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 HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, if she will list (a) all Government departments that will be included in the commitment to spend 1.5% of GDP on resilience and security and (b) the financial quantum in each case.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

NATO provides reporting guidelines for the 1.5% defence and security related spending. It includes investments that raise the overall resilience of our societies, such as energy security, telecommunications, and infrastructure, as well as the execution of defence plans, expanding industrial capacity and innovation and counter hybrid actions.

Our National Security Strategy confirms our belief that these types of investment are vital to national security and we are pleased that this is now recognised by NATO. As set out in the Spending Review 2025, this government is making significant investment into these areas and we are confident we will meet the 1.5% target on defence and security related spending.

Along with all other NATO allies, the UK will report against the new categories of defence spending at the next NATO reporting deadline.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, whether the 1.5 percent to be allocated to resilience and security will include the costs of Sizewell C.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

NATO provides reporting guidelines for the 1.5% defence and security related spending. It will include investments that raise the overall resilience of our societies, such as energy security, telecommunications, and infrastructure, as well as the execution of defence plans, expanding industrial capacity and innovation and counter hybrid actions.

Our National Security Strategy confirms our belief that these types of investment are vital to national security and we are pleased that this is now recognised by NATO. As set out in the Spending Review 2025, this government is making significant investment into these areas and we are confident we will meet the 1.5% target on defence and security related spending.

Along with all other NATO allies, the UK will report against the new categories of defence spending at the next NATO reporting deadline.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what her planned timetable is for setting out how the UK will fund GDP on defence expenditure of (a) 3 percent in the next Parliament and (b) 3.5 percent by the Parliament after next.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

As confirmed in the Spending Review 2025, this government has a fully funded path to reaching 2.6% NATO qualifying defence spending by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% by the end of the next parliament, when fiscal and economic conditions allow. We will set budgets for the next Spending Review period at SR27. The NATO Defence Investment Pledge will be reviewed by NATO Allies in 2029.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59131 on Intelligence Services: Finance, if she will specify the total financial quantum of the greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend referred to.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

In line with practice among our allies, and recognising the increased contribution provided by our security and intelligence agencies on defence, we are including greater elements of the Single Intelligence Account spend in our NATO defence reporting. This will bring total NATO qualifying spending to 2.6% by 2027-28. NATO sets the definition for NATO qualifying defence spending, against which the Government reports, in line with guidance provided by NATO. The SIA budget is set out in the Spending Review 2025 document. (Spending Review 2025 document - GOV.UK)

The inclusion of departmental spending that falls under NATO qualifying defence spending definitions will continue to be periodically reviewed in line with NATO guidance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Government press release entitled UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people, published on 23 June 2025, if she will publish a breakdown of the ten largest areas of government expenditure that will be reclassified under the commitment to spend 1.5 percent of GDP on resilience and security.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

NATO provides reporting guidelines for the 1.5% defence and security related spending. It includes investments that raise the overall resilience of our societies, such as energy security, telecommunications, and infrastructure, as well as the execution of defence plans, expanding industrial capacity and innovation and counter hybrid actions.

Our National Security Strategy confirms our belief that these types of investment are vital to national security and we are pleased that this is now recognised by NATO. As set out in the Spending Review 2025, this government is making significant investment into these areas and we are confident we will meet the 1.5% target on defence and security related spending.

Along with all other NATO allies, the UK will report against the new categories of defence spending at the next NATO reporting deadline.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on the investigation into the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025.

