Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review, published on 31 May 2025, how much of the £7 billion to be spent on military accommodation this Parliament will be spent on Single Living Accommodation.

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

The Defence Housing Strategy, published on 3 November 2025, sets out plans to improve the standard of Service family homes as part of a generational renewal of Defence family housing. Through the Consumer Charter, 1,000 of the worst homes were refurbished before Christmas 2025 - with hundreds more military properties due to be upgraded by the Spring. Future plans are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to make improvements to homes right across the country and in all nations of the UK, Further updates will be provided in due course following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan. This Government inherited military homes in a terrible state with regular reports of black mould in bedrooms, leaky roofs and broken boilers. We said that we would make defence housing a priority and we are.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review, published on 31 May 2025, how much of the £7 billion to be spent on military accommodation this Parliament will be spent on developing new forces housing in (a) Single Living Accommodation and (b) Service Family Accommodation.

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

The Defence Housing Strategy, published on 3 November 2025, sets out plans to improve the standard of Service family homes as part of a generational renewal of Defence family housing. Through the Consumer Charter, 1,000 of the worst homes were refurbished before Christmas 2025 - with hundreds more military properties due to be upgraded by the Spring. Future plans are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to make improvements to homes right across the country and in all nations of the UK, Further updates will be provided in due course following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review, published on 31 May 2025, how much of the £7 billion to be spent on military accommodation this Parliament will be spent on maintenance.

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

The Defence Housing Strategy, published on 3 November 2025, sets out plans to improve the standard of Service family homes as part of a generational renewal of Defence family housing. Through the Consumer Charter, 1,000 of the worst homes were refurbished before Christmas 2025 - with hundreds more military properties due to be upgraded by the Spring. Future plans are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to make improvements to homes right across the country and in all nations of the UK. Further updates will be provided in due course following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review, published on 31 May 2025, how much of the £7 billion to be spent on military accommodation this Parliament has been allocated as of 19 January 2026.

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

The Defence Housing Strategy, published on 3 November 2025, sets out plans to improve the standard of Service family homes as part of a generational renewal of Defence family housing. Through the Consumer Charter, 1,000 of the worst homes were refurbished before Christmas 2025 - with hundreds more military properties due to be upgraded by the Spring. Future plans are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to make improvements to homes right across the country and in all nations of the UK. Further updates will be provided in due course following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Homes fit for heroes with extra £1.5 billion for forces housing through upcoming Strategic Defence Review, published on 31 May 2025, how much of the £7 billion to be spent on military accommodation this Parliament has been spent as of 19 January 2026.

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

The Defence Housing Strategy, published on 3 November 2025, sets out plans to improve the standard of Service family homes as part of a generational renewal of Defence family housing. Through the Consumer Charter, 1,000 of the worst homes were refurbished before Christmas 2025 - with hundreds more military properties due to be upgraded by the Spring. Future plans are being worked through carefully, with the ambition to make improvements to homes right across the country and in all nations of the UK. Further updates will be provided in due course following the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK industry support to Ukraine supercharged with new business centre, published on 16 January 2026, how many staff will be employed as part of the business centre.

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

Cost and staffing details cannot be disclosed at this stage, as revealing commercially sensitive information during an active procurement process could prejudice fair competition among potential delivery partners.

The Ministry of Defence will work with the selected delivery partner and relevant stakeholders to develop the hub's operational framework, which will determine resource requirements. These details will be confirmed following contract award and will be subject to normal transparency arrangements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK to develop new deep strike ballistic missile for Ukraine, published on 19 January 2026, whether he plans to hold discussions with the Chief of the Air Staff on the acceleration of procurement of the Eurofighter Common Radar System Mk2 Radar.

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

The Chief of the Air Staff continually monitors the timelines for all Air Programmes in coordination with each Programmes' Senior Responsible Owner. This includes any opportunities to accelerate procurement in line with Departmental priorities and international collaboration.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK to develop new deep strike ballistic missile for Ukraine, published on 11 January 2026, if he will list the range of vehicles from which the new deep strike ballistic missile can be launched from.

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

The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract in March 2026 to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings, as well as a launch vehicle of the suppliers' choice. The Department has specified the launch vehicle should be as small as possible and no larger than a 40-foot flatbed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK industry support to Ukraine supercharged with new business centre, published on 16 January 2026, what is the total cost of establishing the business centre.

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

Cost and staffing details cannot be disclosed at this stage, as revealing commercially sensitive information during an active procurement process could prejudice fair competition among potential delivery partners.

