Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

It would not be appropriate to comment on diplomatic discussions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

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

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

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

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

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

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

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

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

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

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

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

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

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

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

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

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list all MOD programmes whose progress is currently measured using Minimum Deployable Capability.

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112216 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112215 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any representatives from his Department were in attendance during the Prime Minister's visit to the headquarters of Palantir in Washington on 27 February 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Peter Mandelson was in attendance in any meetings held by his Department on procurement contracts between 10 February 2025 and 11 September 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112213 on Ministry of Defence: Procurement.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 112214 on Lord Mandelson.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March 2026, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 March 2026 to Question 119399 on Cyprus: Military Bases, what the evidential basis is that the relationship with the Republic of Cyprus has never been closer.

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 98517 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

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

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 9 February to Question 110439 on Defence: Expenditure, what elements of the 2.6% of GDP spent on Defence in 2027 will not be spent on the MOD budget.

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

Defence Expenditure is defined by NATO.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

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

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Royal Navy minesweepers will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on communities in South Suffolk constituency; and if she will make it her policy to continue providing financial support for the repair and maintenance of listed places of worship.

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

The Department conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The evaluation included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. The evaluation did not specifically assess the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on communities in South Suffolk constituency. However, I can confirm that since August 2022, 146 claims have been paid to listed places of worship in the South Suffolk constituency to a value of £788,456.

On 22nd January the Department announced a new capital fund, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund which will provide support for a range of works. This will have an annual budget of £23m starting in 2026/27. This is providing certainty for the remaining years of the Spending Review until 2029/30, providing £92m over the period. Support will be targeted at places of most need. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process, will be published in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a change in the number of usable training villages at the Global Hub Oman since 5 July 2024.

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

The facility continues to have three usable training villages.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training villages are active on the Global Hub Oman.

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

The Global Hub has three small training villages on Ras Madrakah Training Area.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a reduction in the number of usable training villages at the British Army Training Unit Kenya, since 5 July 2024.

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

There is one permanent training village at Nyati Barracks. In addition, two temporary wooden training villages are currently erected on the training areas at Lolldaiga Conservancy and Ole Naishu estate. These temporary facilities are assembled and dismantled as required and leave no permanent footprint.

There has been no reduction in the number of usable training villages since 5 July 2024. These facilities are temporary and are only assembled during exercising periods, so their number naturally fluctuates. The overall capacity for temporary infrastructure on Kenyan training areas (approximately 200 wooden buildings) has remained unchanged since 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

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

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

There is one permanent training village at Nyati Barracks. In addition, two temporary wooden training villages are currently erected on the training areas at Lolldaiga Conservancy and Ole Naishu estate. These temporary facilities are assembled and dismantled as required and leave no permanent footprint.

There has been no reduction in the number of usable training villages since 5 July 2024. These facilities are temporary and are only assembled during exercising periods, so their number naturally fluctuates. The overall capacity for temporary infrastructure on Kenyan training areas (approximately 200 wooden buildings) has remained unchanged since 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the offer of UK military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz requires a UN resolution.

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

The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.

It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the Royal Navy assets that will be sent to support the reopening of the strait of Hormuz.

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

We constantly review deployments of Royal Navy assets in line with securing the interests of the UK and our allies. We are continuing to work closely with our allies and partners in the region to mitigate threats to UK shipping. The Strait of Hormuz is a current issue and it would not be appropriate to specify details of any operational planning.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he will offer military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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

The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.

It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to deploy Royal Navy capabilities to the Strait of Hormuz.

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

The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.

It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has obtained legal advice for UK military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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

A summary of the Government’s overall legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026. Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks - GOV.UK

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March to Question 116539 on Armed Forces Commissioner, whether he has a target date for the appointment of an Armed Forces Commissioner.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has confirmed that former Air Commodore Suzanne ‘Polly’ Miller-Perkins CBE is the preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Armed Forces Commissioner. In line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments, this is to be an interim appointment made without competition for a period of 12 months while arrangements are made to run a new open competition. The candidate was subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on 25 March 2026. The Commissioner will be in post and their office operational from 1 April 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of (a) the prevalence of respiratory disease and (b) the number of emergency hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in South Suffolk compared with national average.

