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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December to Question 97538 on Flood Control: South Suffolk, when her Department plans to publish plans for the additional funding at Long Melford and Glemsford.

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

The Environment Agency (EA) has previously confirmed £50,000 of additional investment for Long Melford and Glemsford in December 2025, which was provided through other environmental funding. That £50,000 has now been fully spent.

The EA works to enhance upstream floodplains and improve wetlands have recently been completed and are expected to perform well.

The EA has also provided separate MP correspondence setting out project allocations elsewhere in the South Suffolk constituency for the coming financial year.

If further details are required the EA Area Director, Graham Verrier, would be happy to discuss this further.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what timetable her Department has set for the introduction of the proposed Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course. The fund will begin in the financial year 2026-27.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, whether the SME Action Plan will be allocated Departmental funding.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, whether the SME Action Plan will be published before the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, who is leading the production of the SME Action Plan.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, whether work on the SME Action Plan has begun.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March to Question 119960 on Armed Forces: Disclosure of Information, if he will list the technical issues affecting data quality.

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

An unexpected failure of the data flows into Defence analytical systems meant that our usual data processing procedures could not be applied and we were therefore unable to derive the statistics or assure them to the usual standard.

This has been rectified and steps are being taken to prevent it from happening again. We have commenced production of the statistics, which are now scheduled for publication on 2 April 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, when the SME Action Plan will be published.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, if he will publish terms of reference for the SME Action Plan.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, whether the SME Action Plan will the engage with SME representatives.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, whether the SME Action Plan will allocate funding to be spent with UK SMEs.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, who will write the SME Action Plan.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 March 2026 to Question 116533 on Ministry of Defence: Small Businesses, whether new staff have been employed to produce the SME Action Plan.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing an annual SME Action Plan. The MOD's Action Plan is a key element of Defence’s work to improve opportunities for SMEs. Work led by a senior civil servant and civil servants from The Defence Office for Small Business Growth (OSBG), are responsible for developing the Plan and its implementation.

The forthcoming Plan will set out key priorities on procurement policy and strategy, aligned with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Our commitment to SMEs is demonstrated by the new £20 million fund offering accelerated contracts to innovative UK startups with little previous MOD engagement, and our target to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

The OSBG is engaged with SMEs to shape its delivery and ensure it reflects the practical experiences of SMEs seeking to do business with Defence. Once work on the Defence Investment Plan has concluded the plan will be published.

Taken together, these measures will substantially improve the support for SMEs from HMG compared to the situation in July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has held discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the use of the Treasury Reserve to fund Urgent Operational Requirement orders for munitions in relation to operations in the Middle East.

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

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has access to the Special Reserve, meaning that the net additional cost of military operations will be funded by the Treasury.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department is forecast to spend from the Treasury Reserve on supporting operations in the Middle East in the (a) current and (b) next financial year.

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

Forecast spending remains subject to change as operational requirements develop.

Final allocations for the current and next financial years will be confirmed at the Supplementary Estimates, with outturn reported in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with his Cabinet Office colleagues on publishing the Defence Investment Plan during a period of purdah.

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

We will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as soon as possible. It is essential that we take the time required to ensure decisions are robust and support the transformation of the Armed Forces outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. Once finalised, the DIP will be laid before Parliament in accordance with the appropriate Parliamentary procedures. As always, the Government will adhere to pre‑election period restrictions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on publishing public policy documents during the purdah period.

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

We will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as soon as possible. It is essential that we take the time required to ensure decisions are robust and support the transformation of the Armed Forces outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. Once finalised, the DIP will be laid before Parliament in accordance with the appropriate Parliamentary procedures. As always, the Government will adhere to pre‑election period restrictions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list all orders placed as Urgent Operational Requirements since 1 January 2026 in relation to the current Middle East operations.

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

The Ministry of Defence is monitoring the threat posed to the UK and our interests, with the Urgent Capability Requirements process in place to rapidly deliver capability required by Operational Commanders. We are working with allies and industry to ensure that capabilities are delivered where required. Due to operational sensitivity, it is inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department expects to spend from funding allocated from the Treasury Reserve for operations in the Middle East in the (a) current and (b) next financial year.