The Ministry of Defence will work with the selected delivery partner and relevant stakeholders to develop the hub's operational framework, which will determine resource requirements. These details will be confirmed following contract award and will be subject to normal transparency arrangements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK industry support to Ukraine supercharged with new business centre, published on 16 January 2026, who will lead the business centre.

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

Cost and staffing details cannot be disclosed at this stage, as revealing commercially sensitive information during an active procurement process could prejudice fair competition among potential delivery partners.

The Ministry of Defence will work with the selected delivery partner and relevant stakeholders to develop the hub's operational framework, which will determine resource requirements. These details will be confirmed following contract award and will be subject to normal transparency arrangements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, how much has been spent on implementing the undergraduate drone degree as of 22 January 2026.

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

The Army has provided a one-off payment of £240,000 to the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) to initiate development of the undergraduate drone degree. This funding enabled NMITE to recruit academic staff and design the course which will offer students the opportunity to learn cutting-edge drones technology driven by lessons from Ukraine.

On current plans, the Army intends to sponsor serving-military personnel on the three year degree and multiple personnel on shorter modular courses. These costs will be met through existing Defence personnel development budgets, in line with routine investment in our people through training and apprenticeships.

The Army will continue to support personnel undertaking this degree as long as the course remains relevant and no suitable alternative exists elsewhere in the UK. This supports the Army’s wider ambition to upskill hundreds of personnel in drone technology over time.

Longer term, the vision is to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

NMITE, as the accredited provider, is responsible for funding and delivering the course, including any future cohorts. As NMITE is an independent higher education provider, the Ministry of Defence does not hold details of NMITE’s own operating or delivery costs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January 2025, whether there is any funding in place to deliver further three-year courses in the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The Army has provided a one-off payment of £240,000 to the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) to initiate development of the undergraduate drone degree. This funding enabled NMITE to recruit academic staff and design the course which will offer students the opportunity to learn cutting-edge drones technology driven by lessons from Ukraine.

On current plans, the Army intends to sponsor serving-military personnel on the three year degree and multiple personnel on shorter modular courses. These costs will be met through existing Defence personnel development budgets, in line with routine investment in our people through training and apprenticeships.

The Army will continue to support personnel undertaking this degree as long as the course remains relevant and no suitable alternative exists elsewhere in the UK. This supports the Army’s wider ambition to upskill hundreds of personnel in drone technology over time.

Longer term, the vision is to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

NMITE, as the accredited provider, is responsible for funding and delivering the course, including any future cohorts. As NMITE is an independent higher education provider, the Ministry of Defence does not hold details of NMITE’s own operating or delivery costs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January 2026, what the total cost is of delivering the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The Army has provided a one-off payment of £240,000 to the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) to initiate development of the undergraduate drone degree. This funding enabled NMITE to recruit academic staff and design the course which will offer students the opportunity to learn cutting-edge drones technology driven by lessons from Ukraine.

On current plans, the Army intends to sponsor serving-military personnel on the three year degree and multiple personnel on shorter modular courses. These costs will be met through existing Defence personnel development budgets, in line with routine investment in our people through training and apprenticeships.

The Army will continue to support personnel undertaking this degree as long as the course remains relevant and no suitable alternative exists elsewhere in the UK. This supports the Army’s wider ambition to upskill hundreds of personnel in drone technology over time.

Longer term, the vision is to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

NMITE, as the accredited provider, is responsible for funding and delivering the course, including any future cohorts. As NMITE is an independent higher education provider, the Ministry of Defence does not hold details of NMITE’s own operating or delivery costs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the procurement of a new mobile fires platform.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the viability of UK defence SMEs.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the UK defence industry.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on defence capability.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, for how many years has the undergraduate drone degree been financially forecasted.

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

The Army has provided a one-off payment of £240,000 to the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) to initiate development of the undergraduate drone degree. This funding enabled NMITE to recruit academic staff and design the course which will offer students the opportunity to learn cutting-edge drones technology driven by lessons from Ukraine.

On current plans, the Army intends to sponsor serving-military personnel on the three year degree and multiple personnel on shorter modular courses. These costs will be met through existing Defence personnel development budgets, in line with routine investment in our people through training and apprenticeships.

The Army will continue to support personnel undertaking this degree as long as the course remains relevant and no suitable alternative exists elsewhere in the UK. This supports the Army’s wider ambition to upskill hundreds of personnel in drone technology over time.

Longer term, the vision is to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

NMITE, as the accredited provider, is responsible for funding and delivering the course, including any future cohorts. As NMITE is an independent higher education provider, the Ministry of Defence does not hold details of NMITE’s own operating or delivery costs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, what is the annual cost of delivering the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The Army has provided a one-off payment of £240,000 to the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) to initiate development of the undergraduate drone degree. This funding enabled NMITE to recruit academic staff and design the course which will offer students the opportunity to learn cutting-edge drones technology driven by lessons from Ukraine.