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

Data is available for emergency Finished Admission Episodes (FAEs) where there was a primary diagnosis of 'respiratory conditions’. The following table shows the number of FAEs where there was a primary diagnosis of 'respiratory conditions’ for South Suffolk and England, for activity in English National Health Service hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector, for 2024/25 and provisionally for 2025/26:

Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, NHS England.

Available data on trends in respiratory conditions can be found on the Department’s Fingertips dataset. Data is not available by parliamentary constituency. Data is available at regional, county, unitary authority, and integrated care board level. Information for Suffolk, which includes South Suffolk, can be found at the following link:

https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/search/Respiratory#page/1/gid/1/pat/15/ati/502/are/E10000029/iid/40701/age/163/sex/4/cat/-1/ctp/-1/yrr/1/cid/4/tbm/1

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, if he will outline the role of the new Task Force created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry.

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

Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.

Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, who is leading the new Task Force that has been created.

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

Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.

Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, what is the name of the new Task Force that has been created.

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

Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.

Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, whether the new finance mechanism will lead to the procurement of (a) new or (b) existing capabilities.

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

The finance mechanism will unlock finance and support joint procurement between partners of key capabilities, alongside providing loans to the defence industry and government to accelerate defence sector investment. The mechanism is still in development with partners.

We expect the mechanism to complement existing EU, NATO and other initiatives and drives interoperability through combining financing and an aggregated demand signal to drive interoperability and interchangeability through joint procurement over time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, if he will outline the scope of the finance mechanism.

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

The finance mechanism will unlock finance and support joint procurement between partners of key capabilities, alongside providing loans to the defence industry and government to accelerate defence sector investment. The mechanism is still in development with partners.

We expect the mechanism to complement existing EU, NATO and other initiatives and drives interoperability through combining financing and an aggregated demand signal to drive interoperability and interchangeability through joint procurement over time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q33 of the oral evidence given by her Department's Permanent Secretary to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, whether he will publish the terms of reference for the Integrated Force Plan.

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

The Integrated Force Plan is a constituent part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). As has been outlined to the hon. Gentleman a number of times, the Department is working to finalise the DIP as soon as possible. It will be published when it is ready.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Q33 of the oral evidence given by her Department's Permanent Secretary to the Defence Committee on 17 March 2026, HC 1779, when the Integrated Force Plan will be published.

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

The Integrated Force Plan is a constituent part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). As has been outlined to the hon. Gentleman a number of times, the Department is working to finalise the DIP as soon as possible. It will be published when it is ready.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the response of the Permanent Secretary to Question 33 in the Defence Committee Session on MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, HC 1779 on 17 March 2026, whether the Integrated Force Plan will be published alongside the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Integrated Force Plan is a constituent part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). As has been outlined to the hon. Gentleman a number of times, the Department is working to finalise the DIP as soon as possible. It will be published when it is ready.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the autonomous mine hunting systems currently in use by the Royal Navy.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to the hon. Member for Slough (Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi) to Question 120373.

Find written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, whether the money spent by his Department through the special reserve allocation will be included in his Department's (a) NATO declared spend and (b) budget.

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

The special reserve is a ring-fenced allocation within the Ministry of Defence budget. As he may recall from his time as a Defence Minister, operational spend has routinely counted towards the UK's NATO qualifying defence spend.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a decision has been made on replacements for the Royal Navy's minehunters.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to the hon. Member for Slough (Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi) to Question 120373.

Find written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, how much money has been allocated to his Department from the special reserve.

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

The Department's operational spend will be set out in its Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, whether money allocated to his Department by the special reserve will be spent on deploying Royal Navy assets to the Middle East.

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

Yes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2026 to Question 116970 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, how many further phases will take place if procurement is progressed.

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

The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is now entering the international industrial selection phase in each of the E5 nations. This will be followed by a multilateral phase. Once the multilateral phase is complete the E5 nations will decide whether to proceed to a full demonstration and manufacture phase.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March to Question 118821 on Type 45 Destroyers: Procurement, whether any informal offers were made.