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

Forecast spending remains subject to change as operational requirements develop.

Final allocations for the current and next financial years will be confirmed at the Supplementary Estimates, with outturn reported in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2026 to Question 116025 on Global Combat Air Programme: Expenditure, how much of the £2 billion was spent on the development of the Tempest fighter jet.

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

The expenditure on the Future Air Combat System (FCAS)/Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has supported concept development, enablers, technology maturation and capability demonstrations to deliver FCAS, including the core aircraft central to the system through the GCAP partnership.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2026 to Question 116200 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, when the early Strategic Outline Case will conclude.

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

Under the current Strategic Outline Case approval, the current phase is planned to report in early 2027, which will inform future choices.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, what the UK's return for 2025 was.

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

The UK’s latest defence expenditure return for 2025 has been published by NATO and can be found here.

The UK’s final update for 2025 will be submitted by the end of December once the accounts have closed and have been audited.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, whether the UK's return for 2026 has been produced.

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

The UK will complete its 2026 defence return in line with NATO's standard annual timetable. This will be due in May 2026, and NATO generally publish the returns in late summer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, when the UK's return for 2026 is due.

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

The UK will complete its 2026 defence return in line with NATO's standard annual timetable. This will be due in May 2026, and NATO generally publish the returns in late summer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 116531 on Defence: Finance, when the UK's return for 2027 is due.

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

The UK will submit its 2027 defence return at the next suitable point. NATO returns are usually required in May each year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2026 to Question 116200 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether his Department has a target cost for the delivery of the hypersonic missile programme.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 March 2026 for Questions 116199, 116200 and 116201.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the New Medium Helicopter will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The £1 billion New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract secures thousands of skilled British jobs, boosts the UK Armed Forces’ capability and makes Britain Leonardo’s global centre for military helicopter production and exports – worth a potential £15 billion over the next decade.

Having inherited the NMH programme from the previous Government, we have improved upon it by securing Leonardo’s agreement that future military international orders will be built in the UK, with an increased workshare for the UK above 40%. In addition to the NMH deal, Leonardo has agreed to make Yeovil their global centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters, putting the UK at the forefront of the defence technology of tomorrow.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2026 to Question 116025 on Global Combat Air Programme: Expenditure, if he will provide an itemised breakdown of the £2 billion.

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

Over £2 billion has been spent on Future Combat Air System/Global Combat Air Programme (FCAS/GCAP) and the associated Team Tempest research and development programme.

This can be broken down as follows:

Concepting/Design – over £800 million

Enablers and Infrastructure – over £60 million

Technology Development and Demonstrators – over £1.4 billion

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to proceed with the implementation of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

On 22 January, the House of Commons approved the Remedial Order, which will remove the conditional immunity provided to terrorists by the previous Government’s immunity scheme.

The scheduling of the debate in the House of Lords will be announced in the usual way.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to proceed with the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Yes. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and wholly independent Legacy Commission, which will carry out investigations and provide family reports to give victims and their families the answers they deserve. The Bill will proceed to Committee stage as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98516 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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, when he plans to respond to Question 98515 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to respond to Question 88735 on Schools: South Suffolk, tabled on 10 November 2025.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The response to Written Parliamentary Questions 88735, 88736 and 88737 was published on 18 March 2026.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to respond to Question 88737 on Special Educational Needs: Finance, tabled on 10 November 2025.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The response to Written Parliamentary Questions 88735, 88736 and 88737 was published on 18 March 2026.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when she plans to respond to Question 88736 on Special Educational Needs, tabled on 10 November 2025.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The response to Written Parliamentary Questions 88735, 88736 and 88737 was published on 18 March 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98514 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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, when he plans to respond to Question 98512 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure respiratory health is prioritised in South Suffolk including the introduction of a Modern Service Framework for respiratory care.

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

The Government will consider long-term conditions for future waves of modern service frameworks (MSFs). The criteria for determining other conditions for future MSFs will be based on where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. After the initial wave of MSFs is complete, the National Quality Board will determine the conditions to prioritise for new MSFs as part of its work programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2026 to Question 116970 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, when the concept demonstration phase will conclude.