On current plans, the Army intends to sponsor serving-military personnel on the three year degree and multiple personnel on shorter modular courses. These costs will be met through existing Defence personnel development budgets, in line with routine investment in our people through training and apprenticeships.

The Army will continue to support personnel undertaking this degree as long as the course remains relevant and no suitable alternative exists elsewhere in the UK. This supports the Army’s wider ambition to upskill hundreds of personnel in drone technology over time.

Longer term, the vision is to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

NMITE, as the accredited provider, is responsible for funding and delivering the course, including any future cohorts. As NMITE is an independent higher education provider, the Ministry of Defence does not hold details of NMITE’s own operating or delivery costs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable for publishing the Defence Investment Plan on his Department's expenditure plans for the Global Combat Air programme's (a) un-crewed and autonomous collaborative platform elements and (b) related system-of-systems software and digital development.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable for publishing the Defence Investment Plan on the delivery of uncrewed systems for the armed forces.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the procurement of (a) new deep fires munitions and (b) associated enablers.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the delivery of the Global Combat Air Programme.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable for publishing the Defence Investment Plan on the procurement of directed energy weapons.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable for publishing the Defence Investment Plan on the procurement of RCH 155.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the delivery of the New Medium Helicopter programme.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his timetable to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the Global Combat Air Programme.

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

Defence continues to manage its capabilities and programmes to ensure they are not unnecessarily impacted or delayed whilst the upcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) is developed. The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. The DIP is the first time in 18 years Defence has completed a single, comprehensive review of programmes and is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the four Royal Navy vessels that will be equipped with the DragonFire laser in 2027.

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

The Royal Navy sees the adoption of novel technologies as critical to delivering the lethality of the Hybrid Navy. DRAGONFIRE is a cutting-edge Laser Directed Energy Weapon system and the programme remains on schedule to commence delivery from 2027.

DRAGONFIRE is a modular capability providing the Royal Navy agility as to when and where it is deployed, therefore it is not possible to list specific ships into which the capability will be installed. The inclusion of the mission modules concept across the Hybrid Navy, which is already being delivered in the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, provides maximum tactical flexibility as to where the Navy could deploy this weapon.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

As confirmed to the House we will make a decision on New Medium Helicopter shortly. The Department is working flat out to deliver the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Britain's fighter jet fleet strengthened in £205 million boost for British jobs, published on 19 January 2026, when the full-scale production of the European Common Radar System Mk2 will begin.

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

On 13 June 2025 the Chief Secretary to the Treasury confirmed, during a visit to Leonardo in Edinburgh, that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had released over £200 million of funding towards the production and integration of the innovative European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 radar for the RAF Typhoon. This commercial authority for Industry to start spending ahead of the full contract award was used to protect critical path activities whilst MOD and Industry negotiated the full contract.

On 22 January 2026 the Secretary of State for Defence visited Leonardo in Edinburgh to confirm the award of the full production contract between the MOD and BAE Systems, Leonardo UK and Parker Meggitt, valued at £453 million. This contract is for the manufacture and delivery of 40 ECRS Mk2 Radars. Radar deliveries will support timescales to bring ECRS Mk2 into service with the RAF by the end of this decade.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending to county councils the provisions of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on issuing closure notices in cases of illegal trading of tobacco and vaping products on the high street.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The closure power, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, enables police or local councils - including county councils where there is no district council - to close premises quickly which are being used to commit nuisance or disorder.

The closure power, along with all the powers in the 2014 Act, is deliberately local in nature, and it is for local agencies to determine whether its use is appropriate and meets the legal test in the specific circumstances.

The global supply of illicit tobacco is significant and the high profit margins continue to attract organised criminal networks. HMRC are fully aware of this threat and take robust, coordinated action in response. Working in close partnership across government, we target production at its source, intercept illicit products at the border and in retail environments, and pursue and prosecute those involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

Stubbing out the problem: A new strategy to tackle illicit tobacco - GOV.UK sets out how HMRC, Border Force and partner agencies tackle illicit tobacco. It seeks to target loopholes at all stages of the supply chain, to keep ahead of the criminals. The strategy:

• sets out a new root and branch approach - which targets the demand for illicit trade (the consumers that criminals seek to exploit) as well as the supply (the criminals themselves).
• is supported by over £100 million new funding to boost HMRC and Border Force enforcement capability.
• establishes a new, cross-government Illicit Tobacco Taskforce – combining the operational, investigative and intelligence expertise of various agencies, and enhancing their ability to disrupt organised crime.