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

As per my statement on 23 June, an investigation is underway into the incident. The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing South-East. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59107 on Defence: Finance, if he will specify the total financial quantum of the elements of the FCDO’s programming budget referred to.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s non-Official Development Assistance budget primarily funds operating costs, including the UK's diplomatic capability, 24/7 consular services and rapid crisis response to support British nationals worldwide. The settlement also supports the FCDO's priorities across security, growth, migration and the UK's relationship with Europe, alongside constitutional obligations to the Overseas Territories. A portion of this funding will contribute to the UK's NATO-attributed defence spending, including FCDO-led programming in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Intelligence Community to counter cyber-attacks, election interference, disinformation and other threats to stability. The amount of the FCDO contribution is being worked though. It will not be included in the Defence budget for 2027.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 59107 on Defence: Finance, whether the elements of FCDO’s programming budget will be formally included in the defence budget for 2027.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)'s non-Official Development Assistance budget primarily funds operating costs, including the UK's diplomatic capability, 24/7 consular services and rapid crisis response to support British nationals worldwide. The settlement also supports the FCDO's priorities across security, growth, migration and the UK's relationship with Europe, alongside constitutional obligations to the Overseas Territories. A portion of this funding will contribute to the UK's NATO-attributed defence spending, including FCDO-led programming in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the Intelligence Community to counter cyber-attacks, election interference, disinformation and other threats to stability. The amount of the FCDO contribution is being worked though. It will not be included in the Defence budget for 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2024 to Question 18148 on Lasers: Weapons, what progress he has made on developing (a) radio frequency directed energy weapons, (b) DragonFire laser and (c) other directed energy weapons for the protection of UK military bases on the (i) UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

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

Following the Strategic Defence Review, this Government has announced nearly £1 billion in further investment for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), an example of how we will be at the leading edge of innovation and novel capabilities within NATO.

We recently completed a trial of a radio frequency DEW demonstrator with the British Army, successfully engaging and defeating drones. DragonFire continues to progress and a recent trial saw us fire +300 times, proving consistency and reliability, and included 30 drone defeats and firings in adverse weather conditions. These trials generate vital evidence and learning needed to improve and adapt these systems, and together with our investment will bring DEW systems into service quickly, protecting our Armed Forces.

DEW systems can be utilised for multiple military use cases. For operational security reasons, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific protection of military bases.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on the potential impact of the use of nurse as a title for staff who are not qualified nurses on patient safety.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government recognises that the protection in law of certain professional titles is important for public safety. Protecting a title provides assurance to the public that the person using that title is competent and safe to practise. Although ‘registered nurse’ is a protected title, ‘nurse’ is currently not a protected title. The Government is aware of the concerns which this generates.

On the 12 May we announced our intention to amend the criminal offence of ‘misuse of professional titles’ so that the title of ‘nurse’ is protected, as part of the Government’s professional regulation reform programme.

The term ‘nurse’ is used across multiple professions, for example, ‘dental nurse’, ‘veterinary nurse’ and ‘nursery nurse’. It is not our intention to prevent the legitimate use of the title ‘nurse’ within these instances. The legislation will therefore include exemptions to allow other professionals to use the title legitimately, without the risk of prosecution.

The Government will continue to work with key stakeholders, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, on developing the protection of title offence.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential long-term impact of the UK agreement with the EU, announced on 19 March 2025, on British farmers.

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

On the 19 May 2025, Defra published a methodology note setting out an assessment of the impact of a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement on the UK agricultural sector. This can be accessed here: Ad hoc analyses and data releases - GOV.UK.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the merits of continuing to fund (a) Strategic Environment Assessments, (b) Habitat Regulations Assessment screening, (c) the costs of Independent Examination and (d) Neighbourhood Plan Referendums.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Following the Spending Review, my Department announced that it is unable to commission new neighbourhood planning support services for 2025 onwards.

We will ensure that local planning authorities continue to be appropriately funded for their neighbourhood planning function, including funding for neighbourhood planning examinations and conducting referenda.

Local planning authorities can continue to provide other forms of support to neighbourhood planning groups, including in relation to carrying out strategic environment assessments and habitats regulation assessments where they are needed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of force protection at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

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

As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review 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.

Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to reinforce the internal fencing at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

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

As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review 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.

Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to reinforce the perimeter at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas.

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

As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review 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.

Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.

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, 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).