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

The UK concept demonstration phase of the low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is due to conclude by the end of 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions his Department has had with the Department for Science and Technology about the potential for a respiratory Modern Service Framework to strengthen the UK's life sciences ecosystem by scaling up the adoption of new machines and innovations for lung condition.

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

The Government will consider long-term conditions for future waves of modern service frameworks (MSFs), including respiratory conditions. The criteria for determining other conditions for future MSFs will be based on where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity. After the initial wave of MSFs is complete, the National Quality Board will determine the conditions to prioritise for new MSFs as part of its work programme.

NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care are working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to explore innovation and policy prioritisation in respiratory health, including the cross‑Government alignment that may be required.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to extend the scope of support for people using heating oil who are not eligible for the Household Support fund or the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Support for vulnerable households affected by the rising cost of heating oil will be treated as crisis payments under the Crisis and Resilience Fund and as per guidance, local authorities have flexibility to determine eligibility for crisis payments.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether projects for repairs under the listed places of worship that are already underway will be eligible for support under the proposed Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will have a budget of £23 million per year. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course. The fund will begin in the financial year 2026-27.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether funding provided through the Proposed Places of Worship Renewal Fund will be subject to an annual cap.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will have a budget of £23 million per year. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course. The fund will begin in the financial year 2026-27.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what eligibility criteria her department intends to apply to the proposed Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund will have a budget of £23 million per year. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process will be published in due course. The fund will begin in the financial year 2026-27.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, whether the money allocated to his Department through the special reserve can only fund operations in the Middle East.

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

Funding from the Special Reserve is not limited to any single region. The Reserve exists to meet the net additional costs of National Security Council (NSC)‑approved operations, subject to HM Treasury agreement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many further phases will be conducted as part of Defence Reform following the implementation phase.

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

Having determined top level accountabilities and implemented the associate structural changes to establish the new four Areas on 1 April 2025, Defence Reform is currently in a design phase, during which the new Defence Operating Model is being developed and agreed. From 1 April 2026, Defence Reform moves to the next phase, implementing and refining the operating model in live operation. This implementation phase runs through financial year 2026-27 and includes completing remaining detailed design, informed by early experience of live operation. The aim is to complete implementation and detailed design by 1 April 2027. From that point, responsibility for embedding the Defence Operating Model will sit fully with Defence operating on a business-as-usual basis, with change sustained through normal leadership and governance arrangements, rather than programme mechanisms.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what phase the Defence Reform programme is currently in.

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

Having determined top level accountabilities and implemented the associate structural changes to establish the new four Areas on 1 April 2025, Defence Reform is currently in a design phase, during which the new Defence Operating Model is being developed and agreed. From 1 April 2026, Defence Reform moves to the next phase, implementing and refining the operating model in live operation. This implementation phase runs through financial year 2026-27 and includes completing remaining detailed design, informed by early experience of live operation. The aim is to complete implementation and detailed design by 1 April 2027. From that point, responsibility for embedding the Defence Operating Model will sit fully with Defence operating on a business-as-usual basis, with change sustained through normal leadership and governance arrangements, rather than programme mechanisms.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the implementation phase of Defence Reform will conclude.

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

Having determined top level accountabilities and implemented the associate structural changes to establish the new four Areas on 1 April 2025, Defence Reform is currently in a design phase, during which the new Defence Operating Model is being developed and agreed. From 1 April 2026, Defence Reform moves to the next phase, implementing and refining the operating model in live operation. This implementation phase runs through financial year 2026-27 and includes completing remaining detailed design, informed by early experience of live operation. The aim is to complete implementation and detailed design by 1 April 2027. From that point, responsibility for embedding the Defence Operating Model will sit fully with Defence operating on a business-as-usual basis, with change sustained through normal leadership and governance arrangements, rather than programme mechanisms.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has received a request from the Cyprus Government to negotiate the sovereignty of UK bases on Cyprus.

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

It would not be appropriate to comment on diplomatic discussions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to continue the ratification of the Chagos Treaty.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 March to question 111415.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, whether there is a upper limit on the amount her Department can draw from the special reserve.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to Britain, our allies and our partners in the region.