National Trading Standards plays a key part in tackling illicit tobacco at a local level. It provides both a visible and tangible deterrent that organised criminality and anti-social behaviour surrounding the supply of illicit tobacco will not be tolerated. HMRC values the close working partnership it has with National Trading Standards through Operation CeCe and is committed to building on its success by increasing the level of funding available to Trading Standards. This means that we can have an even greater impact in tackling the illicit tobacco trade, undertaking more visits, creating more disruption, detecting and seizing more illicit product, tackling underage sales and reducing community harm.

HMRC is progressing preparations for the 1 October 2026 introduction of Vaping Products Duty with a strong focus on compliance readiness and illicit market risk.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia, published on 8 December 2025, whether a contract has been placed for the Seabed Sentry network since 5 July 2024.

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

No contract has been placed for Seabed Sentry. Procurement of such platforms would be conducted in accordance with UK commercial law, through a fair competition.

The first formal element of the tendering process for Atlantic NET, commenced in September 25 and was completed in January 26. This involved the assessment of 26 compliant industry proposed solutions for ‘Persistent ASW Sense (ISR) as a Service’ and followed on from 6 months of regular two-way industry engagement with approximately 327 companies in the supplier base. These are largely UK based, or have UK elements in their proposals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia, published on 8 December 2025, whether a contract has been placed for the Herne submarine since 5 July 2024.

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

No contract or orders have been placed for the Herne large diameter uncrewed underwater vessel. Procurement of such platforms would be conducted in accordance with UK commercial law, through a fair competition.

The first formal element of the tendering process for Atlantic NET, commenced in September 2025 and was completed in January 2026. This involved the assessment of 26 compliant industry proposed solutions for ‘Persistent ASW Sense (ISR) as a Service’ and followed on from six months of regular two-way industry engagement with approximately 327 companies in the supplier base. These are largely UK based, or have UK elements in their proposals.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia, published on 8 December 2025, how many orders for the Herne submarine have been placed since 5 July 2024.

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

No contract or orders have been placed for the Herne large diameter uncrewed underwater vessel. Procurement of such platforms would be conducted in accordance with UK commercial law, through a fair competition.

The first formal element of the tendering process for Atlantic NET, commenced in September 2025 and was completed in January 2026. This involved the assessment of 26 compliant industry proposed solutions for ‘Persistent ASW Sense (ISR) as a Service’ and followed on from six months of regular two-way industry engagement with approximately 327 companies in the supplier base. These are largely UK based, or have UK elements in their proposals.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the enforcement powers available to county council Trading Standards services on tackling the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products on the high street.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the hon member to the answer on 27 October 2025 to UIN 84365 Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco: Smuggling.

Operation CeCe is a joint UK-wide initiative between HMRC and Trading Standards to target the illicit tobacco trade. Since it began in January 2021, the operation has removed more than 74 million illicit cigarettes, 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale [1].

In 2023 new sanctions were introduced to support the work that Trading Standards do at retail level. They allow Trading Standards to make a referral into HMRC in relation to their tobacco seizures. HMRC can then then investigate and issue civil sanctions, including penalties of up to £10,000.

At Budget 2025, the Government set out its plans to tackle rogue retailers who breach tobacco and vape regulations, by taking the power in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco and vape products. This will strengthen enforcement and support legitimate businesses. The government is also legislating to introduce the Vaping Duty Stamps scheme from 1 October 2026, which requires all vaping products manufactured or imported into the UK to have a duty stamp on packaging so illicit products are immediately identifiable.

[1] Over £1.4 million in penalties issued as crackdown on illegal tobacco accelerates

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department has taken to help support Trading Standards services in Suffolk in responding to organised criminal activity linked to the sale of illegal tobacco and vaping products.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the hon member to the answer on 27 October 2025 to UIN 84365 Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco: Smuggling.

Operation CeCe is a joint UK-wide initiative between HMRC and Trading Standards to target the illicit tobacco trade. Since it began in January 2021, the operation has removed more than 74 million illicit cigarettes, 19,750kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale [1].

In 2023 new sanctions were introduced to support the work that Trading Standards do at retail level. They allow Trading Standards to make a referral into HMRC in relation to their tobacco seizures. HMRC can then then investigate and issue civil sanctions, including penalties of up to £10,000.

