany (LRH(G)), as it is comprised of multiple component sites and functions, each managed by different organisations within Defence. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a consolidated figure for the operating costs of the Land Regional Hub in Germany for this financial year or future years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises will take place at the Land Regional Hub Germany in the (a) current and (b) next financial year.

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

The Land Regional Hub in Germany is a vital asset for the British Army, providing a forward-deployed presence to support NATO's collective defence and enabling rapid responses to potential threats in Europe. It serves as a key logistics and operational hub, supporting training, exercises, and deployments, while fostering interoperability with allied forces. The Hub is actively utilised for multinational training and exercises, and its role in enhancing readiness and collaboration with European partners remains a priority. Future use of the Hub will continue to align with the UK's defence commitments and NATO objectives.

Exercises at the Land Regional Hub Germany are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the Army continues to adapt its training programme to support NATO requirements, enhance land forces competency, and deliver wider defence engagement.

For calendar year 2026, 14 exercises are currently planned. These activities are designed to be larger in scale and longer in duration, reflecting our focus on more complex and demanding training to meet NATO’s evolving needs.

Exercise plans are kept under regular review to ensure they remain aligned with Defence priorities. Planning for 2027 is ongoing and final exercise numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Uncrewed systems will be utilised in exercises as part of routine Army Training.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold centralised records for the overall operating costs of the Land Regional Hub Germany (LRH(G)), as it is comprised of multiple component sites and functions, each managed by different organisations within Defence. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a consolidated figure for the operating costs of the Land Regional Hub in Germany for this financial year or future years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to use the Land Regional Hub Germany for the testing of uncrewed systems in this Parliament.

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

The Land Regional Hub in Germany is a vital asset for the British Army, providing a forward-deployed presence to support NATO's collective defence and enabling rapid responses to potential threats in Europe. It serves as a key logistics and operational hub, supporting training, exercises, and deployments, while fostering interoperability with allied forces. The Hub is actively utilised for multinational training and exercises, and its role in enhancing readiness and collaboration with European partners remains a priority. Future use of the Hub will continue to align with the UK's defence commitments and NATO objectives.

Exercises at the Land Regional Hub Germany are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the Army continues to adapt its training programme to support NATO requirements, enhance land forces competency, and deliver wider defence engagement.

For calendar year 2026, 14 exercises are currently planned. These activities are designed to be larger in scale and longer in duration, reflecting our focus on more complex and demanding training to meet NATO’s evolving needs.

Exercise plans are kept under regular review to ensure they remain aligned with Defence priorities. Planning for 2027 is ongoing and final exercise numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Uncrewed systems will be utilised in exercises as part of routine Army Training.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold centralised records for the overall operating costs of the Land Regional Hub Germany (LRH(G)), as it is comprised of multiple component sites and functions, each managed by different organisations within Defence. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a consolidated figure for the operating costs of the Land Regional Hub in Germany for this financial year or future years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase the Army's use of the Land Regional Hub Germany in this Parliament.

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

The Land Regional Hub in Germany is a vital asset for the British Army, providing a forward-deployed presence to support NATO's collective defence and enabling rapid responses to potential threats in Europe. It serves as a key logistics and operational hub, supporting training, exercises, and deployments, while fostering interoperability with allied forces. The Hub is actively utilised for multinational training and exercises, and its role in enhancing readiness and collaboration with European partners remains a priority. Future use of the Hub will continue to align with the UK's defence commitments and NATO objectives.

Exercises at the Land Regional Hub Germany are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the Army continues to adapt its training programme to support NATO requirements, enhance land forces competency, and deliver wider defence engagement.

For calendar year 2026, 14 exercises are currently planned. These activities are designed to be larger in scale and longer in duration, reflecting our focus on more complex and demanding training to meet NATO’s evolving needs.

Exercise plans are kept under regular review to ensure they remain aligned with Defence priorities. Planning for 2027 is ongoing and final exercise numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Uncrewed systems will be utilised in exercises as part of routine Army Training.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold centralised records for the overall operating costs of the Land Regional Hub Germany (LRH(G)), as it is comprised of multiple component sites and functions, each managed by different organisations within Defence. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a consolidated figure for the operating costs of the Land Regional Hub in Germany for this financial year or future years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Army is utilising the Land Regional Hub Germany.

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

The Land Regional Hub in Germany is a vital asset for the British Army, providing a forward-deployed presence to support NATO's collective defence and enabling rapid responses to potential threats in Europe. It serves as a key logistics and operational hub, supporting training, exercises, and deployments, while fostering interoperability with allied forces. The Hub is actively utilised for multinational training and exercises, and its role in enhancing readiness and collaboration with European partners remains a priority. Future use of the Hub will continue to align with the UK's defence commitments and NATO objectives.