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

HMS Dragon was deployed at the first available moment on 10 March 2026. The deployment of Royal Navy assets remains under constant review to ensure we uphold the interests of the UK and our allies. To protect operational security, I cannot provide further information.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to accelerate the procurement of autonomous mine hunting systems for use by the Royal Navy.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the statement on the Middle East given in Parliament by the Secretary of State on Monday 23 March 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, whether the new finance mechanism will be used to stockpile munitions.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The mechanism the Chancellor announced on 17 March will increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most.

Similar to other international financial institutions, we expect that capital will be paid in based on countries’ GDP share, and that this will leverage many multiples more capital via private sector funding. The precise set-up is now being explored, and HMT and MOD are working together with finance and defence ministries across partner countries.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, whether the new finance mechanism will sit within her Department.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The mechanism the Chancellor announced on 17 March will increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most.

Similar to other international financial institutions, we expect that capital will be paid in based on countries’ GDP share, and that this will leverage many multiples more capital via private sector funding. The precise set-up is now being explored, and HMT and MOD are working together with finance and defence ministries across partner countries.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, what the cost is of creating the new finance mechanism.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The mechanism the Chancellor announced on 17 March will increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most.

Similar to other international financial institutions, we expect that capital will be paid in based on countries’ GDP share, and that this will leverage many multiples more capital via private sector funding. The precise set-up is now being explored, and HMT and MOD are working together with finance and defence ministries across partner countries.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to reduce the quantity of military equipment used at the Global Hub Oman in the next three years.

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

There are no plans to reduce equipment holdings at the Global Hub Oman over the next three years.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has (a) discussed and (b) decided which units could be sent to Ukraine as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine.

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

Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition or specific assets, due to the risk to operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Joint statement from Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom on joint defence financing and procurement, published on 17 March 2026, if he will list the other partners referred to.

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

Last week the Chancellor announced that the UK is exploring a new defence mechanism for financing driving joint demand by 2027 with the Netherlands and Finland and other EU and NATO partners.

We continue to work with likeminded allies who are interested in this model.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 6 March to Question 116022 on Mauritius: Foreign Relations, whether (a) he and (b) any of his ministerial colleagues have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since August 2025.

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

In line with the response to Question 116022 on 6 March, despite the UK regularly engaging with the Mauritian Government, neither the Secretary of State nor any other Defence Ministers have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since August 2025.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce sewage discharged by water companies into rivers and estuaries in South Suffolk.

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

A record £104 billion of private sector investment has been secured to accelerate the cleaning up of our rivers, lakes and seas. This includes over £10 billion to improve about 2,500 storm overflows in England over the next five years.

The Environment Agency has appointed new dedicated regulation and enforcement teams to further hold water companies to account. In East Anglia, these teams have carried out more than 1,700 inspections of assets since April 2025, including 72 in the South Suffolk area, pushing companies to fix faults and meet discharge rules.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, whether the new Task Force will be responsible for boosting munitions stockpiles.

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

Task Force Sabre is actively pulling in allies and industry to drive the pace on the defence kit the Middle East needs. We are bringing in British expertise to help our partners, removing barriers, and championing innovative UK-based industry. Task Force Sabre is not responsible for boosting UK munitions stockpiles, however the work that is being undertaken may give an associated benefit to the UK stockpiles.

Details regarding Defence’s munitions stockpile are classified, and it would therefore be inappropriate to provide further commentary. However, Munition stockpile levels are actively reviewed to ensure current holdings are balanced against threats, availability, industrial capacity and evolving technology. The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with industry, allies, and partners to ensure that munitions stockpiles remain sufficient to meet the demands of current and future operations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a change in the number of usable training villages at the Land Regional Hub Germany since 5 July 2024.

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

There has been no change in the number of usable training villages at the Land Regional Hub Germany. Currently, there are five training villages within the Sennelager Training Area, four of which are active training villages, and one which is no longer in use.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training villages are currently active on the Land Regional Hub Germany.

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

There has been no change in the number of usable training villages at the Land Regional Hub Germany. Currently, there are five training villages within the Sennelager Training Area, four of which are active training villages, and one which is no longer in use.