Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps have (a) the Surgeon General’s Office and (b) the Ministry of Defence more widely taken as a result of the 2016 recommendations of the Defence Committee report (HC567) on its inquiry into the harmful effects of Lariam (Mefloquine) on some Service personnel; and on which of the recommendations were actions (i) begun but not completed, and (ii) never initiated.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Committee Report (HC567) made a series of recommendations on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) use of mefloquine (trade name Lariam), individual risk assessments, research undertaken research on mefloquine, and comparisons with the use of mefloquine by allies.
In response to the report, MOD introduced a new policy on prescribing antimalarial drugs on 12 September 2016. Anti-malaria drugs, including mefloquine, are only prescribed after a face-to-face individual risk assessment. The recommended anti-malaria drug is determined by the sensitivity of malaria parasites to those drugs in different parts of the world based on UKHSA guidance. Mefloquine is only prescribed by a doctor and after all other alternatives have been identified as unsuitable.
In all cases, the authority and supply details for anti-malarial drugs are recorded on the individual’s medical note. Personnel supplied with anti-malarial drugs are issued copies of all manufacturer-provided patient documentation relevant to that drug and are informed of all special warnings or precautions relevant to anti-malarial drugs.
The Department continues to monitor and publish bi-annual statistics on the number of mefloquine prescriptions given to UK Armed Forces personnel at MOD medical facilities.
The latest release of information can be found at the following link:
The next release is due to be published on 28 May 2026 and will include data from 12 September 2016 to 31 March 2026.
The MOD continues to monitor the use of mefloquine and other anti-malarial drugs by allies. This includes the extent to and circumstances in which mefloquine is prescribed.
The Department previously outlined its intention to conduct a research proposal into the impact of adverse effects of anti-malaria drugs focusing on the performance of military personnel exercising in Kenya. The study, ‘Impact of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis on functional effectiveness of military personnel’ (713/MODREC/15) was initiated and data on the impact of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis on the functional effectiveness of military personnel collected from two British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) battlegroups between 2017-18. Following a delay in the analysis of the data, the department intend to undertake further work to be able publish the findings in a peer reviewed journal in 2027.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to publish the results of his Department's research study number 713/MoDREC/15 on anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis, including Lariam (Mefloquine).
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Committee Report (HC567) made a series of recommendations on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) use of mefloquine (trade name Lariam), individual risk assessments, research undertaken research on mefloquine, and comparisons with the use of mefloquine by allies.
In response to the report, MOD introduced a new policy on prescribing antimalarial drugs on 12 September 2016. Anti-malaria drugs, including mefloquine, are only prescribed after a face-to-face individual risk assessment. The recommended anti-malaria drug is determined by the sensitivity of malaria parasites to those drugs in different parts of the world based on UKHSA guidance. Mefloquine is only prescribed by a doctor and after all other alternatives have been identified as unsuitable.
In all cases, the authority and supply details for anti-malarial drugs are recorded on the individual’s medical note. Personnel supplied with anti-malarial drugs are issued copies of all manufacturer-provided patient documentation relevant to that drug and are informed of all special warnings or precautions relevant to anti-malarial drugs.
The Department continues to monitor and publish bi-annual statistics on the number of mefloquine prescriptions given to UK Armed Forces personnel at MOD medical facilities.
The latest release of information can be found at the following link:
The next release is due to be published on 28 May 2026 and will include data from 12 September 2016 to 31 March 2026.
The MOD continues to monitor the use of mefloquine and other anti-malarial drugs by allies. This includes the extent to and circumstances in which mefloquine is prescribed.
The Department previously outlined its intention to conduct a research proposal into the impact of adverse effects of anti-malaria drugs focusing on the performance of military personnel exercising in Kenya. The study, ‘Impact of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis on functional effectiveness of military personnel’ (713/MODREC/15) was initiated and data on the impact of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis on the functional effectiveness of military personnel collected from two British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) battlegroups between 2017-18. Following a delay in the analysis of the data, the department intend to undertake further work to be able publish the findings in a peer reviewed journal in 2027.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance his Department has provided to the NHS on appropriate treatment for former Service personnel presenting with suicidal ideation resulting from brain injury caused by neurological side-effects of Lariam (Mefloquine) antimalarial prophylaxis; and how such guidance differs from that required for people experiencing purely psychiatric crises.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Mefloquine, trade name Lariam, is recommended as an effective anti-malarial by international health agencies, including the World Health Organisation. Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Health Service both follow National Institute for Care and Excellence guidelines on the prescription and management of side effects associated with mefloquine.
MOD is engaged with NHS England (NHSE) through the NHSE Armed Forces Clinical Reference Group. This group has reviewed the clinical management of the side effects associated with mefloquine. As symptoms can resemble acute psychiatric conditions, clinicians are advised to assess patients individually and are expected to take a full drug and alcohol history, including any previous mefloquine use.
The side effects that may be experienced whilst taking, or with a history of having taken mefloquine, will be treated according to the diagnosis; for example, if the patient is experiencing depressive symptoms, the treatment for depression will be instigated.