As she set out in the House on 9 March, the Chancellor has approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the Middle East. The net additional costs of operations will be funded by the Treasury.

We do not yet know how long the conflict will last or what further action will be required, but the Chancellor is being responsive in an uncertain world, and is protecting the public finances in the national interest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, for how long will her Department be permitted to spend money allocated from the special reserve.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to Britain, our allies and our partners in the region.

As she set out in the House on 9 March, the Chancellor has approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the Middle East. The net additional costs of operations will be funded by the Treasury.

We do not yet know how long the conflict will last or what further action will be required, but the Chancellor is being responsive in an uncertain world, and is protecting the public finances in the national interest.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q37 of the oral evidence given by the National Armaments Director to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, whether the number of staff in his Department working on the Defence Investment Plan was reduced during Christmas recess.

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

From the beginning, the Defence Investment Plan has been supported by a flexible cross‑Defence team, with military and civilian personnel allocated at the right level to reflect the complexity of the work and ensure progress to publication. Although they had at least Christmas day off, as is established practice, this work has been continuous.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March to Question 119957 on Defence: Investment, whether the term flat out corresponds to any specific Departmental timeline.

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

We will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as soon as possible. It is essential that we take the time required to ensure decisions are robust and support the transformation of the Armed Forces outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.

As he will recall as former Minister for Defence Procurement, under the last Government only two of 49 defence procurement projects were on time and on budget.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q37 of the oral evidence given by the National Armaments Director to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, whether work on the Defence Investment Plan was paused during Christmas recess.

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

From the beginning, the Defence Investment Plan has been supported by a flexible cross‑Defence team, with military and civilian personnel allocated at the right level to reflect the complexity of the work and ensure progress to publication. Although they had at least Christmas day off, as is established practice, this work has been continuous.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent from funding allocated from the Treasury Reserve as of 17 March 2026.

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

The Department will confirm its 2025-26 outturn in the Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited the Al Minhad Air Base in UAE since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited Al-Udeid base in Qatar since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited the UK sovereign base areas on Cyprus since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his Ministerial colleagues have visited Episkopi Cantonment in Cyprus since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited Dhekelia Cantonment in Cyprus since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February to Question 112837 on Navy: North Atlantic Ocean, how much of the £14 million committed to testing and development this year is from (a) Ministry of Defence and (b) industry.

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

The £14 million committed this year to testing and development is a joint investment by the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. Due to commercial sensitivities, it would be inappropriate to give a more detailed breakdown at this stage.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited the UK base in Bahrain since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have visited the UK base in Oman since 5 July 2024.

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

All Ministerial overseas travel is published quarterly online within the Transparency Returns on GOV.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support the growth of the Gaming Industry in Suffolk.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role the leisure sector plays in terms of its economic contribution but also to our culture. In the context of gaming, the government understands the benefits that bingo halls bring to local communities, and that bingo is a low-risk activity. To support the high street and community activities the government is abolishing Bingo Duty from April 2026.

More broadly, we are keen to ensure that Britain’s coastline – including the Suffolk coast – remain an attraction to domestic and international visitors. The government has set an ambitious goal to grow annual inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030. To help achieve this, we have established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. The Strategy endeavours to share the benefits of tourism across every nation and region, including coastal and seaside areas.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal support her Department is providing to support the growth of the Gaming Industry.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role the leisure sector plays in terms of its economic contribution but also to our culture. In the context of gaming, the government understands the benefits that bingo halls bring to local communities, and that bingo is a low-risk activity. To support the high street and community activities the government is abolishing Bingo Duty from April 2026.

More broadly, we are keen to ensure that Britain’s coastline – including the Suffolk coast – remain an attraction to domestic and international visitors. The government has set an ambitious goal to grow annual inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030. To help achieve this, we have established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. The Strategy endeavours to share the benefits of tourism across every nation and region, including coastal and seaside areas.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Remus reconnaissance drones require the presence of other Royal Navy vessels to be deployed in the Strait of Hormuz.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Remus reconnaissance drones his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish procurement quantities for uncrewed systems due to commercial and operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK minehunting capabilities are pre-positioned in the Middle East.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what UK uncrewed naval technology is operational in the Middle East.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK minehunting drones are operational in the Middle East.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Royal Navy minesweepers are operating in the Middle East.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he and (b) any of his Ministerial colleagues held discussions with Peter Mandelson on the procurement of contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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 (a) he or (b) any of his Ministerial colleagues met with Peter Mandelson between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, if he will list all MOD programmes whose progress is currently measured using Minimum Deployable Capability.