At Budget 2025, the Government set out its plans to tackle rogue retailers who breach tobacco and vape regulations, by taking the power in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco and vape products. This will strengthen enforcement and support legitimate businesses. The government is also legislating to introduce the Vaping Duty Stamps scheme from 1 October 2026, which requires all vaping products manufactured or imported into the UK to have a duty stamp on packaging so illicit products are immediately identifiable.

[1] Over £1.4 million in penalties issued as crackdown on illegal tobacco accelerates

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussed the potential impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on recruitment and retention with the (a) Chief of the Defence Staff, (b) Chief of the General Staff, (c) First Sea Lord, (d) Chief of the Air Staff, and (e) Commander Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.

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

My Ministerial colleagues and I routinely meet with the Single Service Chiefs, where we discuss a range of priority Defence matters.

The hon. Member will understand that it would be inappropriate to comment further on these discussions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussed the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill with any members of the armed forces senior command.

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

My Ministerial colleagues and I routinely meet with the Single Service Chiefs, where we discuss a range of priority Defence matters.

The hon. Member will understand that it would be inappropriate to comment further on these discussions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Minister for the Armed Forces answer to an Urgent Question on 5 January 2026 from the Hon. Member for South Suffolk, whether any current members of the armed forces senior command have raised the potential impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on recruitment and retention.

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

My Ministerial colleagues and I routinely meet with the Single Service Chiefs, where we discuss a range of priority Defence matters.

The hon. Member will understand that it would be inappropriate to comment further on these discussions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 January to Question 103813 on Veterans: Northern Ireland, whether any of the universal protections will apply to alleged paramilitaries.

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

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill introduces five protections that have been specifically designed for veterans. They will apply to all those required to give evidence to the Legacy Commission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 January to Question 103813 on Veterans: Northern Ireland, if he will specify which of the five protections will apply universally.

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

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill introduces five protections that have been specifically designed for veterans. They will apply to all those required to give evidence to the Legacy Commission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 January to Question 103813 on Veterans: Northern Ireland, how many of the five protections will apply universally.

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

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill introduces five protections that have been specifically designed for veterans. They will apply to all those required to give evidence to the Legacy Commission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether elements of the undergraduate drone degree will involve studying the use of drones in a combat scenario.

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

The undergraduate drone degree is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to build, upgrade and sustain drone systems, rather than to train them in their operational use. Some elements of the programme will involve students working with industry and defence partners on practical problem solving projects, which may include challenges linked to the operational employment of drones in combat settings.

Students on the programme will not participate in military exercises. However, having Army personnel learning alongside civilian students, supported by academic staff and defence contractors, will provide valuable insight into the realities of operating drones in contested environments and supports a collaborative approach to innovation.

The course does not provide training in how to operate drones; this is delivered separately through the Army’s existing small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems training pathways. Instead, the degree focuses on ensuring personnel have the technical knowledge and engineering expertise to sustain and adapt drone systems at the pace required by rapidly evolving operational demands, as seen in Ukraine

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January 2025, whether the undergraduate drone degree will involve participation in any military exercises.

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

The undergraduate drone degree is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to build, upgrade and sustain drone systems, rather than to train them in their operational use. Some elements of the programme will involve students working with industry and defence partners on practical problem solving projects, which may include challenges linked to the operational employment of drones in combat settings.

Students on the programme will not participate in military exercises. However, having Army personnel learning alongside civilian students, supported by academic staff and defence contractors, will provide valuable insight into the realities of operating drones in contested environments and supports a collaborative approach to innovation.

The course does not provide training in how to operate drones; this is delivered separately through the Army’s existing small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems training pathways. Instead, the degree focuses on ensuring personnel have the technical knowledge and engineering expertise to sustain and adapt drone systems at the pace required by rapidly evolving operational demands, as seen in Ukraine

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January 2025, whether the undergraduate drone degree will involve training in the use of drones.

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

The undergraduate drone degree is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to build, upgrade and sustain drone systems, rather than to train them in their operational use. Some elements of the programme will involve students working with industry and defence partners on practical problem solving projects, which may include challenges linked to the operational employment of drones in combat settings.

Students on the programme will not participate in military exercises. However, having Army personnel learning alongside civilian students, supported by academic staff and defence contractors, will provide valuable insight into the realities of operating drones in contested environments and supports a collaborative approach to innovation.

The course does not provide training in how to operate drones; this is delivered separately through the Army’s existing small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems training pathways. Instead, the degree focuses on ensuring personnel have the technical knowledge and engineering expertise to sustain and adapt drone systems at the pace required by rapidly evolving operational demands, as seen in Ukraine

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the counter-drone technology currently used by the specialist RAF counter-drone unit stationed in Denmark.