Exercises at the Land Regional Hub Germany are recorded by calendar year rather than financial year. In line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the Army continues to adapt its training programme to support NATO requirements, enhance land forces competency, and deliver wider defence engagement.

For calendar year 2026, 14 exercises are currently planned. These activities are designed to be larger in scale and longer in duration, reflecting our focus on more complex and demanding training to meet NATO’s evolving needs.

Exercise plans are kept under regular review to ensure they remain aligned with Defence priorities. Planning for 2027 is ongoing and final exercise numbers are yet to be confirmed.

Uncrewed systems will be utilised in exercises as part of routine Army Training.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold centralised records for the overall operating costs of the Land Regional Hub Germany (LRH(G)), as it is comprised of multiple component sites and functions, each managed by different organisations within Defence. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a consolidated figure for the operating costs of the Land Regional Hub in Germany for this financial year or future years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised changes to the in-service date of the Tempest Jet as part of the Global Combat Air Programme.

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

The Secretary of State has authorised no changes to the in-service date for the Global Combat Air Programme.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether it remains his policy to have elections for the shadow unitary authority in Suffolk in May 2027.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government remains committed to the indicative timetable published in July, with elections to new councils in May 2027. This is with the exception of Surrey, where we have already announced two new councils with elections expected in May 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to announce the unitary council model to be adopted in Suffolk.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Government remains committed to the indicative timetable published in July, with elections to new councils in May 2027. This is with the exception of Surrey, where we have already announced two new councils with elections expected in May 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to introduce the Defence Readiness Bill before May 2026.

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

Defence Readiness legislation is being considered to ensure the Government has the powers it needs to keep the UK safe in crisis or war, as recommended in the Strategic Defence Review. Legislation will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to visas for overseas shearers, particularly from New Zealand and Australia, on (a) animal welfare and (b) the local economy in South Suffolk constituency.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

Immigration Rules concessionary arrangements are temporary and subject to regular Ministerial review. The sheep shearing concession had been operating for 14 years and closed after the 2025 shearing season as it is reasonable to expect that over this period a long-term sustainable solution had been found to fill this workforce gap. To provide plenty of time to plan and transition to new arrangements DEFRA and the sector were informed last year that the concession would not be renewed again.

In addition, those in the UK on visas which allow general work rights, such as dependants or Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders, are free to take up work as a sheep shearer subject to the relevant visa restrictions.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s 23 May 2025 consultation response that reducing preventative burns of vegetation may pose a risk to life.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Policy officials and I met with representatives from the National Fire Chiefs Council (the NFCC) and Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) in June 2025, to discuss concerns raised in their consultation response. The officials present were those responsible for the heather and grass burning licensing scheme.

Due to an administrative error no minutes were taken of the meeting.

In developing the amendments to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021, the Department considered the NFCC's consultation response as well as all the other responses to the public consultation, evidence on the impacts of vegetation management on peatlands and direct engagement with NFCC and FRS.

The Department continues to work to ensure that licencing arrangements support effective wildfire mitigation and that applications where there is an evidenced need for burning can be processed as quickly as possible. FRS also remain a key consultee for licence applications to reduce the impact of wildfire.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason were no minutes taken at her Department’s meeting with the National Fire Chiefs Council on 26 June 2025.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Policy officials and I met with representatives from the National Fire Chiefs Council (the NFCC) and Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) in June 2025, to discuss concerns raised in their consultation response. The officials present were those responsible for the heather and grass burning licensing scheme.

Due to an administrative error no minutes were taken of the meeting.

In developing the amendments to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021, the Department considered the NFCC's consultation response as well as all the other responses to the public consultation, evidence on the impacts of vegetation management on peatlands and direct engagement with NFCC and FRS.

The Department continues to work to ensure that licencing arrangements support effective wildfire mitigation and that applications where there is an evidenced need for burning can be processed as quickly as possible. FRS also remain a key consultee for licence applications to reduce the impact of wildfire.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who from her Department met with the National Fire Chiefs Council on 26 June 2025.

Answered by Mary Creagh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Policy officials and I met with representatives from the National Fire Chiefs Council (the NFCC) and Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) in June 2025, to discuss concerns raised in their consultation response. The officials present were those responsible for the heather and grass burning licensing scheme.

Due to an administrative error no minutes were taken of the meeting.