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

While the department does not maintain a central list of MOD programmes whose progress is currently measured using Minimum Deployable Capability, it is an established approach in use by programmes using spiral acquisition. Examples include the Mine Hunting Capability programme and the Land Mobility Programme.

Minimum Deployable Capability is not a specific measurement that is the same across all capabilities. It is defined on a case-by-case basis as a capability, including elements such as training, doctrine and support, that is usefully deployable and is expected to be updated via spiral development through life.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, when will the first Lightweight Multirole Missile purchased as part of this announcement be in service.

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

Under the terms of the announced arrangement with Thales, the UK is expected to take delivery of new Lightweight Multirole Missiles in April, after which they will enter service.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112391, tabled on 10 February 2026, on Ministry of Defence: Palantir.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, when he plans to respond to Question 112216 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, when he plans to respond to Question 112215 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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 representatives from his Department were in attendance during the Prime Minister's visit to the headquarters of Palantir in Washington on 27 February 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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 Peter Mandelson was in attendance in any meetings held by his Department on procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, when he plans to respond to Question 112213 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, when he plans to respond to Question 112214 on Lord Mandelson.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 118816 on HMS Dragon: Lasers, how many further phases will follow the demonstration and evaluation phase for the DragonFire.

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

The DragonFire programme is being delivered through a new approach to procurement aimed at accelerating delivery timescales and providing the Royal Navy with novel capability sooner. This approach focuses on delivering a minimum deployable capability that can be further developed and enhanced over time.

Based on a successful demonstrator trial, DragonFire was selected for acceleration into service, leading to further trials to inform the design and development of a minimum deployable capability. We are on track to install this capability on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer in 2027. Beyond this, spiral development will allow for progressive improvement of the capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 118816 on HMS Dragon: Lasers, when the demonstration and evaluation phase for DragonFire will conclude.

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

The DragonFire programme is being delivered through a new approach to procurement aimed at accelerating delivery timescales and providing the Royal Navy with novel capability sooner. This approach focuses on delivering a minimum deployable capability that can be further developed and enhanced over time.

Based on a successful demonstrator trial, DragonFire was selected for acceleration into service, leading to further trials to inform the design and development of a minimum deployable capability. We are on track to install this capability on a Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer in 2027. Beyond this, spiral development will allow for progressive improvement of the capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the response of the Permanent Secretary to Question 33 in the Defence Committee Session on MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, HC 1779 on 17 March 2026, how many people are included in his comments that the Defence Investment Plan needs to be agreed by everyone across Government.

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

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q33 of the oral evidence given by her Department's Permanent Secretary to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, if he will list all Departments that are required to agree the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q33 of the oral evidence given by her Department's Permanent Secretary to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, which Departments have not agreed to the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, how many Lightweight Multirole Missiles will his Department procure.

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

I am withholding this information for reasons of safeguarding operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any officials from his Department held discussions with Peter Mandelson regarding procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working 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, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, what the evidential basis is that the relationship with the Republic of Cyprus has never been closer.

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

The UK's defence relationship with the Republic of Cyprus is multifaceted, underscored by an annual multi-domain bilateral cooperation programme. The activity outlined in this programme continues to increase year-on-year, identifying and exploiting previously unconsidered areas to the benefit of both nations. Evidence of this was the completion of the inaugural UK-Cyprus Industry Day, held at the Cypriot High Commission in December 2025.

The collaboration at the operational level is deep. This has been demonstrated through the coordination of air defence efforts in response to the current situation in the Middle East.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, whether he has been invited to hold discussions with Defence Minister Palmas and other Cypriot Government officials on the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.

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

No, the Ministry of Defence has not been invited to hold discussions with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the sovereignty of the Sovereign Base Areas on the island of Cyprus.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98518 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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, when he plans to respond to Question 98517 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.