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

There is no specialist RAF counter-drone unit currently stationed in Denmark.

A small number of personnel from the RAF Regiment's No2 Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (CUAS) Wing deployed to Denmark in October 2025 at the request of the Danish Government who were hosting two major European summits.

All personnel and equipment returned to the UK after the conclusion of the summits.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK personnel form the specialist RAF counter-drone unit currently stationed in Denmark.

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

There is no specialist RAF counter-drone unit currently stationed in Denmark.

A small number of personnel from the RAF Regiment's No2 Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (CUAS) Wing deployed to Denmark in October 2025 at the request of the Danish Government who were hosting two major European summits.

All personnel and equipment returned to the UK after the conclusion of the summits.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

The Army is currently planning to use the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) for the testing of uncrewed systems in the spring of this year, supported by uncrewed trials expertise from the Joint 744 Naval Air Squadron. Plans beyond this and the future use of BATUS is dependent upon the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing Sea Viper Evolution.

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

Both Sea Viper Evolution Programmes continue to make progress. Capability One, the Royal Navy’s entry level Ballistic Missile Defence Capability, is expected to provide Full Operating Capability in late 2032. Capability Two, providing theatre level Ballistic Missile Defence, remains in the Assessment phase to inform future capability and investment choices. This is particularly important where the Royal Navy’s pivot to a Hybrid Fleet will enable new and novel approaches to ballistic missile defence. Continued progress on both programmes remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Sea Viper Evolution will reach Full Operating Capability.

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

Both Sea Viper Evolution Programmes continue to make progress. Capability One, the Royal Navy’s entry level Ballistic Missile Defence Capability, is expected to provide Full Operating Capability in late 2032. Capability Two, providing theatre level Ballistic Missile Defence, remains in the Assessment phase to inform future capability and investment choices. This is particularly important where the Royal Navy’s pivot to a Hybrid Fleet will enable new and novel approaches to ballistic missile defence. Continued progress on both programmes remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the MQ-9B Protector has reached Initial Operating Capability.

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

Protector RG Mk1 has yet to reach Initial Operating Capability programme milestones. Protector has already deployed on operations and is providing valuable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 48156 on Skynet, when the build of the Skynet 6A satellite transitioned into the testing and validation phase.

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

The Skynet 6 Programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. Following build and preparatory activity, the Skynet 6A satellite transitioned into the testing and validation phase in November 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2025 to Question 104851 on Ukraine: Defence Equipment, if he will list the communication systems that will be upgraded.

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

This Government has allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine. Planning continues at pace; however, it would not be appropriate to provide mission specific detail in relation to any future UK Armed Forces deployment, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2025 to Question 104851 on Ukraine: Defence Equipment, if he will list the vehicles that will be upgraded.

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

This Government has allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine. Planning continues at pace; however, it would not be appropriate to provide mission specific detail in relation to any future UK Armed Forces deployment, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2025 to Question 104851 on Ukraine: Defence Equipment, if he will list the new counter-drone protection that will be upgraded.

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

This Government has allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine. Planning continues at pace; however, it would not be appropriate to provide mission specific detail in relation to any future UK Armed Forces deployment, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 19 January 2025 to Question 104851 on Ukraine: Defence Equipment, if he will list the additional force-protection equipment that will be upgraded.

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

This Government has allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine. Planning continues at pace; however, it would not be appropriate to provide mission specific detail in relation to any future UK Armed Forces deployment, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether all 62 recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review 2025 will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) set a path for the next decade and beyond, over which Defence will be transformed. The Government accepted all 62 of the SDR’s recommendations. This is priority business, executed through a whole-of-Defence effort and driven through the reformed structures of Defence. This work is underpinned by a commitment to spend £270 billion on Defence in this Parliament, to reach 3% of GDP spend on Defence in the next Parliament, and to increase this to 3.5% by 2035. The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will turn the SDR’s vision and recommendations into an affordable delivery plan. It will highlight how the Government's historic investment in Defence will deliver warfighting readiness to deter increasing threats and drive Defence as an engine for jobs and growth.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what cost envelope the Defence Investment Plan will report.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer the right hon. Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle) provided on 3 September 2025 to his Question 70714.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with ECS Special Projects since 5 July 2024.

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

The Department has not awarded any contracts to Sonardyne or ECS Special Projects since 5 July 2024.

The Department currently has no live contracts with Sonardyne. However, the MOD has previously completed contracts with the company, such as those related to Diver Tracking and Detection. Sonardyne specialises in maritime security and holds specific contracts in this field, including a £67,691 agreement (active until 2024) for the procurement of a Diver Tracking System. Its Sentinel diver detection sonar is widely recognised and utilised for safeguarding naval bases and ships.