In developing the amendments to The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021, the Department considered the NFCC's consultation response as well as all the other responses to the public consultation, evidence on the impacts of vegetation management on peatlands and direct engagement with NFCC and FRS.

The Department continues to work to ensure that licencing arrangements support effective wildfire mitigation and that applications where there is an evidenced need for burning can be processed as quickly as possible. FRS also remain a key consultee for licence applications to reduce the impact of wildfire.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Recommendation 57 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, whether the sprint review of system-wide capacity of the MOD and DHSC has begun or concluded.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

There is ongoing work between Ministry of Defence (MOD), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the NHS to review system-wide capacity and shape and plan the UK’s approach to respond collectively as health services to meet the demands of warfighting.

The latest in a series of workshops involving MOD, DHSC and UK health services, was hosted by NHS England in February 2026 focused on the role of the NHS in major conflict, including the potential clinical challenge to health services of modern conflict and how UK health services work collectively to respond to the challenge of conflict at scale. The Strategic Defence Review recommendations and the creation of integrated crisis plans will continue to be progressed as part of the ongoing engagement between the MOD, DHSC and the NHS.

Further, the work with allies through the NATO Medical Action Plan is addressing priority challenges in workforce; mass casualty planning; patient evacuation; and medical logistics. We will look to address legislative and regulatory barriers to effective care.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 106312 on Defence: Expenditure, when he plans to write to the hon. Member for South Suffolk.

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

The response is in the process of being finalised and will be provided shortly.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of zero tariffs being applied to pharmaceuticals exports from the UK into the United States on NHS spending on medicines.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We have reached a landmark agreement with the United States of America, which means, unlike anywhere else in the world, life sciences companies exporting medicines from the United Kingdom to the US will face no tariffs to do so, protecting jobs and investment in the UK. This gives the UK a competitive advantage when selling to the global market, and the changes we’re making to increase what we spend on medicines will therefore help UK companies to export to the US, and shores up the investments global players have made in the UK, whilst also attracting further investments.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals exports from the UK to the US on the South Suffolk constituency.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of zero tariffs being applied to pharmaceuticals exports from the UK into the US on National Health Service spending on medicines. The overall US agreement is expected to cost approximately £1 billion over the course of the Spending Review.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals exports from the UK to the US on South Suffolk constituency.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We have reached a landmark agreement with the United States of America, which means, unlike anywhere else in the world, life sciences companies exporting medicines from the United Kingdom to the US will face no tariffs to do so, protecting jobs and investment in the UK. This gives the UK a competitive advantage when selling to the global market, and the changes we’re making to increase what we spend on medicines will therefore help UK companies to export to the US, and shores up the investments global players have made in the UK, whilst also attracting further investments.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of zero tariffs on pharmaceuticals exports from the UK to the US on the South Suffolk constituency.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of zero tariffs being applied to pharmaceuticals exports from the UK into the US on National Health Service spending on medicines. The overall US agreement is expected to cost approximately £1 billion over the course of the Spending Review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK service personnel are permanently stationed at the British Army Training Unit Suffield.

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

As at October 2025 (latest figures available), the numbers of service personnel currently stationed at British Army Training Unit Suffield are below:

Number of UK Regular¹ Armed Forces Service Personnel Stationed² at BATUS³, Suffield, Canada as at 1 October 25

Notes

1. UK Regulars comprise full time service personnel, including Nursing Services, but excluding Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) personnel, Gurkhas, Mobilised Reservists, Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS), Locally Engaged Personnel (LEP), Non-Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), High Readiness Reserve (HRR) and Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) personnel. Includes trained and untrained personnel.

2. The figures are based on Service personnel's stationed location and not their location of residence - where personnel work isn't necessarily where they live. Personnel deployed on operations to an area away from their stationed location are shown against their most recent stationed location. The Royal Navy/Royal Marines personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.
3. BATUS has been derived from the Location Units CANADA - ALBERTA - SUFFIELD and SUFFIELD (BATUS) from the Location Unit field in Joint Personnel Administration (JPA).

Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 to prevent inadvertent disclosure. However, numbers ending in "5" have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110439 on Defence: Expenditure, if he will provide an itemised breakdown of the expenditure that forms the UK's NATO declared defence spending which falls outside of the Ministry of Defence budget.

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

All of the UK's declared defence spending is rigorously scrutinised to ensure it meets the definition set out by NATO.

In line with other NATO Allies, the full range of what the UK includes as defence spending is not publicised.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the 10 previous financial years.

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

There are no active training villages on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area. There were also none in use on 5 July 2024.