Since 2016, MOD has admitted mefloquine can cause minor psychiatric injury in certain individuals for a limited period of time. Causation of long-term psychiatric injury is denied.
I would encourage any Veteran who is struggling with their mental health to self-refer or seek the support of their GP to access Op COURAGE, the Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Fourth Report of the Defence Committee of Session 2014-15 entitled An acceptable risk? The use of Lariam for military personnel, HC 567, published on 10 May 2016, how many Service personnel were issued with (a) Lariam (Mefloquine) and (b) other anti-malarial prophylaxis in each of the last 10 years.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The Department continues to monitor and publish bi-annual statistics on the number of prescriptions for mefloquine (also known as Larium) given to UK armed forces personnel at Ministry of Defence medical facilities since 12 September 2016. The full release of information can be found at the following link:
The number of all antimalarials prescribed to armed forces personnel during the period Sept 2016 to 30 March 2023 is available at Table 1 at the following link:
There were 29,830 antimalarials, not including mefloquine, prescribed between 1 April 2023 – 30 September 2025. Table 1, below, provides this information by 6-month period and year. Antimalarials include prescriptions for doxycycline. Doxycycline may have been prescribed for antibiotic or antimalarial purposes.
Table 1: Other antimalarial prescriptions1 by annual and six-month period, numbers
1 April 2023 to 30 September 2025
Financial Year | Other Antimalarial Annual Total | Six month period | Other Antimalarial Six Monthly Total |
2023/24 | 13,749 | 01-Apr-23 to 30-Sep-23 | 8,423 |
|
| 01-Oct-23 to 31-Mar-24 | 5,326 |
2024/25 | 10,414 | 01-Apr-24 to 30-Sep-24 | 5,511 |
|
| 01-Oct-24 to 31-Mar-25 | 4,903 |
2025/262 | 5,667 | 01-Apr-25 to 30-Sep-25 | 5,667 |
1 Does not include mefloquine prescriptions.
2 Includes prescriptions between 1 April 2025 and 30 September 2025 only.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies on the Chagos Islands of the joint naval exercises undertaken by South Africa with (a) China, (b) Russia and (c) other BRICS partners in South African waters in January 2026.
Answered by Al Carns
There are no implications for the Ministry of Defence's policy on the Chagos Islands of South Africa's joint naval exercises in its waters.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Ministers were first made aware of documents (a) confirming abnormal levels of radiation in fish near UK atomic test sites in the Pacific and (b) advising that their contents are incompatible with official statements previously submitted in court cases brought on behalf of nuclear test veterans; and what action they took.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
I was first made aware of the unfinished draft document relating to historic nuclear testing at Christmas Island in December 2025. Following the release of the draft document by AWE, I wrote to interested MPs and LABRATS advising them of its release and explaining its contents on 2 March 2026.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to acquire from Ukraine (a) cheap anti-drone military assets and (b) instruction in maximising their effective operation in order to augment the protection of United Kingdom and allied personnel in the Middle East.
Answered by Al Carns
This continues to be an extremely challenging and unsettling time for many across the Middle East. The UK condemns Iran’s role in attempting to draw the region into a wider conflict. Our first priority is to protect British nationals, British interests and our partners. We support action that will help bring a swift resolution to this conflict, and an end to Iran's reckless and escalatory response.
I will not go into operational details but let us be clear, Iran has continued to support Russia in its on-going illegal war on Ukraine including through supplying unmanned aerial systems – like those now being used to target our Middle East partners.
We will continue to do all we can to ensure the protection of United Kingdom and allied personnel in the region
The Minister for Defence Readiness & Industry has been engaging with industry on how the UK can further support partners in the region.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason Question 113434 on UNCLOS and the Chagos Islands, tabled on 12 February for answer on 25 February 2026, has not been answered; and when he plans to answer it.
Answered by Al Carns
I responded to the right hon. Member on 4 March 2026.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his oral contribution in response to the Rt hon. Member for New Forest East during the Oral Statement of 22 May 2025 on Diego Garcia Military Base, Official Report, column 1291, if it remains his position that the most proximate and most potentially serious legal threat that could undermine the operations of the Diego Garcia military base is an adverse ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.
There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.
Asked by: Julian Lewis (Conservative - New Forest East)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make it his policy to apply the principle of constructive dismissal, when applying the provisions of the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS), to veterans who resigned from the armed forces after being questioned about their sexual orientation and before they could be dismissed.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) was designed to address the broadest range of experiences possible to ensure the inclusion of, and a sense of closure for, all affected by the Ban. There are therefore two types of payment available under the FRS.
Those who were dismissed or administratively discharged from Service because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity are able to apply for the Dismissed and Discharged Payment.
Those who felt or experienced pressure to resign after being questioned, investigated or otherwise subject to other unacceptable experiences are able to apply instead for the Impact Payment. Applications for the Impact Payment are determined by the Independent Panel, which is able to consider all the available evidence, including the veteran's testimony, and award a payment based on the severity of the impact the applicant experienced.