As part of their future strategy and increasing use of technology the Department is considering:

(i) Expanding port and submarine base protection

(ii) Leveraging AI-enabled anomaly detection on sonar feeds

(iii) Improving protection against hostile divers, swimmers, and underwater saboteurs

(iv) Integration into the wider Maritime Protection System for UK critical infrastructure

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with Sonardyne since 5 July 2024.

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

The Department has not awarded any contracts to Sonardyne or ECS Special Projects since 5 July 2024.

The Department currently has no live contracts with Sonardyne. However, the MOD has previously completed contracts with the company, such as those related to Diver Tracking and Detection. Sonardyne specialises in maritime security and holds specific contracts in this field, including a £67,691 agreement (active until 2024) for the procurement of a Diver Tracking System. Its Sentinel diver detection sonar is widely recognised and utilised for safeguarding naval bases and ships.

As part of their future strategy and increasing use of technology the Department is considering:

(i) Expanding port and submarine base protection

(ii) Leveraging AI-enabled anomaly detection on sonar feeds

(iii) Improving protection against hostile divers, swimmers, and underwater saboteurs

(iv) Integration into the wider Maritime Protection System for UK critical infrastructure

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 94244 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 25 November 2025.

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

In 2024-25, Ministry of Defence spend on equipment was £24.92 billion, which is around 0.85% of GDP. This is an increase of over £2 billion from the equipment budget for 2023-24.

While the current financial year is ongoing and work on the Defence Investment Plan continues, it is not possible to provide figures for the remaining financial years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's investors advisory group has been consulted on funding for the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investors Advisory Group (DIAG) exists to help develop and provide expert advice on the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy (DFIS).

As part of this work, we are exploring potential new financing options which could apply to specific opportunities identified through the Defence Investment Plan. However, the DIAG is not directly consulting on the funding decisions within the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

This financial year, we are forecasting to spend around £17 million on the maintenance of the British Army Training Unit Suffield, which we expect to be consistent in future years – and will be finalised in the Defence Investment Plan.

Forecasted costs include:

1. Costs related to the maintenance and management of physical infrastructure, such as buildings and facilities.
2. Costs related to non-physical services, such as cleaning, catering, and waste management.
3. Resource expenditure for delivering infrastructure projects that support capability development.
4. Smaller-scale maintenance or construction projects that fall below a certain financial threshold.
5. Funding allocated for reactive maintenance or urgent requirements that arise unexpectedly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a formal target date to create an Integrated Force.

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

The Integrated Force Model as per the Strategic Defence Review has four elements: a single force design; a common set of foundational enablers; digital enablement at its core; and collaboration with other Government Departments in real time. The first element – a single force design – will be delivered through the ongoing work to develop the Defence Investment Plan. The integrated force design will be completed this year, with implementation thereafter. The other three elements will be delivered incrementally as part of continued efforts to modernise and reform Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's spending plans are forecasted to lead to an overspend of his Department's budget in the (a) current financial year and (b) next financial year.

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

The Department engages in routine budget management to live within our control total. The Department's performance against its control totals for this financial year and the next will be confirmed in the respective 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 8 September 2025 to Question 70768 on Skynet, when the next Skynet 6 programme review will take place.

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

The resilience and operational relevance of the planned Skynet 6 capabilities continue to be regularly assessed against projected operational demands and emerging threats. The latest review was as part of the Defence Investment Plan considerations. Timing of future ones will depend on the emergence of improved technology, what adversaries do or any other need to adjust capacity, capability or timing. Where necessary, these will result in adjustments across the entire Ministry of Defence Space enterprise to both ground- and space-based elements, wherever its most advantageous.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September to Question 70768 on Skynet, what were the findings of the National Infrastructure and Services Transformation Authority's November 2025 review into the Skynet 6 programme.

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

The National Infrastructure and Services Transformation Authority had scheduled a review of the Skynet 6 programme for November 2025 as part of routine monitoring of Category A projects. However, a shift to a conditions-based approach, aligning reviews with key programme milestones, has led to the review moving to a yet-to-be-agreed date later in the year. In the meantime, regular communication between the parties continues.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support British SMEs in light of the delay to the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Department is working flat out to deliver the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will be published as soon as possible. It is underpinned by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, with £270 billion being invested in defence in this Parliament alone.

Small and Medium‑sized Enterprises (SMEs) hold a crucial place in UK defence. They are the backbone of the UK economy and provide the innovation, expertise and agility that the sector needs now and in the future. This is recognised in the Defence Industrial Strategy and will be reflected in the DIP.