Please see the table below, which confirms how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the previous 10 financial years.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many usable training villages at the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area there (a) are and (b) were on 5 July 2024.

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

There are no active training villages on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area. There were also none in use on 5 July 2024.

Please see the table below, which confirms how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the previous 10 financial years.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training villages are active on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area.

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

There are no active training villages on the British Army Training Unit Suffield Training Area. There were also none in use on 5 July 2024.

Please see the table below, which confirms how many live firing exercises have taken place at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in each of the previous 10 financial years.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February to Question 110439 on Defence: Expenditure, from which Department's budget the 0.47% of GDP spend not included in the table will come from.

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

In line with NATO guidance, the UK has consistently counted spend across Government towards defence spending, provided it meets the definition.

Which additional Departments this will be from will be set out as part of the UK's return for 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, whether he has held discussions with his international counterparts on the length of the deployment of UK service personnel operating as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine.

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

As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, whether plans are in place for the subsequent withdrawal of UK service personnel deployed as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine.

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

As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, whether the deployment of UK service personnel as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine would occur under any form of ceasefire.

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

As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Royal Navy plans to conduct an Ice Exercise in the current Parliament.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.

HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.

The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Royal Navy's operating capability under ice.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.

HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.

The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase funding for the Royal Navy's capability under ice.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.

HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.

The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when was the Royal Navy's last Ice Exercise.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.

HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.

The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what under ice capabilities are in service with the Royal Navy.

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

The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.

HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.

The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what his proposed timeline is for the deployment of UK service personnel to Ukraine as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine once a ceasefire has been agreed.

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

As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, what proportion of UK service personnel deployed as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine will be in (a) logistics, (b) training, (c) surveillance and (d) peacekeeping roles.

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

As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Declaration of Intent between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The French Republic and Ukraine relating to the deployment of multinational forces in support of the defence, reconstruction and strategic sustainability of Ukraine, published on 7 January 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Multinational Force Ukraine on UK capability.

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

As detailed planning continues, we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, due to operational reasons.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how he plans to support people using heating oil as the primary means to heat their homes.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government recognises that many households, particularly in rural and off‑gas‑grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. We continue to monitor heating‑oil supply chains ensuring households can access fuel when needed. Households using heating oil benefit from wider cost‑of‑living support, including electricity bill reductions announced in the Autumn Budget, and the Warm Home Discount, which provides eligible households with £150 off energy bills until 2030/31. Through the Warm Homes Plan, households can access Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants, and the Government has consulted on alternative low‑carbon options for properties where heat pumps may not be suitable.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK plans to make a formal application to join the second round of the EU SAFE fund.

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

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with his Mauritian counterpart on Article 298 of UNCLOS and Diego Garcia.

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

No, he has not.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with EU representatives on whether the second round of the EU SAFE fund has closed for applications.

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

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with EU representatives on whether the second round of the EU SAFE fund has begun.

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

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussed UK participation in the EU SAFE fund with EU counterparts since 1 February 2026.

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

UK negotiations with the EU on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument concluded last year. The UK entered negotiations in good faith, recognising our mutual strategic interest and commitment to work with the EU on defence. However, this Government has always been clear that we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest. The UK’s defence industry continues to have access to SAFE under standard third country terms with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts.

This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union and the Member States on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his statement of 22 May 2025 on Diego Garcia Military Base, Official Report, column 1284, if he will list the legal threats that currently threaten the security of the Diego Garcia military base.

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

We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.

There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his statement of 22 May 2025 on Diego Garcia Military Base, Official Report, Column 1284, what the potential legal rulings are that he referred to.

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

We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.

There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104835 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, when he plans to respond to Question 98517 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104518 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, when he plans to respond to Question 98516 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January to Question 104836 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, when he plans to respond to Question 98518 tabled on 9 December 2025.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104517 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, when he plans to respond to Question 98515 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104516 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, when he plans to respond to Question 98514 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104515 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, when he plans to respond to Question 98512 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 9 December 2025.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of 30 reserve service days to cover the relevant training and deployment reservists are expected to undertake.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 February 2026 to Question 112387 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the No10 press release entitled Prime Minister to warn that Europe must move away from overdependence on the US, to interdependence - and a more European NATO, of 13 February 2026, whether the £270 billion includes security spending; whether that figure is in cash terms; and what the monetary amount is in each year of this Parliament.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided on 9 February 2026 to Question 110442, tabled on 3 February 2026 by the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge). All figures provided in the response are in cash terms.