The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth was established on 26 January 2026. It will provide SMEs with a single point of access for advice, support and opportunities in defence. The office will bring together services from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), trade associations and investors in one place, supporting delivery of our target to increase MOD spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Readiness Bill will be legislated for in the current Parliament.

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 22 January on Ajax, HCWS 1269, whether he plans to appoint a new permanent Senior Responsible Owner of the Ajax programme.

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

As advised in my Written Ministerial Statement on 22 January 2026, a Senior Responsible Owner has been appointed for an initial period of 12 months by the Army and oversight of the programme has been passed to the National Armaments Director. Prior to this announcement, the Army had oversight of the programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 22 January on Ajax, HCWS 1269, who previously held oversight of the Ajax programme.

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

As advised in my Written Ministerial Statement on 22 January 2026, a Senior Responsible Owner has been appointed for an initial period of 12 months by the Army and oversight of the programme has been passed to the National Armaments Director. Prior to this announcement, the Army had oversight of the programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether he plans to create new roles within the armed forces that will specifically require an undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether an undergraduate drone degree will guarantee employment in the armed forces.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether his Department has a target for the number of students per cohort that will remain in the armed forces following the conclusion of the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, what is his target number of (a) civilian and (b) soldiers on the undergraduate drone degree in each remaining year of the current Parliament.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether a drone technology specialist will be a recognised position in the British armed forces.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, what steps his Department is taking to encourage applications to the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, from which service will the up to five soldiers enrolled on the undergraduate drone degree come.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether he plans to increase participation in the undergraduate drone degree beyond 20 personnel.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether there are any specific roles within the armed forces that require an undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase UK service personnel numbers stationed in Greenland.

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

The UK agrees on the need to step up security in the High North and Arctic to deter and defend against the threats posed by adversaries such as Russia. This is why the UK already engages in NATO activity in the region. The UK continues to operate UK Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Maritime Patrol Aircraft in support of NATO deterrence activity on a regular basis and continues to deepen its partnerships with key Allies in the region such as Norway. Discussions amongst Allies about NATO’s future role in the Arctic region are ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the UK will play in the multinational NATO command in Greenland.

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

The UK agrees on the need to step up security in the High North and Arctic to deter and defend against the threats posed by adversaries such as Russia. This is why the UK already engages in NATO activity in the region. The UK continues to operate UK Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Maritime Patrol Aircraft in support of NATO deterrence activity on a regular basis and continues to deepen its partnerships with key Allies in the region such as Norway. Discussions amongst Allies about NATO’s future role in the Arctic region are ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the mobilisation of the National Health Service in the event of UK involvement in an armed conflict.

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

The Cabinet Office leads the Government's Home Defence Programme, in which Defence plays an integral role. The programme is enhancing the UK’s national security and resilience through bolstering civilian-military coordination and planning and enhancing public and private preparedness.

In a new era of threat, the defence and security of the UK requires a whole-of-society approach: the NHS and private healthcare is no exception.

A series of joint exercises involving the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England (NHSE), the Devolved Administrations, Voluntary Aid Societies and allies (USA and Canada) have explored the UK’s ability to deal with casualties across a range of scenarios up to and including warfighting.

NHS(E) will lead a further exercise in February 2026 to consider where pressure would be felt most acutely in the NHS system from an increased number of MOD patients.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to utilise existing community-based musculoskeletal healthcare providers to reduce GP workload and NHS waiting lists.

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

To reduce the general practice workload and National Health Service waiting lists, we are working to deliver the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Musculoskeletal Community Delivery Programme. GIRFT teams are working with health system leaders to further reduce musculoskeletal community waiting times, which are the largest volume of all community waits, and improve data, metrics, and referral pathways to wider support services. This includes mapping and analysing the provision and role of physiotherapists as First Contact Practitioners in primary care.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's timetable is for delivering a minimum viable product for the Digital Targeting Web.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025.

The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a 'Minimum Viable Product', in 2026. Plans will be continually reviewed to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.

The Digital Targeting Web is not a single, discrete system or platform but rather an interconnected ecosystem of systems, processes, and capabilities designed to enhance the UK’s targeting effectiveness. As such, it does not conform to traditional definitions and milestones that would be expected of a platform-centric project or capability. Its development will be an ongoing, iterative process to ensure the UK remains competitive in a rapidly evolving operational environment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the status of the proposed P4E electronic upgrade for the RAF's Typhoon fleet.

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

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 November 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 92198.